42 Totally Original Prom Themes That Will Blow Your Classmates Away
Use one of these and you already won prom.
Calling all prom committee members. You may be itching to pull off over-the-top promposals and figure out which dress you'll wear to the big bash, but there are a few important things to accomplish before the real fun begins. The first things on your agenda should be securing a date, locking down the perfect venue, and coming up with the ultimate prom theme.
Selecting the perfect prom theme is a huge part of the planning. It helps determine what people might wear, the music they'll listen to, and the overall vibe of the night. Think about it for a sec. You can transport your classmates into another world with themes inspired by cities like Paris or laid-back aesthetics like an enchanted forest. Maybe there's a throwback era your classmates are obsessed with, like the disco era or The Great Gatsby. No matter what prom theme your committee chooses, it's important to ensure whichever one you choose is meaningful and something your classmates would be proud of.
If you are on the hunt for a prom theme and don't know where to begin, take a look at these super original prom themes to make sure your big night is one to remember.
Shipwrecked
Put a spin on the classic underwater prom theme by decking out the gym in shipwreck decor complete with shimmering lights, mermaid gowns, chocolate coins for treasure, and pirate props for all of those selfies you'll be taking.
'50s Night
Spend a night at the sock hop with these iconic light-up signs, convertible cars, and jukeboxes. Serve old-fashioned milkshakes with striped straws, set up a retro photo booth background, and wear your best '50s-style midi dress.
New York, New York!
What's more glamorous than a glittering, sweeping city skyline? Your NYC-themed prom is the perfect excuse to put on a black tie dress and decorate with all things Big Apple-related, from a red carpet photo booth to Manhattan street signs.
Countryside Cabin
Grab all the hay bales and wildflowers you can find for your country-themed prom. The whole room will look super rustic and cozy. Bonus points if you can actually have the event in a barn!
Enchanted Forest
The key to this theme is green, green, and more green! Make your prom venue look like a gorgeous magical forest with moss-covered floors and vines hanging from the ceiling. It should look like a fairy could fly in at any moment.
Moulin Rouge
Yes, Paris is a classic prom theme, but why not mix it up by making the theme Moulin Rouge? Make sure to get lots and lots of feathers, some windmills for photo ops, and drape the whole room in red. Your classmates will feel like they traveled back in time.
Decades
Dance your way through the decades with this super cute prom theme. The decorations will be so colorful and there will be tons of photo opportunities throughout the night. Of course, a disco ball is a must for this theme.
Dripping in Luxury
Make your classmates feel like royalty for a night with this luxurious gold and diamonds theme. Really go all out with the gold color scheme — and don't skimp on all of those jewels.
Fire and Ice
This prom theme is the crashing of two worlds. Asks your guests to choose a side: fire or ice, and see what theme-inspired outfits they show up to party with. You'll probably want to get some appropriate decor too, like these icy blue flames.
Gothic Castle
Halloween may be months away, but that doesn't mean your prom night can't be spooky fabulous. Make your prom glamorous, yet totally creepy with a mystery castle theme. To bring the idea to life, you'll need gothic decor like candlebras, chandeliers, dusty books and some castle cutouts like this one.
Around the World
Tell your guests to get their passports ready because they'll need a plane to get to this prom. The prom attendees will be able to travel the globe in just one night with this around-the-world theme. One cool idea is to have different stations where guests can pick up finger foods of different worldly cuisines. Don't forget to decorate with travel-related items like this free-standing globe to make the theme feel complete.
Safari
Take your guests on an adventure by making your prom safari-themed. You'll need lots of greenery and a statement piece like this wild arch cutout to set this theme in motion. Your guests will be able to experience the thrill of majestic animals like lions and panthers without getting too close for comfort.
Woodsy Garden Party
Prepare to live out your "Folklore" fantasies with this gorgeous and rustic garden set-up. It gives an elegant cabin vibe, especially with the details of the draped fabric and twinkling lights. Bonus points if your celebration is being held outdoors.
Disco Fever
Make your prom night one to remember by taking your guests back in time to the era of disco. Your guests will be dancing the night away under disco balls and on top of colorful floor panels. Make your theme really authentic by asking people to come dressed wearing 70's attire.
Out of This World
Prom should make you feel out of this world, hence this incredible theme. With these bright accents and colored lights, you can't go wrong. Take this theme to a whole other level by hanging planets and rings overhead — you can thank us later.
Cosmic
On the topic of feeling out of this world, this space theme will make it seem like you're in a different galaxy. Hang up planets over the dance floor and make everyone feel like they are the center of the universe for the night. This gorgeous moon will really set the scene and will glow on the prom-goers throughout the night.
Cruise Ship
Want your prom to feel like a nice night out at sea without the motion sickness? This theme will sail you across the ocean without having to leave the gym. Make sure to add a gorgeous backdrop so you can enjoy the "sunset" throughout the night!
Venice Night
No need to go to Italy to have a romantic gondola ride. This theme makes it easy to have the best picture perfect moment as if you're really in Venice. Couples will be super excited to take a photo that looks like they're riding through the Venetian canals.
Tropical Nights
If you want to feel like you're ~on an island~ then you should totally consider this theme. The vivid color palette and palm tree accents give the ultimate beachy vibes — who wouldn't want to feel like they're on vacation during prom?
Comic Book
Even Peter Parker got to go to his prom when he was Spiderman. Have everyone be a hero for a night with this theme that will definitely set your school apart from the others. Use these comic book bubble signs to give people the chance to add a personalized touch to their photos.
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