Prom Spot - Prom Committee: 7 Unforgettable Themes

Your prom's theme is not only one of the first decisions your committee will make -- it's also one of the most important. How do you choose a theme that's going to guarantee a good time? First, throw out the old rules, and skip the mushy, couples-only stuff. Second, check out our ideas -- they're filled with tips and tricks that make them seriously easy (and fun) to pull off.

A TASTE OF THE EAST
Want a lavish look with just a little effort? Then we've got the theme for you. The key words here are bright and opulent. Think a rich, ruby red as your main color, then compliment it with plenty of pinks, greens, and golds. Hang clusters of paper lanterns above key areas, and consider giving paper fans as favors. Don't forget the food -- you can have a local Chinese restaurant cater a yummy dim sum buffet. Heaps of delicious wontons and dumplings will look even better if you accent your tables with stalks of curly bamboo. As a finishing touch, get custom-made fortune cookies (with prom fortunes, of course!) to hand out as favors or display with your food.

BOND. JAMES BOND.
Plan on plenty of intrigue at your super-spy-theme prom. Stick to a black and white color scheme -- black and white linens, napkins, gossamer, you get the picture. Add color by throwing in a dash of red -- use red roses whenever possible (if you can't afford bouquets for every table, don't worry! A single rose in a vase looks totally classy). While you're at it, don't forget to name each of your tables for different Bond flicks. For a bit of suspense, buy some red colored gels to place over spotlights -- and customize them with some spy silhouettes, just like the opening of a Bond movie. Finally, get everybody into the act by handing out dark sunglasses as your favors.

JUNGLE BOOGIE
To create a jungle atmosphere, you're going to want to go heavy on the green. You might be hesitant to use streamers (we know, we know -- kids' stuff) but if there's a good spot to hang them from tons of green streamers will create a super 'vine' effect. Simply fix a couple of them to one spot, then gently twist them together to create a cord. Secure the other end to a surface and voila! Instant jungle vines. Bring in real plants -- talk to a local nursery about renting potted palms or other lush greenery -- or create your own with oversized paper leaves. You can also go wild with your centerpieces -- hibiscus, orchids, or another bright, tropical flower will add color and ambiance.

BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CITY
Prom is the most glamorous night of the year -- play it up with this theme. Create different 'backdrops' to set the scene (and create fab photo ops). Use cardboard or plywood to create a city skyline -- pick a famous one like New York, San Francisco, or St. Louis. Cut out just the large silhouette, and paint the whole thing black. When the paint's dry, cut small squares at random spots throughout -- just enough to create a perfect 'lights at night' effect. When the skyline is standing, a bright light or lamp placed on the floor just behind it will provide awesome backlighting and make all of your 'windows' appear to be lit up. Don't forget to name your tables after famous city streets (Broadway, Fifth Avenue, Madison)!

MASQUERADE
We know, we know -- everyone spends so long getting all dolled up for prom, how are you going to get them to wear masks? Simple! When your guests purchase their tickets, give them a plain half-mask on a stick. Everyone can decorate theirs as they like, you'll have no worries about not matching anyone's dress, and everyone creates their own hand-made prom memento. You might also want to buy some fancier pre-decorated masks for decorations, or in case anyone gets forgetful on prom night.

PAINT THE TOWN
Show off your school spirit and host a glamorous prom. Paint the Town red, green, blue, silver, gold -- whatever your school's color is! Simply decorate by experimenting with texture rather than color. For example, if you're going to have floral arrangements or centerpieces on display, have your florist work with blooms that are all one color. On a tight budget? Fill in the space between the pricier blooms with carnations, which can be dyed to match any color scheme. As for the rest of your decor, fill your space with your chosen color. Balloons and gossamer fabric both work well. For the finishing touch, get crafty by creating what else? The town! Follow the directions listed above under 'Bright Lights, Big City' to reconstruct the silhouette of your town's skyline -- and then paint it!

SNOWBOUND
If you live in warmer climes and never see snow, why not give this theme a whirl? After all, winter white looks fantastic with everything. The key to a sophisticated look is to think ice and snow in white, blue, and silver -- be sure to banish all red and green from your decor! Get a jumpstart on your decorations with this super easy recipe for "snow." Head to your local fabric or sewing supply store and stock up on plenty of pillow and quilt stuffing. Pillow stuffing is super-thick, making it perfect for thick snow between branches, while quilt stuffing is ideal for a little bit of cover on your tabletops or other surfaces. Though you can easily cut both to fit the areas you're looking to fill, be sure to worry the edges a bit between your fingers so that they look more natural. Top them off with iridescent white glitter for a perfectly powdered look. Rent or borrow potted trees and plants and top them off with the snow treatment, surround your centerpieces with snow, in short, add your faux icing everywhere you see fit!

Other Articles You'll Love
Your Budget Breakdown
10 Tips for Hiring Prom Pros
3 Ways to Give Back at Prom