Younger son was working at the college that summer. We had dinner with the extended family that night then the next day helped him move to his summer dorm.
Older son we went out to dinner with the extended family also. Then helped him pack his apartment and drove him home. A week or two later he flew across the country to his new job.
Nephew we went out to dinner as well. Not sure what he did next - he went to grad school in another part of the country.
In all cases there was some sort of lunch for the graduates and visitors.
First one finished in December, was employed and did not attend May graduation.
Second one had a morning ceremony. We were told to make dinner reservations, but that the friend group was hosting a party in the afternoon. Each family contributed - we brought a case of champagne. There was food, beer, a tent/table rentals and perfect weather. Lots of fun to meet this group and their families. Next day, the hard work of the move out!
Third one was across the country. We coordinated travel and outings for 2 grandparents, 1 great aunt, 2 parents and 2 siblings. After the morning ceremony, we had a lovely brunch in a fancy restaurant. Some flew home the next day, others continued on to more vacation spots in California. Grad and boyfriend coordinated their cross country move.
A lot depends on whether there are “friend groups” celebrating together or whether it’s just the individual grad and family.
For D1, DH and I rented a hotel room and spent the weekend. We went to a baseball game and some other touristy stuff. Her graduation was on a Saturday afternoon. The grandparents came down for the day, we all went out to lunch prior to the ceremony. On Sunday we moved her out of her apartment and went to a grad party for one of her friends. We had a grad party for her at our house the following weekend.
For S2 he had two ceremonies, The large L&S graduation was on Friday afternoon and his department graduation was on Sunday morning. D1, S3, DH & I got a hotel and stayed the weekend. After the ceremony Friday night we went out to dinner. Saturday we did touristy stuff (museum, etc…), Sunday the grandparents came up for the day, we went to the ceremony. I think we just took pictures after and then moved S2 out of his apartment. We had a graduation party a few weeks later at home.