So, you’ve been put in charge of planning your school’s year formal? Now it’s time to weigh your options and pick a location that will fit the size and theme of your event! There are plenty of school formal function rooms in Melbourne, but it can be tricky to find the pros and cons of each and to compare them. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of our favourite Melbourne school formal venues below!
In Melbourne, prices of school formal venues average $4000 minimum spend per event. Costs vary depending on guest capacity, popularity, location, and amenities like sound systems or bar services. Extra charges may apply for custom catering, decor, or event planning services. Packages with add-ons, such as DJs, photo booths, or other entertainment services, can also increase the overall cost. Check out the typical price ranges in Melbourne, based on Tagvenue data:
From $2775 | to $8500 | minimum spend per event |
From $70 | to $95 | per person |
From $350 | to $3400 | hire fee per event |
Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated September 2025), the best options include:
Harbourview Room at The Promenade Docklands
in Docklands - rated 4.9/5
Our user said: ‘Wonderful evening from an amazing team. Thanks Marcus...’
The Greenhouse at Welcome To Thornbury
in Northcote - rated 4.8/5
Our user said: ‘Annaleise and the team at Welcome to Thornbury were amazing.’
Entire Venue at Cargo Hall
in South Wharf - rated 4.7/5
Venue said: Cargo Hall is located just a stone's throw away from the city centre and offers exquisite views of the city skyline and the Yarra River. Facing the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the venue has an ideal location...
The most popular area for school formal venues is the Melbourne CBD. This area has several great venues and school formal packages to choose from for your event.
This is a formal event, so fancy dresses and formal gowns are great for the girls and a nice suit, or tuxedo with a bowtie for the guys. If you plan to have a theme or dress code, be clear about what that is so everyone can be on the same page.
Whether you’re planning a school formal or a more basic school social in Melbourne, most of the same checklists apply. This is a big night for the students and can sometimes be overwhelming for some of them. When you plan your school formal, try to come up with some fun ideas to get everyone comfortable and loosened up – just be careful not to overdo it and make things cheesy! In the end, if the students have a night where they can dance, hang out and celebrate their future, you’ll have a successful event! To help you out, we’ve listed some things to keep in mind while planning your school formal: