I’m going to a formal! Wait, what is a formal?

By Clarissa Wemple, Third Year Psychology (updated 2025 Kathrine Bertram)

Oh, formals. I remember back when I was just a fresher and we had our very first formal (freshers’ formal!). I was super excited to be able to get to dress up and have a fancy little dinner with my new friends. However, what I didn’t know was how to dress for it, what to expect, and what a formal really even was.

Hopefully, by now, most of you already know what a formal is. But, for the few who are still confused and daunted by this seemingly ceremonious event and still don’t exactly know what it is for, here’s a quick run-down for you!  

What is a ‘Formal’?

Formals, also known as a formal dinner, is a sit down dinner, typically requiring attendees to dress in formal attire (this includes dresses on or just above the knee, formal jumpsuits, and either a dinner jacket or lounge suit) and gowns to dine.

Depending on which college you attend, the traditions may vary. In John’s, we say grace before the meal. Additionally, there is usually a ‘High Table’ at formal, which normally consists of ‘Guests of the Principal’, seated on the raised platform of Leech Hall.

In addition to that, the behaviour accepted during formals also vary between colleges. For example, some colleges have a long-standing tradition of including drinking games as part of their formals. However, this is not something that we do in John’s.

Other things to know about formals in John’s (accurate as of June 2025):

Registration and Sign-Ups:

• Signup – To attend a formal, you would have to signup to attend in advance, you will receive an email with instructions on how to sign up before the sign up opens.
  
  
• Confirmation – Places at Formals are limited so you will receive an email confirming your place ahead of the meal. Once you have received a confirmation it is your responsibility to find a replacement if you can no longer attend so the place doesn’t go to waste.

Costs:

• Unlike other colleges, our formals are free, three course dinners that regularly throughout the year. (Although you may not be able to go every time, there are plenty of opportunities to attend formals!)
  
  
• Normally, twice a term, we also have ‘Mega Formals’ which cost £7 and includes a cava or soft drink reception, and wine or Shloer (a non-alcoholic soft drink, sort of like sparkling grape juice) on the tables.

Etiquette:

• It is expected that attendees arrive at Leech Hall by 6:20pm for registration and to get settled in. If you arrive later than 6:30pm, your admission has the right to be withdrawn, so don’t be tardy!
  
  
• In John’s the use of mobile phones are also strictly not allowed, and the Food and Formals Officer has the right to apply disciplinary action, or remove you from the formal.
  
  
• If you need to leave formal for any reason (such as a toilet break) you are to get up from your seat discreetly, bow to the high table, and take your leave. Upon coming back to formal, you’ll have to bow to the high table again and make your way back to your seat. It’s also encouraged that you do not leave for toilet breaks in pairs or groups.

Buying Drinks:

• You can buy wine from the bar as well as from local stores. Please be aware that any drinks that are brought in can be refused at the door at the discretion of the Food and Formals Officer. (For example, please don’t try to bring in stronger alcohol).

It may seem as if there are a ton of rules and things to remember, but after a few formals, you will get the hang of it! What I love about formals (besides the fact that it is free!), is that it gives me a reason to come back to college with my college friends and have a good time. The dessert is normally never a let-down, so if anything, I really am just motivated by that delicious dark chocolate cake that they sometimes serve!

All in all, formals are a huge part of college life and I would highly recommend attending at least once (besides the Freshers’ formal). There really aren’t a lot of universities who still have such traditional formals, so I can guarantee that it will be something you look back at after graduating and smile about.

If Formals still confuse you or if you have any questions, feel free to email  johns.formals@durham.ac.uk