Find your School Formal Venue in Sydney

School Formal Venues Hire Guide

It requires time and effort to plan a school social, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be stressful. We’ve included some helpful tips and info to help you plan the party of the decade:

• Plan your budget. Before you even begin looking at venues for your school social, make a list of everything you need and calculate a budget. This will allow you to narrow down your options.
• Get a head start. To avoid disappointment, book your venue well in advance. We recommend at least 6 months before.
• Easy access. Try to look for venues within a 30-minute drive from school. Many students are shuttled by parents. You can also use a limo, a taxi or a car hire service which charges per kilometre.
• Safety first. When looking at venues, safety is key, especially for mischievous teens. Also, consider venues that don’t have multiple function rooms where students might disturb another party.
• Planning on a balloon drop or confetti cannon? These can be messy but also great for that perfect Instagram pic! Keep in mind these confetti cannons really leave a lot of mess and might incur additional cleaning costs.

School formal venue prices vary wildly based on size and location, however, we’ve managed to put together some basic estimates for you to start with:

• Per person. Pricing all depends on how elaborate you want your catering. For a school formal in Sydney, expect to pay between $65 to $125 per person. Most venues offer a school formal package which is an all-inclusive rate. These packages often include more than just food; some offer unlimited soft drinks, basic decor, a DJ or an on-site event planner.
• Minimum spend. Minimum spend will get you a free venue, as long as you are spending a set amount of money. For a school formal venue in Sydney, you can budget anything from $1,500-$14,000 for minimum spend option.
• Hire fee. Some venues charge a hire fee exclusive of catering. Expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $6000 for full-day hire. (All data from Tagvenue.)

Wondering which parts of the city work best for school formals? Here’s our list:

• Central Sydney. Sydney CBD and the Waterfront are always on our list of favourites for venue hire in Sydney! The city has venues with incredible views and is centrally located, and you’re sure to find something for just about every budget.
• Mosman (Northern Sydney). With Balmoral Beach and harbour views; Mosman is a top choice for school formal venues in Northern Sydney.
• Parramatta. A short drive west of Sydney CBD and you arrive at the picturesque suburb of Parramatta. If you're looking to make a statement, Parramatta is certainly the right location! From the banks of Parramatta River or views of Parramatta Park, you'll be sure to find a picture-perfect backdrop for your school formal.

FAQs about School Formal Venues in Sydney

What kind of venues can I hire for a school formal event in Sydney?

There are many options for venues to hire for your school formal. You can choose to hold your event in a waterfront venue, which will offer beautiful surroundings and a wide range of options in terms of food and entertainment. If you’re looking for something more traditional, there are also many ball venues located in beautiful buildings and grounds that are perfect for hosting a formal. You can also hire a restaurant, which is ideal if you want to have more of an intimate event. Finally, there are many event venues that are perfect for holding a school formal, including halls and function rooms.

What are some of the best school formal venues in Sydney?

• Wentworth Ballroom at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth. As one of the most prestigious hotels in Sydney, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth has a reputation for providing its guests with a world-class experience. The hotel features 5-star amenities and services including this beautiful ballroom. The venue can accommodate up to 750 people comfortably and has an elegant design that is sure to impress. This stylish space is ideal for hosting school formal and other special events.
• Missony Restaurant. Consider hiring this intimate, luxurious restaurant located in the heart of Newtown that can hold up to 120 people. With contemporary furnishing and floor-to-ceiling opening windows, guests can take in the spectacular city lights while celebrating in style. With a bespoke menu created by the in-house chef, everyone can indulge  their taste buds and enjoy a unique dining experience.
• Greenwood Hotel. Located in the heart of Sydney's North Shore, this spacious venue with a capacity of up to 1,500 is sure to create a memorable experience for everyone in attendance. With the exclusive hire of this hotel comes access to their courtyards, which creates a unique setting for a seamless indoor-outdoor style event. Surrounded by the beautiful heritage architecture of the venue, and some of the finest function services on the North Shore, this venue is sure to create a memorable experience for everyone in attendance.

How far in advance should I book a school formal venue in Sydney?

If you're organising a school formal, it's important to book your venue at least 3 months in advance. We recommend booking as far ahead of time as possible to ensure that you get the best options. While there are many great venues in Sydney, they do fill up fast. The closer you get to the date of your school formal, the harder it will be to find a venue that can accommodate everyone.