About Vancouver
Located in the southwest corner of British Columbia, Vancouver is a coastal city that experiences temperate weather. The city is situated on a peninsula and surrounded by water on three sides, with the North Shore Mountains to the north and west. The area is home to a mix of cultures, making it a popular destination for tourists. Vancouver is also a major center for business and finance in Canada and is home to the country's stock exchange. The city has several large convention centers and is increasingly popular for meetings and events.
Graduation ceremonies are also common in Vancouver. These ceremonies are an important tradition in any educational institution, as they provide a sense of community and belonging for students and a chance for families and friends to come together and celebrate the achievements of the graduates. Given its diverse culture and scenery and the huge number of schools and universities, Vancouver regularly sees multiple graduation ceremonies every year.
While many schools and universities hold their ceremonies inside the school premises, some host the event in off-site locations. Common venues include stadiums, convention centers, parks, or gardens among others, which usually offer good views and top-tier facilities, many of which cannot be found in the home school.
Graduation Ceremony Options in Vancouver
- Photo Booths
A graduation ceremony is a momentous occasion, and what better way to commemorate the day than by having a photo booth available for guests to snap memories in? Numerous photo booth rental companies in Vancouver provide photo booths that are not only entertaining but make great keepsakes as well!
- Makeup and Hairstyle Services
Having your makeup and hair done professionally for your graduation ceremony can add that extra special touch. It can help you feel confident and polished on such an important day. There are many talented makeup artists and hairstylists in Vancouver, so you are sure to find someone who can create the perfect look for you.
- Flowers
Adding flowers to your graduation will bring some life and beauty into the room while also giving your guests a lovely reminder of your big day. Vancouver florists are ready and waiting to help you with fresh flower decorations whether it is floral arches, table arrangements, or floral backdrops for photos.
Graduation Ceremony Vendors in Vancouver
- Forever Photobooth Studio
Forever Photobooth is a photo booth rental business that serves the Greater Vancouver area. Whether for a corporate party, wedding, birthday, or graduation ceremony, they have photo booth packages that can be added to any event. You can choose from a classic photo booth or black and white, either of which produces clear prints that you take home after the event. Aside from photo booths, they also offer different backdrops and decor.
- Potluck Catering
A caterer and social enterprise in one, Potluck Catering has been catering events for over 21 years. From menu selection to rentals and staffing, they'll take care of all the details so you can relax and enjoy yourself. And because they're based in the Downtown Eastside, they're uniquely positioned to provide employment opportunities for those facing barriers to traditional employment. The money they earn from their catering business goes back to their social programming.
- Canadian DJ Inc.
Canadian DJ Inc. has been helping people throw unforgettable parties for over 30 years. They specialize in school dance parties, weddings, and corporate events, but they can also provide audio-video support for other types of events like virtual events, conferences, seminars, trade shows, gala dinners, themed parties, festivals, fundraisers, and more. Aside from DJ services, they also offer MC services, karaoke, and lighting.
Pros and Cons of Graduation Ceremonies in Vancouver
If you're on the fence about whether or not to have your graduation ceremony in Vancouver, here are some advantages and disadvantages that may help you make up your mind:
Advantages
- Vancouver is a beautiful city with many stunning locations for graduation ceremonies.
- In comparison to other cities across Canada, Vancouver venues provide a fairly low price point for their services.
- Many talented and professional vendors in Vancouver can help make your ceremony perfect, from photographers to caterers.
- Vancouver weather is usually mild and pleasant, which makes it a great location for an outdoor ceremony.
Disadvantages
- Vancouver is a large city, so finding a suitable venue could be challenging.
- There may be competition from other schools when booking venues and vendors.
- With its size, exploring the urban areas of Vancouver can be daunting—from looking for parking to navigating unknown streets. However, with a bit of preparation and research, you'll soon find yourself familiarizing yourself with this great city!
- Getting stuck in Vancouver's notorious traffic jams can be a problem, which is why it is essential to plan your journey carefully and allow yourself enough time.
Tips on How to Organize Graduation Ceremonies in Vancouver
If you're looking for a location to hold your graduation ceremony, Vancouver should be at the top of your list. With its stunning scenery and affordable venues, it's no wonder that so many schools choose to hold their ceremonies here. And with a little planning ahead, you can make sure that your ceremony goes off without a hitch. Here are a few tips to help get you started:
- Research venue: Begin your planning process by researching the various venues available for graduation ceremonies in the Vancouver area. Consider which type of venue will work best for your ceremony: an indoor space such as a banquet hall or an outdoor space like a park or beach.
- Budget accordingly: Develop a budget to ensure that you can work within your means while also providing high-quality services at your graduation ceremony.
- Confirm the venue’s policies: When booking a venue, make sure to ask about their policies regarding refunds and cancellations in case you need to reschedule your event.
- Visit ahead of time: To ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day of your event, visit the venue ahead of time so you can get familiar with its layout and features.
- Get a fully licensed bartender: If you’re planning to serve alcohol at the ceremony, keep in mind that the graduates may not be of legal age yet to drink. However, their guests, such as family, may want to have some. If you choose to serve alcohol, make sure to get a licensed bartender; they’ll know how to craft mocktails or juices that are safe for minors to drink.
Famous Locations in Vancouver
- The Air India Memorial
The Air India Memorial in Vancouver’s Stanley Park, which commemorates the 331 victims of the 1985 Air India bombings, opened to the public on July 27th, 2007. The memorial has a commemoration site and an adjacent playground. Its most significant element is a stone wall that starts from the ground in a curve but suddenly stops to show the path of Flight 182. The Minister for Public Safety, The Honourable Stockwell Day spoke at the opening ceremony and said that this memorial would be an example for others. Created in dedication to those who tragically lost their lives in the 1985 Air India bombings, The Air India Memorial is a stunning tribute in Vancouver.
- Kitsilano Beach
Kitsilano Beach is perfect if you're desiring a breathtaking beach with lots to do. For instance, the Kitsilano Pool at the beach is Canada’s longest swimming pool and is open to everyone from May to September every year. Furthermore, at Kitsilano Beach's Northern boundary, there are playground structures as well as volleyball courts. Also, a bonus is that the beach has an excellent view of English Bay. Consequently, Kitsilano Beach should be your go-to whether you want to swim, play volleyball, or just lounge around and take in all the natural beauty!
- Chehalis Monument
The Chehalis Monument is a large Celtic cross situated west of Brockton Point in Vancouver, British Columbia. The plaque honors the memory of the eight individuals who lost their lives when the tugboat Chehalis sank near Stanley Park in 1908. The ship charter was supposed to take passengers up to British Columbia's north coast from North Vancouver on what looked like beautiful weather conditions; however, it veered off course soon after Brockton point and left Burrard Inlet. Princess Victoria had 219 passengers on board when it veered into the path of a small launch off the coast of Vancouver. The Chehalis quickly sank after being rammed, and only seven out of fifteen people were rescued by the Brockton Point lighthouse keeper. If you're ever in Vancouver, be sure to check out the Chehalis Monument as a reminder of the tragedy that took place there.