Fish Formal
(1 minute read, 1 minute watch)
In 2023, the idea for Fish Formal was born out of a post-Covid nostalgia for themed gatherings.
I wanted to get all our best friends together, dressed our best, with the best theme, best music, best drinks, at the best venue. So I rented out the entire Birch Aquarium in La Jolla for June 2nd, 2023.
And it went quite swimmingly!
Year 1 theme was: Prom in the Lost City of Atlantis. Complete with 258 friends, DJs, signature themed drinks, a treasure chest filled with saltwater taffy and gold chocolate doubloons, food, dessert, and FISH!
Yes, it was a lot of organizing. Yes, I lost $5,000 (even after selling tickets at an average of $80 per person).
And yes, it was worth it!
Despite the success, I thought we could make it even better. And on Sept 7th, 2024, we did. Fish Formal 2.0’s theme: Mermaids & Masquerade.
Year 2 results: 275 friends. Live band for sunset (Three Legged Dog), DJs after dark, new themed drinks, and $3,000 profit.
But I’m not doing it for profit, I’m doing it because I love seeing everyone together.
So for year 3– I’m running a similar setup, but with profits donated to brain health initiatives. Theme: Ocean’s 11, Coral Casino.
