I spent over £640 on my graduation day – here are the hidden cost no one tells you about and how to avoid them

The Sun

4 days ago

GRADUATION day should be all caps and cheers but for many students, the real jaw-dropper isn't the ceremony - it's the sky-high bill that comes with it.
One TikToker has lifted the lid on just how pricey the big day can be, racking up a jaw-dropping bill of £645 even before got her degree framed.
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Faith Gloria, who worked part-time all through university, broke down every hidden cost that left her wallet weeping.
From glam to gowns, the spending quickly spiralled out of control and she's not the only one.
Here's how much Faith paid for her big day, and how you can avoid walking into the same budget black hole.
Her biggest splurge was the dress, which came to a pricey £216.
While she admitted she loved her dress and it looked stunning on, it still ate up a chunk of her savings.
Next came the hotel, which cost £143 for one night in her university city.
Accommodation prices skyrocket during grad season, and with family often tagging along, it's a cost many don't clock until it's too late.
Faith also forked out £85 for nails, £59 on hair extensions, and £43 for shoes — not forgetting £35 on transport, and £30 for food around the big day.
A few beauty bits added another £34, bringing her total to £645.
She said: 'It's so expensive, but no one really talks about it."
But it doesn't have to be this way.
With a bit of planning and some clever hacks, you can still look the part without blowing the bank.
Cap and gown
The biggest non-negotiable on graduation day is your robe but how much you pay depends on how savvy you are.
Traditionally, unis partner with companies like Ede & Ravenscroft, where renting a gown and cap can set you back £75 to £100, depending on your degree level.
Buying the set outright could cost £160+.
But sites like Churchill Gowns offer a smarter alternative.
You can rent a full gown from £30, or even buy the whole lot for £90.
Churchill Gowns are able to reduce their costs by cutting out the university middleman entirely.
The dress
Faith spent over £200, but you can slay in something far cheaper.
Think second-hand apps like Vinted, Depop, or eBay, where you can find designer labels for a fraction of the cost.
One grad revealed she found her dream dress on Vinted for £7 and still wears it two years on.
Alternatively, consider renting your look.
Sites like Hirestreet and John Lewis Fashion Rental let you wear luxury labels from just £20, meaning you'll look expensive without the price tag.
Photos
It's your big day so of course you'll want pics.
But official photo packages can be a rip-off, with digital downloads from Ede & Ravenscroft costing £80 for just three shots.
Cut costs by taking your own pictures.
Borrow a camera, grab your smartphone, or rope in a mate with decent photo skills.
Natural light, campus backdrops and a bit of creativity can go a long way.
Or hire a student photographer who'll do the job for much less than the pros.
You can also split the cost of a group shoot with your friends to get those scroll-stopping snaps without the sting.
Accommodation
If your university is out of town, hotel prices during graduation week are brutal.
Faith paid £143 for a single night but you don't have to.
Check if your university rents out rooms in halls during graduation season.
It's often cheaper than nearby hotels.
You can also split an Airbnb with friends or family, or look into hostels, guesthouses or private room rentals.
Use comparison tools like Trivago or check mobile-only discounts on Booking.com and Expedia.
Glam
Nails, lashes, hair and makeup can add hundreds to your bill.
Faith dropped £85 on her nails alone.
Instead, consider DIY option s or look for student beauticians training in your area who'll offer discounted rates for practice.
Superdrug also sell press on nails for £5, so why not attempt an at-home manicure, slashing your salon bill.
Faith's story is all too relatable, with many graduates confessing they also spent upwards of £600 without realising how fast it added up.
One user said: "I felt this, my graduation got out of control, I was so broke".
Another added: "guilty - why was graduation so expensive?"
Graduation should be about celebrating your hard work, not sinking into debt.
But by renting smart, planning ahead, and swapping luxury for clever alternatives, you can save yourself a small fortune and still walk the stage in style.