Attire and Flowers
Visit the Cistern Closet! Although supplies are limited, a contemporary variety is available Monday thru Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. in the Office of Sustainability at 207 Calhoun Street.
Our masters' candidates wear regalia with their graduate school discipline's corresponding hood and do not carry flowers. Visit the Graduate School Commencement Checklist for details about how to order regalia, rental options, hood colors, etc.
Flowers
The tradition of carrying roses at graduation goes back to at least the 1930s!
Women traditionally carry bouquets of six red roses tied with a red bow ($26.95); the boutonniere for men is a single red rose ($9).
We encourage ordering ahead of time to guarantee availability. To order, visit thecommencementgroup.com/cofc
Roses may be picked up immediately prior to lining up for commencement; flowers must be preordered and will not be sold on commencement day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I have to be born male to wear a tuxedo?
A: No, you do not have to have been born male to wear a tux and white dinner jacket.
Q: I’m female/male; can I wear slacks? A skirt?
A: For May's ceremonies, you may wear a white skirt or white pants if you prefer.
Q: Can I wear military attire?
A: Yes, you may wear your dress military uniform.
Q: Can I wear clothes that reflect my cultural/ethnic tradition?
A: Yes, you may wear clothing that reflects your cultural or ethnic tradition (i.e. a Kimono, a Burka, a Sari, a Kilt, etc.). NOTE: Anyone wearing a kilt must wear underwear please.
Q: Does my tie have to be black? Can I wear another color or print (tie/cummerbund)?
A: Ties and cummerbunds can be other colors or prints.
Q: What kind of shoes do most graduates wear? What can I wear? What’s best to wear?
A: You need to wear shoes that are appropriate and comfortable. Please remember, you will be walking up and down several sets of stairs (Maybank Hall, Randolph Hall and the stage all have stairs), so make sure you can comfortably and safely walk up and down stairs. You should practice walking in your shoes before the day of the ceremony and make sure the soles of your shoes are not slick.
Q: Where can I buy or rent a tuxedo or dress for the ceremony?
A: Attire for undergraduates may be purchased, rented, or crafted from a store or person of your choice. Master's candidates order regalia through the College Bookstore. Below are a few tuxedo rental companies (provided for informational purposes only and not affiliated or endorsed by the College).
Tux on Trux www.tuxontrux.com
Charleston Tuxedo www.charlestontuxedo.com
Berlins www.berlinsclothing.com
Q: Can I bring my own flowers? Does it have to be red roses? Do I have to purchase them at the bookstore? Can I wear flowers in my hair?
A: Yes, you can bring your own flowers; flowers do not have to be red roses. You do not have to purchase flowers from the bookstore. The bookstore only offers red roses for the women and red rose boutonnieres for the men. If you want to wear flowers in your hair, you may do so. If you do not want flowers, you do not have to wear or carry them.
Q: What do Graduate School students (masters' program candidates) wear to graduation?
A: Unlike the undergraduate students' attire, masters' candidates wear regalia (i.e., cap, gown, hood) and do not carry flowers. Please visit the Graduate School Commencement Checklist for details.