Prom is a right of passage for high school students — a time to dress up and celebrate another school year coming to a close with your closest friends. Whether you’re on the prom committee or are just looking for ideas for your own outfit or prom proposal, we can help! Here are several trending prom ideas that are sure to create a night no one will ever forget!
Choose a unique theme
A great prom theme goes a long way. These unique prom theme ideas are on trend this season and are sure to impress the upperclassmen. Once you’ve chosen a theme, go all out with the prom decorations and on-theme entertainment to really sell it.
Folklore Fantasy
Echo a tune from Taylor Swift and go folk for a totally enchanting prom theme. Think “country” mixed with “enchanted forest.” You can decorate with miles of twinkly string lights, lanterns, water features, and tons of greenery. If you bring in decorative trees, more power to you. The whole night will feel magical yet down-to-earth.
Magical Yule Ball
Recreate the magic of Harry Potter by turning your prom venue into a stunning Yule Ball. Incorporate traditional elements from the books and movies, such as a live orchestra and enchanted decorations (substitute white balloons for the floating candles). With some imagination and creativity, you can transport students to the wizarding world for an unforgettable night.
Disco Fever
This is a popular prom theme for a reason! The shiny and colorful decor and groovy setting practically beg people to hit the dance floor. Break out the disco balls and a lot of them, and make it a completely metallic night. Or, go the colorful route with shades perfect for a 70s theme, like bright orange, blue, hot pink, and purple. Bonus points if you host prom at a roller rink and hire a BeeGees or Abba cover band.
The Roaring 20s
We’re in the new 20s, after all! Celebrate prom Great Gatsby style with decor, music, and outfits from a century ago. This could mean hiring a jazz band to play during dinner, having live flapper dancers perform, decking the venue out in feathers and pearls, and encouraging students to break out flapper frocks and tuxedos with tails and put on their dancing shoes.
Moulin Rouge
Take a Paris theme to the next level with this unique Persian twist. Drape the venue in red, and be sure to include plenty of windmills and feathers for photo ops! If you really want to set the tone consider hiring a mime or other circus entertainment to perform throughout the party.
🪩 You might also like: How to Plan Epic High School Dances This Year
Line up awesome entertainment
Whether you choose a unique party theme or go with something classic, your prom entertainment will pull the whole night together. Music is obviously a must for getting everyone out on the dance floor, but also consider other fun performers and activities that can keep your prom-goers entertained when they need a break from dancing.
Prepare your prom playlist
The first box to check off is the music. Do you want a DJ or a live band? Either one can get the party started, so ask yourself what makes more sense for the theme you chose and the budget you’ve been given. You may also want to come up with a list of songs you and your friends love to make sure they’re included in the setlist.
Strike a pose
While formal prom pictures are nice, a photo booth gives students the opportunity to take home fun snapshots with all their friends, not just their prom date. Add lots of interesting props that fit your theme, and let the laughter commence. You can even ask your photo booth company for a copy of all the digital prints to pass on to the yearbook committee!
Play some games
Not everyone loves to dance, so give your wallflowers something else fun to do. You could set up giant Jenga or Connect Four in the corners of your venue. Or add board games or decks of cards to each table for some low-key gameplay. If you wanna get everyone involved, plan interactive games like Prom Bingo and offer prizes to the winners.
On-theme performers
Take your prom night to the next level with interactive performers. Tie them in with your prom theme for an extra special experience. For example, a magician would be great for a masquerade ball, a mermaid would wow the crowd at an under-the-sea party, and a celebrity impersonator would fit a Hollywood-themed prom perfectly.
Serve up snacks and sweets
You’ll want to have some type of tasty treats on hand to fuel those teenage appetites. Trade in the traditional buffet with something more fun, like popcorn machines, a candy bar, a fresh donut station, or an ice cream cart. You can hire a concessions company to create the perfect spread for your prom theme. You could also book a bartender to mix up fancy mocktails for an extra classy touch.
