The Seasons of Society Balls

Dear Reader,

As the sun begins to pierce through the grey misery of winter’s last farewell, we enter the spring season of society balls. This means that many arrive to the venues in elegant, floor length dresses, each picked with purpose and meticulous thought of how to pair their hair and make-up. Whilst others just want to pull out that one outfit that makes you feel like – as Rihanna would say ‘the only girl in the world’. Sure, you will see that one guy that rocks up in the same suit he’s worn since his first day at sixth form, showing a little too much ankle and wrists, restricting air ventilation. Then again, they are always the best people to have a laugh with that night.

Others may describe the aesthetics of tall ceilings, draped fabrics and warm lighting that transports you back into a Bridgeton-esque time

These society balls are what most describe as ‘the event of the year’, with members and non-members buying tickets that tend to bruise your student bank accounts. However, spending that money months ahead almost gives you time to forget it, hoping that it will be worthwhile.

From sports societies to subject societies, each come up with interesting themes, such as this recent 2026 Law Society’s ‘Once Upon a Time: A Tale of Counsil and Courtship’ ball.

But what makes them so appealing to attend? Some may argue it’s the alcohol that are included on arrival or with your meal, followed by a bar at your disposal to drown out the last pennies to a couple more drinks, washing the night with a fuzzy lens. Others may describe the aesthetics of tall ceilings, draped fabrics and warm lighting that transports you back into a Bridgeton-esque time.

A unique element that I found added something special to the evening was the disposable cameras placed on each table

For this year’s Warwick Law Society, this was exactly what they wanted to create. The weather had not exactly been on our side on Friday February 27, with huddles of bodies sticking together under umbrellas or bus stop shelters. Although this did not stop the evening, with coaches driving to The Grand Hotel in Leicester, dropping us all to the red carpet entrance. With heels clicking up marble staircases we were handed each a glass of prosecco or a non-alcoholic drink, making the experience that much more thrilling. As expected, conversations filled the bar and big teethy smiles appeared to be caught by camera flashes.

Entering the dining area, tables were beautifully decorated with tall flower arrangements, name cards, wine glasses and candles in the centre. A unique element that I found added something special to the evening was the disposable cameras placed on each table. A handwritten card welcomed us to the ball and guided attendees to use the camera for our table to take as many photographs as we liked, returning it at the end to have the photos developed.

A photobooth is always a success, with queues of people lining up for a little too long. However, the final products of the photos did not disappoint, to eventually being pinned up onto university room walls or pinboards.

Leaving the hotel with heels in my hands, swollen feet in hotel bathroom slippers and a being met sudden cold wind, coaches quickly arrived to take us back to Leamington or Campus, ending an incredible night.

A huge thank you to the Event Execs of the Law Society that organised a lovely society ball for us to all enjoy.

However, there are many other societies that have their own balls coming up this month. So, if you have a ticket and wanted to know what you’re in for, I have collected a couple main points to ease any worries or answer any questions you may have.

What do I wear?

This becomes one of the most common questions that you will tend to hear as the date gets closer. In the blink of an eye, the society ball is the next day and what to wear becomes a means of urgent priority. However, it is important to note that although some may arrive wearing sequins, lace, silk or satin head to toe, it does not mean that this was expected from everyone. From online fast fashion to high end dresses, regardless of what you may wear it does not truly matter.

Food

For me at least that has always been my biggest priority. At events like society balls, the excitement can distract from eating a meal. Most of the society balls will have a three-course meal set out whereby, exec members will contact attendees to choose preferences or any dietary requirements. For those who are fasting for Ramadan, the event coordinators should have a plan set in place to make sure that everyone is comfortable.

Transport

Depending on how far away a venue is, transport will be provided whether you are living in Leamington Spa or on Campus. Not everyone decides to take the transport with everyone, with some splitting Ubers. Regardless of what kind of transport you take, the most important thing is that you know where you’re going and- roughly- how you will get back.

Make sure to take photos

Waking up the next morning and realising you have no way to look back onto the memories from the night before can be really irritating. Remember that, if you have a digital camera, disposable or just a phone – take photos before and during the event.

Sure, theses nights might leave us with moments to look back on a smile, or laugh, but don’t think that you are missing out if you do not go

Nevertheless, there is a glamorisation of the ‘society balls’ as events that hold high standards in our minds, creating a fantasy that the night will hold memories of perfection. Sure, theses nights might leave us with moments to look back on a smile, or laugh, but don’t think that you are missing out if you do not go. We suffer the natural ‘fomo’ of wanting to be a part of what the majority experiences, or a fear that we will feel isolated. Sometimes, staying home and having a calm night in, cuddled up in bed with a good TV show or film in the back can be just as enjoyable.

P.s @WarwickLawSociety

From Her