Students look forward to prom night for months or even years. It’s a time for students to celebrate with friends and classmates that share a strong community bond and an unforgettable journey of life and learning.
So, it’s quite natural to feel some pressure about making the night “perfect.”
This is why planning is so important. Whether you’re a faculty member or a student trying to plan a prom, here are some tips to guide you through the process.
#1: Choose the Right Venue
Start by choosing a venue that represents the spirit of your school community. Students look forward to a festive environment that sets the stage for a night they’ll treasure for a lifetime.
Consider the venues of previous proms. What when well, and perhaps not so well? You may wish to contact students who attended last year’s prom, and ask what they liked and disliked about the venue. What did they think about the:
- Location
- Lighting
- Overall atmosphere Grounds
- Venue size, dance floor
Also, it can be helpful to consult with people who sat on the last prom planning committee.
Pay special attention to the venue size. A venue that is too large can spoil the intimacy of the event, while one that is too small can make for a challenging evening, especially if a sit-down dinner is planned. It’s also important to ask about the venue’s policy on catering and what is included with the venue.
To cut costs and save time, you may want to choose a venue that has a natural, aesthetic charm and character, or perhaps historical significance.
#2: Pick a Prom Theme
Choosing a theme for your prom will help guide your decisions, from ticket designs to prom decoration ideas. Have a brainstorming session to throw out some prom ideas that center around a theme.
For inspiration, here are a few examples of tried-and-true prom theme ideas:
- A whimsical fairytale
- A night in a glamorous city such as Paris or Hollywood
- A masquerade ball
- The roaring 1920’s
- A vintage carnival
#3: Create a Timeline
Organize your prom ideas by creating an extensive checklist and workable timeline. Start by writing out every task that needs to be accomplished, and set a due date for each item. It doesn’t matter how you organize your timeline, just as long as it makes sense to everyone on the committee. Be sure to include when to secure all vendors, such as the DJ and caterer, and when to order important materials like decorations and tickets.
To collaborate the planning process you may want to consider using online tools like Google Docs and Google Sheets, which can be accessed from anywhere.
#4: Delegate
After your committee has agreed on a timeline, it’s time to delegate tasks and communicate the deadlines. Bear in mind, the committee members’ strengths and weaknesses. An outgoing committee member might enjoy calling florists to ask for price quotes. An individual who is great with numbers might be interested in working on a budget.
#5: Imagine the Set Up
Once everything starts falling into place, mentally walk through each attendee’s prom night experience. Try to anticipate obstacles and solve the problem ahead of time. For example, will the parking work? If prom attendees have to park a considerable distance from the venue, they might want to take along a pair of walking shoes. What about signage? Make sure directions are clear.
If you live in or near Springfield, Missouri, you may wish to visit the Storybook Barn. This beautiful 19th-century barn and historic venue can host around 150 guests, making it the perfect venue for proms that fit this criterion