Prom Spot - 7 Tips for Running the Show

Planning the biggest party of the year is a blast, but it also requires some thought. If you're having issues with your committee at any stage, here's how to sort it out.

Choose wisely
Your committee members should be...well, committed. So Miss Queen of Extracurriculars will probably be too busy to get to prom stuff. Pick people who want to get involved but aren't already in over their heads.

Find the experts
Ask each member to write down his or her strengths (for example: organization, finance, music, design) and match each "mini expert" to the right job.

Get together
If your members don't know each other, host a barbecue or a mini-golf party so everyone will be comfortable working together. Remember, the group that plays together stays together.

Divide and conquer
You can't send your whole committee to interview every last DJ, photographer, and hotel manager. Break into subcommittees and delegate the research and planning outside of regular meetings. Your music subcommittee can bring in a chart showing their top three DJ choices along with the pros and cons for each. The whole committee will be able to make an informed vote -- and keep meetings short and under control.

Make an agenda
Before each meeting, create an agenda for what will be covered. This sets the schedule for how much time you can discuss each task.

Reconvene online
Committee meetings can only last so long. Keep ideas flowing by setting up an email list or chat room for your members. It's great for communicating those 3 a.m. ideas.

Make a calendar
Overwhelmed? Nail down all of your to-dos with a committee calendar. Include the dates of your meetings, fundraisers, and deadlines for subcommittees. Having it all in one places helps you see what still needs to get done (and how far you've come!).

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All Hail the King and Queen!

--Kate Wood