Graduating students are finding innovative ways to manage the high costs of ceremony attire, turning to thrifting, custom tailoring, and borrowing to look their best without overspending. Keerthana Krishnadas, who recently graduated, emphasized the pressure to look perfect for such a major life event. By choosing to purchase her dress second-hand, she managed to secure an outfit for just 80 pounds.
Tom Allingham, an expert from the advice site Save The Student, notes that financial strain is a reality for many families. He explains that students, especially those from lower-income backgrounds or the first in their families to attend university, feel a significant burden to celebrate their achievements properly. This pressure often occurs when students are at their most financially vulnerable after a year of covering living expenses.
Students are utilizing various creative methods to mitigate these costs. Ehis Oboh, for example, relied on his brother, a tailor in Nigeria, to craft his suit. Similarly, Wendy Adu Amankwah worked with her mother to create a unique, custom-made outfit. Others, like Alicia Munhupedzi, turned to popular resale apps such as Depop to find affordable, stylish clothing at the last minute.
Beyond clothing, official photography and gown rentals add to the financial tally. Gown rental fees often range from 40 to 60 pounds, while professional photography packages can cost as much as 350 pounds. Despite the financial challenges and the stress of preparing for the big day, graduates maintain that the significance of the occasion makes the effort and planning essential for this milestone achievement.
