Class of 2025: Light-Up Letters Shape the Look of the School Year’s End

Light-up letters are helping shape how schools mark the end of 2025 all around Australia. What do they offer? Structure, warmth and a lasting sense of occasion. They’re surprisingly affordable and easy to set up too.

With Term 3 underway and planning well in motion, schools across New South Wales are beginning to turn their focus to graduation ceremonies, Year 6 farewells and Year 12 formals. These events mark more than the close of an academic year. For many students, they represent the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

One feature that continues to shape the look and feel of these celebrations is the use of large light-up letters and numbers. Whether spelling out "CLASS OF 2025", "YR12", or the school’s name, these displays have become a reliable fixture at year-end events.

A simple centrepiece that sets the scene

Their purpose is not just decorative. These illuminated displays often become the natural spot for students, families and teachers to gather. They provide a focal point that gives the room structure and helps define the occasion. Many are placed near stages or entrances, where they stay throughout the event without drawing too much attention. Their presence is quiet but deliberate, supporting speeches, awards and moments of celebration.

What schools are choosing for 2025 graduations

Spotlight Letters, a Sydney-based event provider of light-up displays, reports growing interest in bookings for the final term. The most requested configurations tend to include "2025", "YR6", "YR12", and "GRAD", though some schools choose customised displays such as initials or words like "INSPIRE" or "ACHIEVE" that suit the tone of the event.

These displays are not limited to a single type of venue. From hotel ballrooms to school gymnasiums and outdoor lawns, the clean design and adjustable sizing make them suitable across a range of settings.

Graduation Decor That Works Across Different Venues

What sets light-up letters apart from more traditional decorations is their clarity. Unlike banners or balloon arches, light-up letters provide shape without clutter. They are visible in large spaces, scale well in photos, and suit both formal and informal events.

Some schools are even opting for outdoor setups, particularly in coastal or regional areas where warm evenings and sunset light offer the perfect backdrop. For organisers, the installation is straightforward, with options to tailor the height, font and layout to fit the available space.

The Role of Light-Up Letters in Event Photography

Photography is a major consideration for many schools planning year-end events. Photos captured on the night are often shared with families, published in newsletters, and stored in archives for years to come. Light-up letters provide a clear and consistent visual reference. They frame small group photos, support stage shots, and give even candid images a strong sense of time and place.

Students are often seen gathering in front of the letters before the event begins, while teachers and family members return later in the evening to capture a few final photos.

Not Just for Year 12: Year 6 Graduation Displays

While senior formals tend to attract the most attention, Year 6 celebrations at primary schools are no less significant. At this level, a simple "2025" positioned near the stage or assembly area can provide a sense of occasion without overwhelming the format. These events are typically shorter and more structured, making subtle additions like this an effective choice.

Other years are also getting on board, as are formals and balls.

School Formal Planning Tips for 2025

A few practical considerations for schools planning their events:

• Start early: Venues and display bookings fill quickly in Term 4, particularly for popular dates in November and early December.

• Know your space: Measure the area where the letters will be placed, including height and depth if using a stage or raised platform.

• Choose what to spell: Common options include “CLASS OF 2025”, “YR12”, “YR6”, or the school’s initials. Simpler combinations may suit smaller venues or shorter events.

• Plan around photography: Place the letters where students naturally gather, or near a well-lit backdrop to ensure good results in event photos.

• Coordinate with other decor: Use neutral tones or lighting that matches the rest of the room to avoid clashing with flowers, banners or table settings.

For schools aiming to make the most of their event setting, these displays offer a way to add clarity and structure without adding complexity.

The Lasting Impact of a Well-placed Display

In the end, it is often the simplest ideas that stay with people longest. A few large letters, carefully chosen and well placed, can give an event clarity without effort. For the Class of 2025, it is one more way to mark the moment with purpose.

Ask Spotlight Letters how you could book light up letters for your 2025 graduation event. There is still availability but dates and slots are filling up. Call us today.