8 Spectacular School Formal & Graduation Ball Themes

There’s nothing more exciting than graduating from school or college! They are an important milestone in every young person’s life, and deserve to be celebrated. We’ve hosted hundreds of school formals and grad balls at our venues over the years, and we’ve found that themed events create an extra element of excitement for new graduates.

To get you inspired, we’ve brainstormed 8 spectacular school formal and graduation ball themes fit for a black-tie event. Make the most of our Sydney Harbour venue backdrops and stylish venue interiors for all your Instagram pics and add some upgrades for a truly memorable experience. Popular additions include ice sculptures, donut walls, photo booths and venue styling from House of Doltone.

1. Masquerade

Maintain a little mystery as your guests arrive in black tie attire and don masks. Include dim lighting, flickering candles and candelabras as table centrepieces.

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2. Black and White

A sleek and sophisticated theme that mimics Truman Capote’s famous 1966 black and white ball. Use black chairs and tables cloths with standout white centrepieces

Jones Bay Wharf – Sydney Waterfront School Formal Venue

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3. The Great Gatsby

Rock your best 1920’s inspired look whilst sipping on retro mocktails. Our Hyde Park venue is a no-brainer for Gatsby inspired events.

Hyde Park – Sydney City Graduation Venue

Doltone House School Formal Venues

4. Go For Gold

Gold décor, gold dresses, gold everything. Style this event as OTT as your budget allows for and add dramatic lighting to enhance the effect.

Sydney City Venue for School Formal and Graduation

5. Hollywood Glamour

Invite your guests to dress up like they’re attending the Oscars and create a VIP entrance to make them feel like stars. The entrance at our Hyde Park venue has this theme taken care of.

Doltone House – Sydney Harbour Venue

6. White Party

Channel your inner Gossip Girl and have all your guests dress in white. Add all white décor and an all white flower wall for ultimate impact.

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7. Starry Night

Transform your party into a starry night scene by dressing up your space with dim lighting and fairy lights galore. Simple flower centrepieces is all you need to make this theme pop.

Darling Island – Waterfront School Formal Venue

8. Enchanted Forest

Think flower crowns, draping ferns and colourful table settings. An enchanted forest theme brings the idea of an outside garden party inside.

Image Credits: House of Cameo

Next Steps

1. Browse of Sydney Venue Collection and make a short list of your preferred venues

2. Find out more about our current packages and promotions for school formals and graduation parties

3. Enquire online to start planning your graduation or school formal party