🥳 Keep the party going! Prom is an all-night affair for most teens. For more fun activities, check out our 12 entertaining after-prom ideas.
Find a fresh look
One of the final pieces of the prom puzzle is figuring out what to wear. Now is the time to get dressed to the nines and let your style shine. Whether you embrace the theme, find the newest fashion, or go your own way, these trending styles may inspire a fresh look for prom this year.
Suits for the girls
A suit is always sleek at prom, but this outfit isn’t only for the guys. Women’s matching pantsuits are having a moment, which means there are so many cool styles to choose from. If a prom dress isn’t really your thing, opt for a suit instead. From satin to sequin, there are so many options that will help you show up feeling polished and confident.
Bold styles for the guys
If we’ve learned anything from Queer Eye, it’s that every guy can stand to put a little more effort into his style, and this goes for prom especially. Prom may be fancy, but it’s also fun, so you can be a bit more daring with your wardrobe. Walk the red carpet in a cool printed blazer or a tux in a fabric or a color palette you usually don’t wear. More fitted silhouettes and bold prints are in this prom season.
Metallic outfits for all
Both guys and girls can rock the metallic trend this prom season. From suit jackets to slip dresses, metallic hues are everywhere. Wearing anything with a sheen will help you instantly look dressed up and ready for a pic by the limo. If going full-metallic isn’t your thing, opt for something with embellishment that will sparkle and shine under the dance floor lights.
Made up in monochromatic makeup
Perfect your look with stylish makeup. If you watch a lot of beauty tutorials on TikTok or YouTube, you may already know that monochromatic makeup is super trendy right now. This means matching your lipstick, blush, and eyeshadow color — and in this case, matching them to your prom outfit, too!
💄Need a hand? If glamorous makeup isn’t your forte, hire a makeup artist to achieve your dream look.
Plan the perfect promposal
The days of simply asking someone to prom are over. Nowadays, an invitation to prom needs to be a grand and creative gesture. These prom proposal ideas will stop your date in their tracks.
Serenade your sweetheart
Use your musical talents to woo your prom date. Play their favorite melody or write an original tune to express how excited you would be to have them as your prom date. Not much of a musician yourself? That’s okay. Hire a singing guitarist or violinist to help create the perfect moment.
Appeal to their sweet tooth
Choose their favorite sweet treat to ask your very important question. You can spell out the invite in frosting and personalize the presentation for your special someone. Get creative with your promposal message — no one can resist a clever pun!
Recruit their friends
Ask their friends for help to pull off an adorable prom proposal. If your potential prom date is a cheerleader, get their squad to come up with a unique cheer or sign to hold up at a game. Or maybe they’re a drama kid, and their actor friends can help plan a special scene or surprise during rehearsal.
Keep it old-fashioned
You can never go wrong with an old-fashioned invitation. Everyone appreciates a gesture that includes candles and flowers. Spell out “Prom?” with candles or flowers in their front yard (with their parent’s permission, of course) for a special surprise when they get home from school or practice.
Include pet participation
For an extra adorable and heartwarming promposal, include your potential date’s favorite four-legged pal. Whether it’s a furry friend delivering a sign or wearing a special outfit with a message, pets can add an extra level of cuteness and personality to your prom proposal.
💘 Looking for more inspiration? Check out our 15 creative promposal ideas!
Now that you’ve brushed up on this season’s trendiest ideas for prom, you’re ready to hit the ground running. Just don’t forget the most important part — have fun! You’re only young once and prom night is a special memory you’ll savor forever. 💃
Ready to book something awesome for prom night? Find the best entertainers and event services at GigSalad.
Heather is the Content Manager and a GigSalad veteran of 15+ years. She loves helping event planners create unforgettable celebrations and talent make a living doing what they love. When not at work, she enjoys reading romance and fantasy books, bingeing TV shows, playing board games, and spending time with friends.