Lights, camera, prom! It’s the night you’ve been waiting for since your not-so-distant freshman year and expectations are high. From finding the perfect dress or tux to stressing about who’s going with whom, you’ve got enough on your plate without planning the big night itself. But never fear! We’ve come up with a few tips to make planning the perfect prom as easy as class with a substitute teacher!
1. Form a Committee
First things first, you’ve got to put together a Prom-Planning Committee of around 10-15 people who are reliable and enthusiastic about your event. Appoint one leader to oversee the planning process and delegate roles to the rest of your team. This way, the great plans your committee forms will actually get put into action! Get your class officers involved and be sure to include the appropriate faculty member(s) in your decision-making.
Have your treasurer work with the team to create a budget for the school to approve. Really think through the details and leave a little wiggle room for those pesky unforeseen expenses that always seem to pop up at the last minute!
2. Choose Your Date and Venue
One of the first decisions your committee should make is choosing a date for your event. Check your calendars and try to find a day that doesn’t conflict with other school events and also works for the majority of your guests.
Once you’ve set the date, it’s time to secure a venue. Depending on your budget, an outside venue may not be an option so you can already check this step off your list! If you’re looking for a change of scenery from your school, start the search for a perfect venue by first finding locations that are able to accommodate the size of your guest list. Next, check to see which ones are in your price range and are free to be booked on the day of your event. Remember to find somewhere with a dance floor or somewhere with a space for you to add one you’ve rented. Visit a few to see if they’ve got the atmosphere you’re shooting for and if they’d be easy to decorate.
3. Pick a Theme
Now for the fun stuff! A big part of planning a prom is choosing a theme around which you can build the rest of your event. From the more traditional black tie formal, to festive atmospheres like Carnival Night or a Masquerade Ball, the options are endless. Have fun with it! Worried about pleasing the masses? Poll your fellow students with 2-4 themes to choose from and find out which one gets people most excited!
4. Book Your Entertainment
While your decorations may be some of the best in the biz, chances are your guests will need a little more to get their party started. Prom is all about the dancing, so prepare to use a large chunk of your budget on booking a great band or DJ. Look like a pro and get the professional entertainment you want by asking these 15 questions before booking.
Try unexpected entertainment to go with your theme, such as Aerialists, Magicians, or Circus Acts. Your guests won’t be expecting it and it can add an element of excitement that a band just can’t offer!
Consider hiring a photographer to capture the memories everyone will be making at the fantastic event you’ve put together. Another fun addition to take your prom to the next level is having a photo booth! Not only does it set the mood for fun, it also gives your guests a party favor to take home and remind them of their amazing night (all thanks to you)!
5. Create Your Refreshment Menu
With your music booked, your guests will be ready to dance the night away! Set them up for success by providing refreshments to keep them fueled for a night to remember. If your budget allows, hire a Caterer to provide delicious food your fellow students won’t forget. For a less costly option, ask parent volunteers to provide the grub. A few sweet and salty snack options should do the trick!
All that great food combined with those killer dance moves will leave your guests thirsty so don’t forget the drinks! Booking a Bartender to whip up virgin cocktails (and even a specialty drink to match your theme) is always a fun addition, but a variety of sodas brought by mom works just as well!
6. Get the Word Out!
This is going to be the best prom your school has ever seen, so let the tickets and invitations show it! Coordinate them with your theme and make sure they have all of the important info like time and location. The more excitement the better, so start advertising your event early on with posters, emails, or even t-shirts!
With these party-planning tips and tricks we’re confident you’re ready to pull off the best prom ever! If you need a little help along the way, GigSalad is at your service! Now, let’s get started. Let the prom planning begin!