1. Clothes beneath the gown
Start with your university's dress code. London graduates may choose Western formalwear or smart national and traditional dress where permitted. Consider the neckline beneath the hood, colours visible at the front, and comfortable shoes. A buttoned shirt or blouse can help secure some hoods, but always follow your ceremony instructions.
2. Flowers
Flowers are optional, but they make a thoughtful gift and give your hands a natural position in portraits. Pre-order from a florist near your venue, arrange hotel delivery, or ask a guest to carry them during registration. A compact bouquet is easier to manage and will not hide the gown.
3. A photographer to preserve the day
Official ceremony photography is usually brief and formal. A separate session can include parents, relatives and friends, campus details, candid moments and another meaningful London location. Once the ceremony timetable is confirmed, book early and explain who is joining so enough time can be planned.
4. Gown, hood and cap
Academic dress varies by university, qualification and degree level. Check whether robes are mandatory, which supplier is authorised, the booking deadline, measurements, collection point and return time. Ask whether extended hire or another supplier is allowed if you want photographs on a different day. Kamimoto has a general graduation gown of standard quality for photographs, but it is not university-specific.
5. Tickets, identification and timings
Keep your registration confirmation, guest tickets, gown reference and required identification together. Recheck the venue entrance, travel route and return deadline. Allow time for transport disruption, security, registration, dressing and photographs rather than building a schedule with no margin.
6. Small essentials
Useful items may include permitted safety pins for the hood, hair grips for the cap, water, tissues, a compact umbrella, a phone charger and required medication. Wear broken-in shoes and give one guest a light bag for personal items while photographs are taken.
