Prom is a night to remember, and the prom themes that
accompany this night will stand out in your mind for years to come. If you are
on the prom committee, choosing the prom theme is your first big task. You want
everything from invitations to decorations to match your class's vision and
make all the attendees feel truly special.
Classic Themes
These popular prom themes are perennial favorites and are often easy to
arrange. They may be more generic than specialized themes, but they can easily
be customized for a specific school.
Fairy Tales
Live happily ever after with a fairy tale theme where each couple picks
their favorite story and dresses the part.
- The
decorations should look like they come right out of a storybook and
include castle walls, climbing vines, and maybe even a carriage backdrop.
- Include
lots of shimmery pinks, purples, and forest greens into your decor to give
the impression of a fairy tale-like forest.
- The
menu is flexible, though you can have fun naming the dishes like Far Away
Steak and Shrek Fries.
- For
those who want to go as a group, encourage costumes like the seven dwarves
and three little pigs.
Anderson's Today was a Fairytale theme contains all you need for turning
your prom into a fairy tale, including balloon trees, enchanted lanterns and a
lighted castle.
Famous Couples
This theme allows each couple creativity in both who they represent and
their costumes. Romeo and Juliet wear Shakespearean outfits, while Sonny and
Cher take a more retro approach.
- Decorations
can focus on general romance, including red roses, hearts and soft
lighting.
- Try
doing a "pairing" of two main dishes that go together like pasta
and chicken or steak and seafood.
- After
the prom king and queen are announced, have another contest for best
famous couple. Toynk’s couple’s costumes may give students ideas for who
to dress up as when they attend prom.
Red Carpet
Celebrity and Hollywood themes make students into stars for an evening of
glitz. In addition to the having students walk in on a red carpet, surround
students with elements of Hollywood glitz and glamour.
- Include
spotlights, velvet ropes and 'paparazzi,' to give it more of a Hollywood
feel.
- Serve a
selection of fancy appetizers, such as shrimp cocktail and non-alcoholic
cocktails or sparkling champagne.
- Students
can wear sunglasses like many of the stars, and dress in red carpet worthy
dresses and tuxedos.
PromNite's Rock the Red Carpet theme comes with the red carpet, velvet ropes
and all you need to help students feel like celebrities for the night.
Starry Night
The classic romance of a celestial theme is a perennial prom favorite. Bring
in a touch of Van Gogh's famous painting of the same name with Stump’s Starry
Night Theme Kit or use some these ideas:
- Decorate
the room with black or navy blue tablecloths, drapes and low lights to
keep it dark. Add strings of white lights around the room to represent
stars.
- Accent
with glow-in-the-dark stars, planetary bodies, and anything glittery can
bring the galaxy to the prom that night.
- Serve
foods related to stars and planets, such as mini sandwiches in the shape
of stars or cheese from the moon.
Romantic Themes
As a formal event geared for couples, prom night is inherently romantic;
therefore themes dedicated to lovers are always a popular choice.
Shakespearean Romance
Use one of the most classic love stories,
Romeo and Juliet, as the
inspiration for your prom.
- Recreate
the ball in Romeo and Juliet by providing masks for those attending the
prom.
- Serve
classic dishes from the Renaissance such as beef roast, meat pies, salads,
olives and cheeses.
- Include
a balcony for couples to pose on or for recreating the iconic balcony
scene from the play.
- Decorate
with deep reds, purples and gold and heavy velvet fabrics.
Parisian Romance
The City of Love is always popular for romantic prom themes. In addition to
an Eiffel Tower model, you can bring other elements of French culture to your
prom.
- Serve
traditional French foods, including banquettes, cheese, fresh crepes and
light pastries
- Play up
the city of lights aspect by accenting with different types of lanterns,
strands of white lights and streetlights.
- Set up
other French-inspired scenes, such as park benches and fountains, found in
kits such as Anderson's Paris by Moonlight Theme or created by your
school's drama department.
Classic Romance
Because prom is a formal event and many couples attend, romantic themes are
always popular. Titles such as "A Night to Remember," "From This
Moment," and "Forever Tonight" are common.
- Decorate
with lots of deep red and gold accents, including tablecloths, curtains
and chairs. Add soft lights, hearts as well.
- Include
red roses on every table and have attendees eat by candlelight.
- Offer
romantic foods such as chocolate, grapes and oysters or dishes with
romantic names.
Quirky Themes
More fun, outrageous themes can be exciting prom options. They generally use
brighter colors and elaborate decorations.
Casino Royale
Casino night themes are exciting because they offer entertainment other than
dancing.
- Decorate
with traditional red, black and white decor and cardboard cutouts of
playing cards, such as the decorations found at Oriental Trading
- Include
classic casino games such as blackjack or roulette.
- Give
students a set amount of chips to play with when they enter the door.
Mardi Gras
A livelier prom theme that is especially popular is Mardi Gras
- Students
wear outrageous masks and glittering beads.
- Decorate
with the traditional purple, green and gold.
- Serve
New Orleans favorites such as gumbo, po' boys and other foods with a
Creole or Cajun touch.
From masks to beads and cardboard cutouts of jokers and dragons, Shindigz
Mardi Gras supplies and decorations will help students feel like they've
stepped onto the streets of New Orleans.
