Prom Decor on the Cheap

It's getting close to that time of year again. With Prom 2008 just around the corner, prom committees should be in full swing preparing for that all important day. While decorating for prom is by no means a task for the faint of heart, the process becomes even more difficult when you are working with a limited budget. When ordered from prom and party retailers, a typical themed décor kit can cost anywhere from $800 to $2000. For many students attending smaller schools, this high cost simply is not feasible. Have no fear - there is a solution to this problem. With a little creativity and a lot of hard work, anyone can mimic a professionally decorated prom. This is how you do it.

Step One: Select a Theme

This is the most important decision that the prom committee will make. In order to be successful, you must choose a theme that is easy to work with. If you are completely lost, try a good brain-storming session with several students and any available teachers. Remember, the theme should revolve around a memorable and unique title, appropriate decorations, distinguished colors, and a meaningful song. While any prom theme is left to the discretion of the prom committee, the following is a list of themes that are relatively easy to decorate for: Black and White Ball, A Night in the Clouds, An Evening of Stars, Tropical Paradise, and Cupid's Ball. If you would prefer to have more creative control over the theme, think along the lines of popular song titles.

Step Two: Select the Colors

When color-coordinating your theme, it is important to keep it simple. Unless you are going for a tropical theme with lots of vibrant hues, it is usually best to stick with two to four complementary colors. This becomes important when you are looking at tablecloths and table settings. As a rule of thumb, the primary color should be used for all tablecloths, while each remaining color should be used as an accent of some sort.

Step Three: The Main Attraction

No matter what your theme is, you will want to have a few large decorations that will take center stage. If you are working with limited finances, this is the place where you will have to get very creative. There are two relatively inexpensive items with which you can create almost anything: Gossamer and PVC Pipes. Gossamer is a versatile material that is available in several different sizes, colors, and textures. You can buy gossamer that is pre-patterned to look like water, bamboo, clouds, ivy, stone, or stars. PVC pipes can be cut, bent, and power-drilled together to make a frame of almost any kind.

Looking to make a realistic volcano? Construct the volcano shape out of PVC pipe. Using the stone patterned gossamer, weave the material in and out of the frame until you achieve a rock effect. With a hollow inside, all you need do is add a small piece of orange gossamer, a fan and a small light to give life to the "flames," and a bucket of dry ice or a fog machine to complete the smoky look of an erupting volcano.

Do you have a staircase at your disposal? This is the ideal setting for a gossamer waterfall. Using the water patterned gossamer, drape the material down the staircase until you achieve a cascading effect. Add several balloons in shades of blue, green, and white along the bottom of the "waterfall." When illuminated by twinkle lights, the balloons give the appearance of froth and foam.

Step Four: The Details

Sometimes the little touches really do tie everything together. No matter what your prom theme may be, dozens and dozens of twinkle lights will only add to its beauty. Twinkle lights and votive candles are two relatively inexpensive items that greatly add to any special event. Bundles of helium-filled balloons will also do the trick. Think outside the box when purchasing balloons. Many card and party stores offer balloons in hues of deep-shade, metallic, neon, snowflakes, and stars. Another popular idea is to purchase a balloon bag, which enables you to release a shower of balloons at a particular time - maybe during that special song I mentioned earlier.

Step Five: The Pictures

Many people go to the trouble of ordering a professional mural to use as a backdrop for prom pictures. When considering this option, it is important to stay mindful of any artistic students around campus. Many art students will jump at the chance to showcase their talent in such a manner. They may also have some creative ideas for decorating on the cheap. It is to your advantage to include these people, even if they are not actually a part of the prom committee.

When planning a prom, a good rule of thumb is to think creatively! Feel free to use those retail catalogs to get ideas, but bear in mind that almost any type of decoration can be replicated with a little bit of hard