A very timely question, since we are neck-deep in graduation plans right now.
We rented a house for a week, starting the Thursday before graduation. If you compare the cost of renting a house (3BR plus fold-out sofas in den and familyroom, 3BA, 2 car garage) with the cost of renting multiple hotel rooms (at PEAK rates!), the house wins out for us. Especially since the grads have to be out of the dorms immediately after the grad ceremony. A house with a garage is a great place to move all the 'stuff' beforehand. The best deals on houses go fast, so look into it early. We booked ours when our cadet was a doolie. This particular house is already booked for graduation in 2012 and 2013. Even with the house we have three family member groups who are renting hotel rooms nearby.
Here is our timetable:
Thursday: Arrive at COS and settle in.
Friday: Grocery shopping, check on cake order, decorations, prep for open house,, etc. Take cadet to dinner, let him spend time with girlfriend, etc.
Saturday: Move as much stuff as feasible out of cadet's room to the house, then rafting trip for those who want to.
Sunday: Baccalaureate Mass (0800 for us, based on squadron). 1200-1700 Open House at the house for family, friends of cadet, sponsor, etc.
Monday: Awards Parade 1000. Then Free Day to tour sites, cog railway, whatever. Dinner for everyone at Flying W Ranch at 1800.
Tuesday: Graduation Parade 1000. Department awards ceremony, Squadron open house, department open house. Commissioning ceremony sometime today-TBD by squadron. Graduation reception at Mitchell hall 1700. Graduation Ball 2030.
Wednesday: Graduation 1000 (be there before 0800!) Cookout at the house in the afternoon for everyone, after we get cadet checked out of his dorm.
Thursday: Begin the caravan home.
Man, I'm tired just typing all of that!
Remember, make the grad week what you and your cadet want. Some choose to have a very simple time, with no dinners, parties, etc. Others put our plans to shame and have extravagant catered dinners every night and activities planned all the time, with gift bags and party favors, etc. There is no wrong way to do graduation. Just make sure you enjoy the event. After all, it is the end(?) of a long road for parents, as well as cadets.
Stealth_81