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!