Frequently Asked Questions
We've compiled the most common questions and feedback received. If your question isn't answered below, please don't hesitate to reach out—we're always happy to help.
Why did the venue change?
Following the release of tickets, we received a lot of valuable feedback regarding pricing and location.
Although Le Montage was an incredible venue with an amazing package, we listened to the cohort's concerns and continued negotiating with one of our original venue options.
After many phone calls, emails and discussions, we secured a significantly better package at The Tea Room, QVB that allowed us to:
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Reduce ticket prices for everyone.
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Make guest tickets the same price as student tickets.
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Move to a much more central Sydney CBD location.
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Secure accommodation discounts for attendees.
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Maintain a premium, black-tie experience.
We apologise for the slight delay in providing updates—we wanted everything confirmed before announcing any changes.
Why was The Tea Room chosen?
We know the name 'The Tea Room' might make you think of afternoon tea . . .BUT It is actually one of Sydney's more iconic ballroom, featuring:
✨Grand Ballroom
✨Crystal chandeliers
✨Ornate high ceilings
✨Large Dance floor
✨ Exclusive hire of the entire venue
✨ Beautiful central CBD location
Offers exactly the elegant black-tie atmosphere we were looking for.
What does my ticket include?
Every ticket includes:
🍽 Three-course seated dinner
🥂Four-hour beverage package including:
- Sparkling
- White wine
- Red Wine
- Beer
- Cider
- Unlimited soft drinks & juice
(Hint: Sparkling + Juice = DIY mimosas !!)
🍸Cash Bar available throughout the evening for spirits & additional drinks
Also included:
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Exclusive venue hire
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Dedicated Event Coordinator
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Dance floor
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Professional lighting
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Professional sound system
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Staging
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Dedicated wait staff & bar staff
Where does my ticket money go?
We wanted to be completely transparent with pricing.
$130 per person/ticket goes directly towards the venue
The remaining $20 per ticket contributes to:
🎧Professional DJ
📸 Photo Booth / Photography
🎈 Decorations & Styling
🏆 Graduation Awards & Ceremony
🎁 Fun Party Extra & Keepsakes
🎤Entertainment
🎓 Any additional surprises and activities throughout the evening
Why were guest tickets originally more expensive?
This was one of the most common questions we received.
At the original venue, additional guests triggered mandatory increases in staffing, security, and venue requirements.
When we originally surveyed the cohort, the majority indicated they did not want plus ones.
The committee still wanted to give everyone the opportunity to bring a guest, however we believed it was fair that the additional venue costs associated with guest attendance came from guest tickets rather than increasing the cost for everyone.
Following our venue change and successful negotiations, we're pleased to say that student and guest tickets are now both $150.
Can I purchase my guest ticket later?
Absolutely!! You don't need to purchase your guest ticket immediately.
We encourage everyone to secure their own ticket first, and guest tickets can be purchased later, subject to venue capacity.
Why was this date selected?
Unfortunately, we were booking extremely late compared with many other events.
We contacted or received quotes from over 50 venues across Greater Sydney.
Many venues were:
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Fully booked.
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Outside our budget.
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Reserved for weddings.
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Reserved for school formals.
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Reserved for Christmas parties.
Fridays and Saturdays also attracted substantial weekend surcharges.
The selected date was:
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Within budget.
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Available.
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Middle on the options collected within the RSVP survey.
Why isn't there a spirits package?
Adding spirits to the beverage package increased costs by approximately $35 per person, per hour, which would have dramatically increased ticket prices. Unfortunately we can not add this to certain tickets.
Instead, we've included:
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Sparkling
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White wine
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Red wine
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Beer
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Cider
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Unlimited soft drinks & juice
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There will also be a cash bar available throughout the evening for anyone wishing to purchase spirits or additional drinks.
Can I BYO alcohol?
At this stage, BYO alcohol has not been confirmed.
We're currently discussing this with the venue and will provide an update if this changes.
What if I'm struggling to afford my ticket?
We completely understand that we're all university students. If paying the full amount upfront is difficult, please reach out to Emily Holmes privately via text or whatsapp : 0427 891 869
We'll do our best to work with you to help secure your place. We'd much rather help make it work than have someone miss out.
Why do you need ticket sales so early?
We're now at the stage where we need to start confirming numbers with the venue and suppliers.
Early ticket sales allow us to:
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Lock in the venue
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Confirm catering
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Secure entertainment
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Book photographers
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Organise decorations
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Finalise event planning
Even if you require a little longer to pay the full amount, please reach out—we're happy to discuss options.
What happens if attendance numbers change? Will I get a refund or need to owe money?
You will not be asked to pay more if attendance is lower than expected.
If numbers are lower, we'll simply work within the available budget to deliver the best Graduation Ball possible.
If attendance is significantly higher than expected and additional funds become available, we'll seek feedback from the cohort on how they'd like those funds used.
Recommendations for DJs & Photographers
We're currently looking for recommendations for:
🎧 DJs
📸 Photographers
If you know someone who would be perfect (especially if they offer a great deal!), we'd love to hear from you.
Thank you for helping us create a Graduation Ball that reflects what our cohort wants. We truly appreciate every message, suggestion and idea.