difficult one

[bubbles4920]

what would you do if you only had 2 graduation cermony tickets, would you invite your husband and daughter or your parents????

[puss_boots]

My daughter has only two tickets for her graduation in July, she is a mature student with a hubby and 3 children, then there is me, my hubby (her step father) her own father who is coming over from Jakarta, and her mother and father in law who have been a great help with her children during the past 3 years. I live 55 miles away from her. the solution is that her hubby and her dad are having the tickets and the rest of us are going to watch her on the big screen that is provided. After we have seen her graduate the rest of us will go outside for a picnic (weather permitting) At least we won't have to sit through the whole ceremony, thats not being mean I have been to 4 graduations before and they can go on a bit.

[puss_boots]

Sorry forgot to add I think you should invite your husband and daughter.

[bensmum]

Husband and daughter. Perhaps you can have a celebration afterwards and invite the parents

[figure]

Immediate family comes first, husband and daughter. You could always have a celebration dinner or brunch afterwards and invite the rest of the family.

[curiosity]

When my husband graduated (fairly mature student) he only had 2 tickets, there was me & our 3 kids, and his parents, I told him to take his parents, we went to the venue, took photos outside, they went in, then we all immediately met for the celebration lunch. He spends everyday with us, and we have seen how hard (or not) he worked and what a drag at times he found it, and have encouraged him all the way, but the ceremony wasn't particularly special to him, he seen it as a necessary part of the process. For that reason we thought the proud parents emotions would be the best thing to make it a special day, believe me it worked a treat, and it was a lovely day, the joy on their faces, brought everybody up to their level, and he felt as special as he should have. No minimisation allowed!

[gallapunk]

Daughter and husband.

[Ice.Maiden]

I disagree here. As much as I'm sure you want your husband and daughter to attend your graduation, I'd be tempted to let the tickets go to your parents. The reason for this, is that they'll never see it again, and since they brought you up and passed on the genes which've given you the intelligence to get where you are, I think they deserve to be there, and to feel proud of you. Your husband and daughter'll have many more years to watch you benefit from what you've learnt - and one day, when your daughter graduates herself, wouldn't YOU want to be there to see it? Best of luck. x

[libertie]

If you're close to your parents (which I suspect you must be - if you're considering inviting them) then I'm inclined to agree with Ice.Maiden for much the same reasons as she has given!

Anyhow congrats to you and I hope you have a lovely day!

[meltoadhall]

I have the same problem, 2 tickets 3 children and my husband and mother.
I decided on the husband and the mother since I'm the first person in our family to go to uni (age 40)
I feel I owe to my mother for being there for me and to my husband for putting up with me during the last 3 years, lol

the children are all under 13 so wont really mind not being htere and there is a live webcast so they can watch it live with the babysitter

[chazza]

Definitely husband and daughter!

[lilteddybear]

i think it should be your daughter and husband .
you never know they might have a party to celibrate for u afterwards.

good luck.

[leelapops]

See, I would say parents. I can apply for up to 4 tickets, but they warn that we might only get 2. I chatted to my partner, who I really do want to see me graduate, because he has been so supportive over the 3 years I have been studying. But he said there was no contest, definitely my parents!

There is a big screen room, apparently, so he could view it there, and we will all meet up directly afterwards, not to go to the Uni buffet at �12/head for things on sticks and a couple of butties! But we had talked about a pub lunch, which my friends are their families could join us for if they didn't have other plans.

It is unfortunate that the ceremony is limited-I have friends with 3 kids, plus parents etc., and it is such a difficult choice to make!

In any case, good luck deciding (if it is you that is deciding) and congratulations for getting this far! x

[Whoever]

Husband and daughter definitely, but invite the parents to a nice family celebration dinner afterwards. Just a thought - are there any foreign students at your university who won't be able to take advantage of their ticket allocation because their families can't get over here for the ceremony? They might be prepared to let you have their ticket allocation?

[Whoever]

Afterthought: If you really can't decide, and you know somebody is going to be really upset because of your decision, let them draw lots out of a hat. Then at least there won't be any family politics involved.

[skyep]

It's hard isn't it! We had this decision to make. It was quite annoying in the end as when we got seated, there were loads of spare seats and we could of easily snook my son in on one of our tickets!

[pmorley]

I really think it depends on how close you your parents your son/daughter is, my kids spend a huge amount of time with their grandparents and I know they would feel huge pride in having them there. I think you and you should talk to your son/daughter whithout predudice and ask them. Making sure that they realise that whoever can't go will be there right after to celebrate. But I think one of each Husband and Grandad or Grandma.

[pmorley]

God just seen my entry, don't know if there was something wrong with my machine or what but I hope you get the idea of what I was trying to say.

[curiosity]

Still think parents.

[DONNAKEBABUK]

Put an ad in your ref and see if anyone wants to sell theirs. I did this and ended up with 4 tickets.

What you must consider is who supported you the most throughout your education, fiancially as well as emotionally.

My graduation lasted a whole week, with the ceremony, the dinner dance, the champagne and strawberry high tea and all the works.

My uni also held a ballot for extra tickets and I managed to get two more via this way.

It is a VERY VERY TRICKY one and I would be inclined to say Mum and Dad but then again Husband and Daughter are equally as important.

Oh Dear.

Try buying a couple of extra tickets if you can. The going rate is about �30 a ticket.

Good Luck and Congratulations.

Katie. x

[NJGirl]

Parents.

They raised you, and their seeing you graduate is priceless.

You will have lots more special times with your husband and daughter, but this is the last milestone your parents will probably see.