As my time at FSU comes to a close, I find myself rushing to make sure my graduation goes smoothly. I didn’t realize how complicated graduation season can be until I was thrown into it headfirst. From invitations and announcements to choosing the perfect dress, every detail counts for this once-in-a-lifetime moment. So, for all of my fellow graduates, we’re figuring this out together.
The Outstanding Outfit
Unfortunately for fall graduates, most stores only advertise grad dresses in the spring, leaving me lacking in the dress department. When I first started my search, I was looking for something very specific: an all white, preferably lace midi dress that was the exact same length as my gown.
This idea quickly dissipated when I couldn’t find anything that fit this description. Moreover, most white dresses give off a summer vibe, which isn’t ideal for my December ceremony. This has made it difficult for me to find a cute outfit, especially since dark-colored dresses are more popular in winter.
So, after hours of perusing every website I could click on, I finally found the perfect one for me. The important takeaway is that you don’t have to settle. I tried on at least nine different dresses from four different websites until I got lucky on the tenth one. Some of the websites that had the best options were Selfie Leslie, Showpo, Lulus, Nordstrom, Revolve, and, surprisingly, Amazon.
The Perfect Pictures
My time as a graduation photographer has given me the inside scoop on how to make grad photos the best they can be. The most essential step in choosing a photographer is finding one that fits your own aesthetic. Each photographer is different — some edit photos to look natural and glowy (like me), whereas others prefer a cleaner, brighter look.
Most photographers post edited pictures on their business Instagram pages, so you can get a feel for their vibe before you book them. You can also often find their portfolio in their bio, and DM their account to book or find pricing! Just remember, it takes time to edit photos, so the sooner you book, the sooner you’ll get the final pictures.
In general, the best time to take grad pictures is at sunrise or sunset. In the mornings, the sun rises right above the hill of the Capitol Building, shining flawlessly onto Westcott Fountain and the steps of the Ruby Diamond Auditorium. This gives the perfect lighting, but you have to be willing to wake up when it’s still dark out to catch it.
On the other hand, in the evenings, the sun sets right behind Doak Campbell Stadium, giving a gorgeous, golden glow to any pictures taken at the Unconquered Statue, Langford Green, or the DeVoe L. Moore Arch. This is the best time to take photos with friends and other large groups because the whimsical vibe is unmatched.
It’s also important to have everything planned in advance. Photographers get busy sooner than you think, especially because Thanksgiving break takes up a week right before graduation. Book as soon as possible, come ready with screenshots of inspiration poses, and lay all of your stuff out the night before. It’s truly tragic when somebody forgets their champagne or leaves the tassel of their cap at home.
Lastly, ask your photographer to take a headshot of you while you’re already all dressed up, because your LinkedIn profile probably needs an update anyway. A professional photo is always good to have in your camera roll, just in case!
The Delicious Dinner
Whether your ceremony is in the middle of the day or the late evening, you have to eat at some point. Tallahassee is a surprisingly food-y town, with lots of options at all price points. As a Tallahassee local, I’ve had high school proms and graduations, birthday parties, and other celebrations at an array of different places.
Let’s start with the more expensive dinner spots, and then I’ll name some more affordable ones. Some options include Osaka Japanese Steakhouse for the hibachi lovers, The Huntsman for the meat enthusiasts, Table 23 or Savour Tallahassee for the Southern food fans, and The Monroe, Kool Beanz Cafe, Sage, and The Edison for some local classics.
My favorite restaurant in all of Tallahassee is Il Lusso, an Italian restaurant downtown. However, it’s pretty popular, so there’s a good chance you won’t get a reservation on Friday night unless you made it a long time ago. I also must mention JONAH’s fish & grits, a delicious restaurant in Thomasville, Georgia. While the drive is about 45 minutes from campus, it could be fun to go there with your family or friends the day before or after graduation, if you have free time.
For more affordable places to celebrate, my favorite Mexican restaurant in Tallahassee is Peppers Mexican Grill & Cantina; they have the best homemade margaritas. My friends and I eat there all the time, and you might just spot me there after the Friday evening ceremony. Paris Banh Mi Cafe & Baker is another niche favorite, a Vietnamese restaurant only 10 minutes away from campus. The menu includes a traditional Vietnamese banh mi, assorted Asian baked goods, Vietnamese meat and vegetable bowls, and an array of boba and sweets.
Some final options include the FSU classic Gordos, a more affordable and equally tasty Italian restaurant called Riccardo’s (they have great lunch deals), and Kiku for those who crave sushi.
Grad Events You Can’t Miss
As the semester comes to a wrap, there are tons of fun events for graduates in these final weeks. To start, FSU is hosting a senior breakfast on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at Suwanee Dining Hall from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., which is free for the first 75 students. Then, there’s the Senior Night Market on Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the ASLC courtyard for local vendors and senior pin giveaways.
The last FSU event before graduation itself is the Senior Toast on Tuesday, Dec. 4, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Madison Social. It’s the main event of grad week and includes a cocktail hour reception, food, pictures, and an FSU Class of 2025 toast.
Outside of FSU events, many of the College Town bars are having grad week specials for seniors who are 21. Township has a whole grad week lineup, with a different event each night. Personally, I can’t wait for Dueling Pianos and Grad Flip!
The big day is so close, and I can’t wait to walk the stage with some of my closest friends and fellow Her Campus girlies. While I’ll miss FSU with all my heart, I’m so excited for this next chapter and wish all my fellow grads an amazing rest of the semester. Go Noles forever!
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