Homecoming is one of the most popular events of high school, and this dance is widely anticipated by students as the first event of the year. However, choosing a homecoming theme can be overwhelming, as there are many ideas out there that could inspire you to create a wonderful night.
Our article gives you an overview of the most popular homecoming themes to choose from so you can start to think about what this dance might look like.
Does Homecoming Need to Have a Theme?
Homecoming doesn’t necessarily need to have a theme, though giving a theme for this event instead of just a scheme of colors or something similar can make it much more fun for everyone. With a homecoming theme, you can pick out decorations that perfectly match, fun photo backdrops, and props that create an immersive experience and a memorable homecoming night.
When Is Homecoming Typically Held?
Unlike prom, which is usually held at the end of the school year, homecoming is held within the first few months of the school year. This event is typically highlighted by a week of fun events leading up to a sports game – whichever sport is most popular at your school – and then a banquet or dance after the game.
Most schools will host their first home sports game and homecoming event in the months of September and October.
Homecoming Themes for Your Event
There are plenty of different homecoming themes for you to choose from. Below, we give you an overview of our favorite homecoming themes you could use at your next event:
- School Spirit: School spirit is one of those themes that totally embraces your school, including your school’s colors and mascot.
- Masquerade: Masquerade parties are perfect for homecomings held in October and feature ball decorations and fun masks.
- Garden Party: Garden party themes feature lots of greenery, pastel colors, and fun hats as photo props.
- Starry Night: Starry night themes are more traditional and feature lots of dark sky colors with bright star decorations.
- Hollywood: Perfect for a glitz and glam homecoming, Hollywood is the perfect cocktail-party style homecoming theme.
- Paris: Paris, or another fun European destination, makes for a great homecoming theme with food and decorations matching the city.
- Casino: Interactive casino tables, lots of black and red, and fun casino-themed food and drinks complete this theme.
- Carnival: Perfect if you want your homecoming to have lots of bright colors, tent-themed decorations, and even animal or circus props for photos.
- Disco: One of the trendiest homecoming themes, disco features great 1970s music, colorful decorations, and throwback styles.
Who Is in Charge of Picking the Homecoming Theme?
Typically, there is a committee of students and teachers that collaborate to choose the homecoming dance theme, or a selection of top themes that students are then allowed to vote on.
However, every school handles this process differently, and you will need to check with your teachers directly to learn more about picking the homecoming theme and if it is possible for you to get onto the committee that is in charge of organizing homecoming.
Does My Homecoming Dress Need to Match the Theme?
While your homecoming dress doesn’t necessarily need to match the theme of the dance, as this would be more like a costume party, there is nothing wrong with choosing a dress that is in your school colors (as recommended by Sherri Hill’s experts) or something similar to the theme.
For example, if your school is hosting a masquerade-themed homecoming, you will want to make sure that you get a masquerade mask that features your dress; your dress could also be more elegant and ball-ready. On the other hand, Hollywood themes may call for more cocktail-dress attire, while carnival and disco themes mean lots of fun and eye-catching colors.
Making the Most of Your Homecoming
Homecoming is one of those staple events in high school and sometimes college, and it’s important to be well-dressed and ready to make memories at this dance.
For your homecoming, you may be in charge of picking the theme, or you may simply be ready to purchase a ticket and dance the night away. Either way, with some careful preparation and a homecoming dress that is suited to your personal style, you are sure to look great and have fun all night long.