Prom Themes

Prom Themes

Prom is a night to remember. It is the final dance before you graduate high school. If you are in charge of making the night perfect, keep in mind the variety of students who attend prom. You want everything from invitations to decorations to match your vision.

After you decide on which theme your committee wants to execute, brainstorm:

• Invitations and tickets: The invitations and tickets should depict the theme so all attendees know what to expect.

• Prom Decorations: When you walk into your prom night, attendees should know right away what the theme is. For example, if you are doing “Black & White” then all the colors need to be black and white. Don’t add your school colors unless they are part of the theme.

• Menu: If you are doing a “Taste of Italy” theme, then plan the menu around Italian food.

• Costume/dress requirements: If you are picking a theme that requires a certain dress code, make sure to note it on both the invite and the tickets. Do you want to go with traditional prom dresses and tuxes, casual, or more of a costume party.

• Locations: Most places are decorated to fit the theme. However, in some cases your location can make the event. If you are doing “Under the Stars” a location with a great patio and a park-like setting is perfect. If you decide on an outdoor location, have a back up plan or rent a big party tent.

Here are a few ideas of great prom themes with some examples of details you won’t want to overlook.

Famous Couples

This theme allows each couple creativity in both who they represent and their costume. They can pick their dress attire based on the couple. Romeo and Juliet wear Shakespearean outfits while Sonny and Cher take a more glamorous approach.

• Decorations should fit the theme of romance. Streamers and glitz work well with this theme.
• The menu is flexible. 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.

Shakespeare/Renaissance

If your school loves to go all out, a Renaissance themed prom lets the guests go back in time. With the help of the drama teacher, you can recreate the time period for a fun night everyone will enjoy.

• Do not forget music from this era. Hire a band that is familiar with playing a mix of classical music as well as upbeat, modern pop songs.
• For the meal, consult with the caterer on keeping the menu with the theme.

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 keep the dress code formal, though it is not necessary.
• 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 their all-you-can-eat buffets.

Through the Decades

Pick any decade that sounds fun! If you chose the 50’s you can do a Sock Hop theme. The 70’s make for a great disco. If you do the 80’s, hire some breakdancers 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 ‘50’s offer milk shakes and hamburgers.

Paris

Take your prom night overseas with a romantic night in Paris.

• For decorations, you can accomplish this theme with decorations that include the Eiffel Tower and a romantic bridge.

• Include “Paris fashion” as the dress code.
• Remember to include French food in the menu.

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 castles and glass slippers.
• 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 dwarfs and three little pigs.

More Prom Themes

With a little thought and innovation, you can customize any theme to fit your prom.

• Asian
• Beach
• Black and White
• Black Tie
• Broadway
• Cinderella Story
• Classic TV shows
• Disco
• Disney
• Dreams
• Emmy’s
• Favorite Movies
• Fiesta
• Greek
• Harry Potter
• Luau
• Medieval Times
• Outdoors
• Night of Magic
• Night Under the Stars
• Romantic Stars
• Royalty
• Taste of Italy
• The Future
• Western
• Yoga
• Under the Sea

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 then one, let the student body vote and take ownership in their magical night.