Whether we went to prom all four years of high school or never set foot in a streamer-lined gym, many of us find the idea of an adult prom appealing. As grown-ups, reliving the prom experience is either a nostalgic throwback, a chance to shine as a more mature version of ourselves, or simply an excuse to get dressed up (because how often do we get to wear an evening gown or tux in everyday life?). Even more important for ministry: it brings young adults together for an evening of feel-good fun.
In addition to these upsides, though, an adult prom can also be a pricey, labor-intensive event. As you and your Prom Planning Committee get to work, here’s how to ensure a budget-friendly evening that exudes quality and sophistication… not high school gym vibes.
Decide a Budget
If you’ve been in ministry for a while, you know that cost is almost always a concern for events. At the outset of your planning, setting a budget (and sticking to it) is key. But remember, you can still stay flexible in terms of how funds get allocated. As we’ll discuss below, you may get a windfall donation that allows you to shuttle money from, say, your venue expenses to your entertainment expenses.
Give It a Theme
The best large-group events are the ones with a memorable theme. Narrow down a theme early! This not only gives direction to your decorating and menu selection—it sets expectations for attendees and lets them creatively customize their attire. A few tasteful, elegant options to consider:
- Roaring ‘20s
- Color themes, such as Silver and Black or Red and Gold
- Old Hollywood
- Forest Enchantment
- Around the World in A Night
Give It Time
Nobody ever whipped up an amazing adult prom overnight. To give yourself and your ministry partners sufficient planning time, schedule the event at least six months in advance.
Reach Out for Donations
Don’t be shy! We don’t just mean working up the courage to ask your crush to the prom. Rather, don’t hesitate to ask your community what they can contribute to the event.
If your young adult ministry is part of a church, see if you can make an announcement to the congregation (or print it in a Sunday bulletin) of the individual items or services you’re looking for. Be specific. Are you seeking a roomy venue like a large home, donations of flowers and décor, photography services, or live music? Your community’s resources may surprise you—and you’ll never know if you don’t ask.
Neighborhood “Buy Nothing” social media pages are another place to ask for decorations, loans of tables and chairs, and other small gifts. Posting in these groups can also help spread the word about your event and build goodwill in your surrounding community.
Finding Elegant Décor
The right décor sets the scene for an event that feels refined, not sophomoric. Adult prom elegance is attainable, even on a budget. A few decorating ideas to get you started:
- Hanging twinkle lights, not streamers
- Creating centerpieces with inexpensive-but-attractive materials like glass, wood, or candles
- Lighting the dance floor with candles and string lights instead of a disco ball or lighting rig
- Laying tables with cloth textiles
- Providing a photo backdrop set with live greenery (this can cost less than flowers)
Again, tap your network to see if anyone in your congregation or your ministry can donate décor.
Selecting Quality Catering
For an elegant event, food matters! Some menu items exude refinement… others scream “last-minute Super Bowl party.” If you’ll be serving dinner, appetizers, desserts, and/or drinks at your adult prom, get quotes from multiple caterers well in advance — and be sure to let them know you’re looking for bites that are tasteful (in every sense of the word).
On the other hand, if the budget for food is limited, consider serving one course only, like dessert. You can create a gorgeous dessert bar without hiring a professional. Scope out the options at local bakeries or even big-box retailers. Think cheesecake, chocolate mousse cups, fruit tarts, or tiramisu.
Give the Evening a Schedule
A quality event needs a schedule. Give attendees a heads-up beforehand of when they can expect each component of the evening (like dinner, dancing, and live music) to begin and end. This keeps your adult prom running smoothly — and sends everyone home on time, savoring the memories.
