Debutant Ball and Prom Party Planning
There’s something about proms and debutant balls that’s almost magical. You know, crystal chandeliers, a grand ballroom, an old-fashioned waltz and an orchestra playing the best ballroom music. Just thinking about proms and debutant balls make me think of sequined dresses and high heels.
It’s a time to dress up and a time to celebrate youth. Moms and dads spend tons on gowns and tuxedo rentals. More cash is splurged on accessories. Weeks are spent dieting to fit into the dresses (which are almost always a few sizes too small). And most expensive of all, moms and daughters take trips to the salons and beauty parlors to make sure that all the skin they show will be flawless (who has time to worry about acne solutions when it’s crunch time?).
If you get hired to manage or plan a prom, you should be aware of the demands of the job…
Tips for Planning a Prom or a Ball
If this is your first time planning a party, you’re in for the most hectic event of your life! To help you manage the details of a prom or a ball, here are some tips.
1. Create a Flawless Program
Streamline the process from the entrance of the celebrants, to the first dance, the speeches and the awarding ceremonies (for proms). Moreover, make sure you have every detail on paper for your program or invites. The guests will always want something to do during the party. They want to know when the speeches will come, when to stand up to dance, and when to go to the powder room to retouch. Make sure the party program isn’t chaotic.
2. Classy Caterer
Get a caterer that has extensive experience in handling crowds. This way, you’re sure that they know how much food to prepare, how to set up the buffet tables and how to handle the guests that go for seconds. You should never worry about running out of food for this type of party. Even if you’re just serving cocktails, the appetizers and drinks must be overflowing and abundant.
3. Plan for Two Parties, Not Just One
The thing about these formal affairs is that there are two segments: the party itself and the AFTER PARTY. This is important to note because your clients (or their kids) might want to spend more time together after the party is over. The after party is the time for everyone to unwind and recap the night’s events. It’s also a time for everyone to spend more memories, take photos and get wasted without doing it in the ballroom or the parking lot.
It’s safe to pitch the idea of an after party during the consultation process to avoid haphazard planning. If none of the celebrants want to host the after party, check for hotel suite budget.