This summer, how much will families spend on graduations?

Every summer in Mexico marks the end of the school year for elementary, middle, and higher education schools. With the end of classes comes the long-awaited graduations for those completing a stage of their education.

What was once exclusive to high schools and universities is now done from the time children finish sixth grade; some schools even hold kindergarten graduations.

For dads, it's an occasion to celebrate with great fanfare, but celebrating the graduate properly involves a significant expense to look good.

According to the National Association of Small Businesses (Anpec), graduations in 2025 will cost an average of 19% more than they did last year, and the higher the level of education the graduation, the higher the cost.

Basic education

For children finishing elementary, middle, or kindergarten this year, the average cost of a graduation party will be 6,850 pesos, considering a table of six people at the celebration.

Ticket prices for this type of graduation—which, at least in kindergarten and elementary school, is traditionally celebrated with a breakfast—are estimated to range from 350 pesos to over 1,000 pesos in more exclusive venues.

In addition to the cost of the ticket, families must cover the formal attire, which typically consists of a suit and tie for boys. For children's-sized graduates, the price can range from 1,300 pesos to 3,000 pesos, depending on the quality of the attire. While a dress can cost as little as 1,300 pesos, according to Anpec figures, shoes—in either case—can cost as much as 700 pesos.

Along with the attire, women's hair and makeup are always a cornerstone of these celebrations, even if they're often lost in tears and dancing. Hiring a professional to do it can cost 800 pesos, and a photo package to immortalize the occasion costs around 600 pesos.

Higher education

High school and college graduations are, par excellence, some of the most memorable moments young people will experience. The completion of these two stages is a source of pride for the family and is celebrated in style.

Anpec estimates that celebrating with 10 guests at graduation will have an estimated average cost of 18,100 pesos. Tickets to these events can cost from 800 pesos to over 2,000 pesos, depending on the institution and the hall.

Suits and dresses are usually planned in advance. This year, the average cost for proms is estimated to be 2,300 pesos, although more exclusive brands can cost more than 6,000 pesos per suit or dress. Shoes can cost as much as 1,200 pesos, and hairstyling and makeup can cost 1,500 pesos, according to Anpec.

These events are typically accompanied by alcohol. According to some wineries, a bottle of wine can be purchased for 300 pesos, tequila for 250 pesos, and whiskey for 500 pesos; however, higher-quality options can cost over 1,000 pesos per bottle.

That the pocket does not suffer for graduation

There are some tips to help you avoid breaking the bank between laughter and tears. Some department stores have sales in their fashion departments or will have nightly sales; you can also choose to rent or look in independent stores.

Washing and ironing clothes can be done at home, and if you don't know how to do it, you can look for tutorials on social media. The same tactic can be applied to hair and makeup; it just requires patience.

For those planning to drink more than the legal limit for driving, remember that there are breathalyzer checkpoints from Friday to Sunday. If you're going to drink, avoid driving and avoid fines that can be up to 6,514 pesos in the nation's capital—and if that's not enough, you'll end up in the bullfight.