Monochrome Themes
A simple color scheme can be elegant and sophisticated, as well as easy to
decorate. A Black and White Ball, Emerald City or school color theme is always
appropriate, but be sure to choose neutral colors that will work well for both
genders - guys may be reluctant, for example, to attend a Pretty in Pink prom.
- Encourage
guests to dress in the color of the theme. For guys, this could include a
traditional tux with a vest or tie in the color.
- Decorate
using different shades of the theme or use lights to cast a glow in that
color over white decorations.
- Dye
foods to fit the given theme.
Geographic Themes
Prom is the perfect opportunity to escape the school for a night, and prom
themes ideas that use exotic geography are unique choices. While Paris, New
York City, and Venice are popular for romantic themes, more unusual choices
could include Egypt, Shanghai, Las Vegas, a tropical island, London, or Africa.
Vegas
Does your student body love to gamble? Set up a casino along the walls of
your school gym. Keep the middle as a dance floor.
- Since
Vegas is known for its glitz, you can stick with a traditional formal prom
dress code.
- For
entertainment, find an Elvis impersonator or a glitzy magician. Some
students may want to recreate an act from the Vegas strip.
- Have
fun with the menu. Vegas is known for its all-you-can-eat buffets, but you
may also want to bring in fancy appetizers and desserts dusted with edible
gold leaf.
PromNite's Complete Vegas, Baby! theme has spotlights, stars and a
one-of-a-kind runway to bring the Vegas glitz and glamour to your prom.
Tropical Paradise
Many different tropical themes can be used to inject festive fun into a
prom, including a luau, jungle, or specific destination theme such as Jamaica
or Hawaii.
- Bright
blooms and floral leis should fill the room.
- Bring
the beach indoors by adding sand and bringing in beach chairs for guests
to lounge in.
- Serve
colorful punch and food items containing ingredients such as coconut,
pineapple and mango.
Taste of Italy
Italy is known for classic architecture, gondolas and good food, all of
which can add to your prom's atmosphere.
- Decorate
with Roman columns, ivy and Italian artwork.
- Serve
Italian foods such as pasta, cheeses and grapes.
- Set up
a fake gondola for photo ops or a romantic bridge over an Italian canal.
Retro Themes
A retro or vintage theme can be fun and nostalgic not only for the students,
but also for the teachers who have seen many proms come and go. Popular decades
for retro prom themes include the 1950s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Using
retro-themed decorations and top 40 hits from the era can add even more realism
to the event. Pick any decade that sounds fun! If you chose the 1950s, you can
do a Sock Hop theme. The 1970s make for a great disco. If you do the 1980s,
hire some break dancers to show you how it's done.
- Make
sure the DJ has a good selection of music from that decade. Though he can
play a mix of modern songs, at least half the songs should represent that
era.
- Research
each decade online to decide which one your student body will have the
most fun dressing up for. Don't forget to look at hairstyles and jewelry
as well as clothing styles.
- See
what foods were popular. For example, if you do the '50s, offer milk
shakes and hamburgers.
Personalizing Your Prom Theme
While popular prom themes may be easy to choose and coordinate, they should
also be personalized to ensure that each prom is unique and memorable. These
tips can help prom organizers turn a popular theme into a specialized one that
will form treasured memories for every guest.
- Check
at least the past five years of yearbooks to ensure the theme has not been
recently duplicated. Prom won't seem as special if an older sibling had
the same theme for their prom.
- Be
thorough with decorations, including wall décor, table centerpieces, photo
backdrops, and other items, but do not go overboard with crazy patterns or
repeated imagery. Use coordinating solid colors to keep with the theme in
a subtle and easy way.
- Make
the theme as unique as possible to the class it honors (typically the junior
or senior class). Use students' names in décor, post pictures from the
year's events, and choose favors with the class year.
- Begin
planning the theme early to have the greatest selection and options to
turn a popular theme into a unique one.
Choosing a Prom Theme
When choosing a prom theme, the planning committee, class officers, and
other individuals have to consider several factors to ensure the theme is
appropriate and attainable. Ask the following questions to help choose an
appropriate theme.
- Does
the prom location have enough space for the dancing, seating, decorations,
photo areas, and other necessary accents?
- Are
there restrictions on how prom decorations can be arranged, such as
hanging items from the ceiling or walls?
- Is the
budget for the dance big enough for an elaborate theme, or where can costs
be trimmed to make it more affordable?
- An
elaborate theme may be a great idea, but can decorations be made,
purchased, or borrowed to create the right effect?
- How
much effort will be needed to make the theme a reality? Can enough
volunteers be gathered to decorate before the prom and clean up
afterwards?
- If the
theme involves unique lighting, are there enough power outlets to support
the decorations as well as the musical equipment and other necessities?
- Is the
theme suitable for the majority of students so everyone will feel welcome?
Take a Vote to Decide
Making the final decision on a theme can be challenging. When you find the
prom themes your committee likes best, take a moment to brainstorm invitations,
dress code, decorations, music, and menu to see which one you want to create
into your magical prom night. If you like more than one, let the student body
vote and take ownership in their magical night.
