How to Throw a Luau-Themed Prom Party

It's time for prom, and you want to have a party. Here are some ideas for a party with a Hawaiian Luau theme.

Invitations - The best way to start with your theme is with your party invitations. For a luau, the best thing you can do is either make or find invitations with big flashy Hawaiian flowers or hula dancers. Printing them yourself might be your best option, but make sure they convey the mood that you want to set for your party.

Locations - Decide where you want to have your party. If it's possible, poolside or on a beach would be best for a luau, but there are plenty of ways you can make any location work. If you don't have a pool, you might even be able to borrow a kiddie pool from someone!

Decorations - Decorations are what will set the mood at your party. For a luau, many party stores carry lots of products! String up lights (Christmas lights will do, too, no need to buy new ones!) on fake palm trees, get some pink flamingos to stick in the lawn. If you have something suitable, try to get some hay from a local farmer or farm store, and make a cabana. Don't be afraid to use food as decoration, too. Pineapples are great for this! Get a bag of leis, those flower necklaces, too. They can be very inexpensive, and everyone will have something to take home. Tiki torches are also a very nice touch.

Music - Use your Google-fu and find yourself some Hawaiian music online. Make a mix of it, and hook it into your sound system. If you want to have some modern music, too, go ahead and mix that in there.

Food - For your luau, try tropical fruits like pineapple, kiwi, mango, passion fruit, anything at the grocery store that is exotic, even if it's not authentically Hawaiian, will work. Hawaiian sweet bread is easy to make, and tasty too! A pig roast might be out of your budget, but ham is a good meal. For other snacks, try nuts (macadamia nuts especially). Banana bread is also very easy to make, and a traditional luau food! Here are more ideas for luau food.

Drinks - Punch in a big bowl is a great drink for luaus. If you'd prefer to have single drinks, buy pineapple juice, coconut milk, and other kinds of juices. Have a "bar" with the different drinks lined up so people can make their own concoctions. For a nice touch, get some paper umbrellas for the drinks. They're available at most party goods stores.

Have a safe and happy prom!