Graduation Day Tips

Book your photos before the Ceremony

Booking online saves you having to line up to register when you come to have your studio photos taken. Just remember to bring a print off of your barcode (sent to you via email) with you on grad day. To pre-book, Click here

Prepare Early

We highly recommend that in order for you to enjoy your graduation experience you prepare early by picking up your Gown and having your studio photos taken (if possible) in the hours prior to your ceremony as we are open 2.5 hours beforehand. We have replica certificates/ testamurs for use before the ceremony, so you don’t need your official certificate to have your photos taken. If your family and friends are not able to attend during the hours prior to your ceremony you can still have your individual portraits taken and return afterwards to have family and friend shots.

We suggest that you

Line up and collect your gown during the times specified by your faculty or institution
Visit the Reed Graduations service desk and book your studio portrait session if you haven’t already pre-booked.
Have your studio photos taken.
Find your seat at the ceremony early. You need to be seated at least 30 minutes before the ceremony commences.
After the ceremony, your stage/presentation photos will be available to view and purchase. Your stage photos will also be available online shortly after the ceremony.
A range of memorabilia of your graduation day will be available for purchase before and after your cermeoney. These items can be viewed here
Return your gown and relax!

Dress for a formal occasion

Corporate style attire can add elegance and professionalism to your look as opposed to runners and a t-shirt.
Graduates can choose to coordinate their clothing or accessories to the colour of their hood, which looks fantastic in photographs.
High heels can get uncomfortable after many hours on your feet and may spoil your special occasion. Consider wearing low-heeled or flat shoes and, if desired, swap them for higher heels for the ceremony and photographs.
When styling your hair, please remember that you may be required to wear a trencher cap on the day, so please style accordingly. Wearing your hair down or in a low pony, braid or bun will look neat with a trencher and will avoid any discomfort caused by elaborate high hairstyles under a trencher cap.
Traditional or culturally significant clothing or accessories are always welcome in photographs.
Your photographer can help arrange your academic dress on the day. Gowns can be tricky so let us help you.

Celebrate with your Guests

If you are planning to have photos taken together, let your guests know in advance so they can dress accordingly.
Coordinated colours or accessories always look fantastic in portraits.
Inform your guests that their footwear will be visible in the photos so they can dress accordingly.
Traditional or culturally significant clothing or accessories are always welcome and look amazing in photographs.
Make sure to ask our staff for assistance on the day. We always have a mirror handy and would love to assist in any way we can.

Enjoy Your Day

Your graduation is the culmination of years of hard work and commitment. Relax and enjoy the day with your family, friends and fellow graduates!