Pick
a Theme
It might be from a
song (Some enchanted evening, Unforgettable, The Way We Were). It might
be from a movie or a show (Casablanca, Camelot, Carousel, Phantom of the
Opera, Fantasia). It may be from a story or an event (e.g. Oscar night).
It may be from a TV show (Love Boat, Friends). It may be a geographical
location (Ancient Rome, Paris, New York, Egypt, Tropical paradise, Caribbean
Adventure).
Invitations
Your invitations should
convey the theme of the evening by a good strong graphic and choice of
font to fit with the theme. Bud Gowan’s will print tickets free of
charge and they have thousands of graphics on computer to choose from.
Or take a sample with you.
Colours
Each theme suggests
different colours to go with it. For example, Phantom
of the Opera would be black and white and red. Carousel
would suggest red, yellow and blue, primary colours. Tropical
paradise might be orange, turquoise and hot pink. 2001 Space Odyssey
might be silver, gold and black. A royal theme
might be purple and gold. Try picking three colours at the most to use
consistently in advertising, invitations, and decorations.
Creating
the Mood
You create
the mood by appealing to the 5 senses - sight, touch, smell, sound and
taste. Consider how you might convey your theme in all these areas. For
example a love boat theme…. sound track of waves and horn blowing
as the evening begins, a captain dressed in uniform to greet them, paper
streamers at the door for departure, fresh tropical fruit as appetizers,
fan for gentle breezes. Or a Hollywood theme…background applause
noises, camera bulbs flashing, your own sidewalk of fame etc.
The first half-hour
especially should appeal to all these senses. But think of creative ways
to carry it through the evening. That first twenty minutes is very important
as it is also the most awkward time. Think of activities related to your
theme to get people involved so they aren’t standing around staring
at each other looking uncomfortable. Appetizers are very helpful in the
event that some have chosen to drink prior to the event, as some food
in their stomachs will help slow the alcohol absorption. They can be simple
and not terribly filling, just enough to get some food into people.
Decorations
Consider
if there is to be a focal point for your theme. An Egyptian theme might
create a pyramid in the middle of the room. A Parisienne theme might recreate
a French café in a corner. Casablanca might have some old wooden
shutters and plants and mosquito netting. Carry your colour theme through
on the tables. Many schools use balloons effectively. Make sure your centerpiece
is either low enough to see over or high enough to see under. A mirrored
square (available at building supply stores relatively cheap in packages
of 8) helps reflect candlelight well especially with little votive candles.
Consider the various metallic confetti available at That Party Place and
other party stores…stars for an astronomy theme, hearts for the Love
Boat, fish for a tropical theme. Vary your colours of serviettes with
alternating colours…e.g. black and gold for an ancient Rome theme.
Events
or Activities
Throughout the evening
tie a variety of activities to your theme to keep interest up. Ask your
DJ for some creative suggestions. With a Caribbean theme, have a limbo
contest during the dance. Present those plastic Hawaiian necklaces as
prizes for awards. During an Atlantis theme for joke awards, present the
Dead fish awards.
Tie a slide show into
your theme to play in the middle of the dance tied together with the theme
music…like “The way we were” could show pictures of events
throughout your years, even include baby pictures. Or “A night under
the stars” could alternate star pictures with pictures of Grads and
teachers”.
Materials
and Props
Contact your high school
drama department first. Ask the drama teacher if they might know of a
school who has done a play recently related to your theme that may have
some props you can borrow. Or try the Grand or Talbot Theatres, Huron
County Playhouse, London Community Players, or local theatre groups for
props and costumes. Garage sales and Value Village are invaluable resources
of cheap props. Communicate to your parents what you are looking for,
or ask for donations in your grad newsletter or school newsletter.
Plan
Ahead!
Talk to
your location for prom and ask for their input and possible restrictions.
Measure your space as one school built a wonderful prop but couldn’t
get it in the door of their location when the day came! Who is going to
set these things up and how soon can you get in that day? More importantly,
who is going to take them down…a great time to enlist parents’
help. Definitely plan ahead for this one!
Get
People Involved
Do you want
to get your teachers involved in an interesting and fun way? One school
who did A Night in King Arthur’s Court theme dressed their teachers
up in medieval costumes from the Grand Theatre and they escorted them
into the ball and later presented the awards. A jester outfit might be
perfect for one of the teachers. Or a movie awards theme may use your
teachers as reporters dressed up with cameras and notepads and fedoras.
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