Somehow found yourself roped into planning the school leavers prom? Congrats! You’re about to become a party planning professional, whether you meant to or not.
It’s not rocket science to make a school leavers prom sparkle without it turning into a stress-fest. But you need a solid, well thought out action plan (and stick to it) to bring your ideas to life.
Start With a School Leavers Prom Dream Team
The first step is appointing your prom committee, so nobody need worry about going it alone:
- Appoint a lead organiser to keep everyone on track.
- Form sub-teams for key event elements like décor, entertainment, food, marketing, and ticketing.
- Play to your team’s strengths – Got a teacher who moonlights as a DJ? A student with design flair? Use what you’ve got to optimum advantage.
And truthfully, the last thing you want is a battle of egos and PTA wars! So, cultivate camaraderie and a sense of shared purpose amongst your behind-the-scenes crew.
Budget Like a Banker
Set a clear budget early, pulling together school funds, PTA pennies, expected ticket revenue, and fundraising income. This equips you to:
- Get quotes for your venue, catering, entertainment, decorations, and extras.
- Set a realistic ticket price – High enough to cover costs, low enough to stay accessible to all students.
- Track every penny – Designate a spreadsheet whizz to be budget boss. For example, maths teachers or accountants are ideal candidates.
And remember, what you spend on glamour, you might save by hiring smart (hint, hint, we know an epic event hire company).
Venue Vibes
Hotel? Town hall? School gym? They can all be transformed into stunning backdrops for the school leavers prom.
Draw up a checklist covering the following factors before booking:
- Is there space for trestle tables for the buffet, and DJ booth and a dance floor?
- Are you allowed to decorate? And when can you get in to do it?
- What’s included? Round tables and chairs in white, silver, gold or black wash that suit your colour scheme and don’t scream school hall? Crockery? Colour co-ordinated linen and napkins?
P.S. We hire all the above. Stylish. Reliable. Delivered with a smile.
Food, Glorious Food
Buffets are a school leavers prom classic for their flexibility and affordability. But don’t forget the details, such as:
- Dietary needs – Vegan, halal, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut allergy. You know the drill and it’s vital you observe it.
- Drinks – Colourful garnished mocktails in Margarita , Martini, and Pina Colada glasses go down a treat. Not to mention a welcome drink adds a sophisticated, grown-up touch.
Let the Music Play
Music makes any party.
A DJ with a killer playlist of teen-approved tunes is often the safest bet for a school leavers prom. Or look for live bands with prom experience and showreels.
Top tip: Some bands offer a DJ service too. Double whammy!
In addition, fun extras like a photobooth, magician, and mini awards all contribute to making it a night the departing cohort will remember forever.
Plan Early, Breathe Often
Planning a school leavers prom can feel like mission impossible. But you can create an unforgettable rite of passage everyone will talk about for years – with the right people and suppliers.
At Co-Ordination Event Hire, we’ve got 30 years’ event experience, plus many and varied ranges of quality catering equipment, furniture, linens, and extras to get this year’s prom started.
Get in touch to enquire if it’s your turn to make the magic happen.
