Prom Committee Checklist:

 

Prom committees should be formed at the beginning of the school year. You must choose the date and location first.

 

Choosing A Location

 

Depending on the location, you may have to book it a few months before or up to 16-18 months in advance. Evaluate the facility for sound capability and whether it can handle a large DJ. Check it for adequate parking. Some places will offer to decorate, provide food, and security. Find out exactly what their price includes.

 

Choosing Entertainment

 

You can talk to last year’s committee and see if they have any suggestions.

When you decide on your DJ, confirm what type of sound and lighting equipment is included in the price quote. Some DJ’s will include a light show, fog machine, etc. Make sure that the DJ has a current music library. Ask for a list of school references. Once you select the DJ check their space requirement for their equipment and also special power requirements. Once you hire a DJ make sure they are aware of particular songs that you may want played at the prom (theme song, or class favorites). Make sure you get everything in writing, including time, date, and location.

 

Choosing A Photographer

 

Once you know the event date, book the photographer. Make sure you get bids and check references. Ask if they offer rebates to schools to help defray the cost of the event. Check with the photographer to get the necessary ordering and payment information. Ask what package selections are available. Be sure to get the delivery time of the photos in writing. You may want to consider posting a sign-up sheet for photo time-slots in order to organize the photo shoot. You can make a photographic background to coordinate with the event’s theme or the photographer may have one that goes with your theme. Many photographers have sets with different themes to choose from. If you make your own, consult with the photographer in order to get the correct size and material needed. Select a background that enhances the formal look.

 

Choosing A Theme

 

Here Are Some Popular Prom Themes:

 

 

Always and Forever

Daring to Dream

A Stroll Down Broadway

Hour of Enchantment

Hopelessly Devoted

Waltz Under the Blue Moon

I Believe

Destiny Awaits

Picture Perfect

A Dream For Us

Our Treasured Night

Carried Away

Springtime in Paris

Paint the Town Red

Hollywood nights

Memories to Last a Lifetime

Show Me the Meaning

Everything You Want

 

 

The Perfect Prom

Never Let You Go

Moving On

Simply Forever

The Way You Love Me

You’ll Be in my Heart

I will Remember You

Waiting For Tonight

Under the Sea

Still the One

Larger than Life

When You Believe

In the Still of the Night

Remember Me This Way

Big Band

Candle In The Wind

Unforgettable

Still The One

And many others. Just ask your DJ for suggestions.

 

Decorations

 

A prom kit can be purchased from various catalogs, but they are expensive and you still have to assemble them. You can get ideas from their catalogs and build your own. Local rental companies may have some of what you need at a better price.  Check both options and choose the one that best fits your school's budget.

 

Security

 

Some sites chosen for prom will include security, but in most cases you must provide your own. You could hire a security company or off-duty police officers. Check with the local school board and police officials for guidance in this area.

 

Prom Fundraisers

  • Typical fundraisers include selling candy and donuts, and washing cars. Also, magazine sales are popular.

  • You can also contact local fast-food restaurants or small businesses such as hair salons to see if they will donate a percentage of their proceeds for a specific time period. 

  • A fashion show could be arranged with the help of local formalwear stores and department stores to showcase prom fashions and also spring fashions.

  • Your school could make a sports highlight video to sell to the community.

  • Poinsettia sales are popular around Christmas.

  • Rummage sale or an auction.

  • Set up a booth at the mall to wrap Christmas presents.

  • Talent show.

  • Raffle for donated products.