Hosting a prom theme fundraiser is a unique and engaging way to bring people together for a great cause. Whether you’re raising funds for a charity, school event, or community project, the nostalgic prom theme can add a touch of sentimentality and glamour to the evening, connecting your audience to the cause. This blog will guide you through planning a successful prom-themed fundraiser, from décor to entertainment, contests, auctions, and more.
Sell Prom Accessories
As your guest enter the event, have an area where they can purchase boutonnieres and corsages. This is a great start to immerse them in the prom theme ambiance. You can also encourage them to purchase tickets for the Heads or Tails game or other fundraiser games. Our video playlist has other fundraiser game ideas.Our free downloadable e-book also has fundraiser games your guest will love.
Event Decor
For a prom theme fundraiser, you’ll want to transport your guests back to their high prom or allow them to create new prom memories with their spouse. Focus on making the venue feel like an actual prom with elegant and slightly whimsical décor. Here are some ideas:
Entrance
Set up a red carpet for a grand entrance. Include a backdrop for photos with fun, customizable prom banners. You can even have volunteers dressed as paparazzi to take pictures.
Lighting
To evoke a magical prom night atmosphere, create a dreamy ambiance with string lights, disco balls, and soft-colored lights.
Balloon Arches and Centerpieces
Place balloon arches at the entrance of ballroom to give a festive vibe.
Table Décor For Prom Theme Fundraiser
The tables can set the tone for the event. Consider using satin tablecloths and chair covers in classic prom colors.
Centerpieces
Floral arrangements, LED candles, or disco balls make for striking centerpieces. Add a touch of nostalgia by including old prom photos of volunteers or notable guests. Centerpieces with prom-inspired colors such as gold, silver, o school colors will make tables pop.
Table Numbers
Name each table after different high school clichés like The Jocks, The Cheerleaders, The Band, or specific graduation years.
Personalized Prom Favors
Small picture frames, custom candies, or keepsake keychains with the event’s name and date can serve as décor and a thank-you gift for attendees.
Photo Booth
Create a photo booth area with retro prom props like tiaras, crowns, feather boas, oversized sunglasses, and fun handheld signs. For memorable pictures, remember to include a prom king and queen throne.
Photo booths and designated photo areas are a great way to promote your event and spread the word about your nonprofit.
Prom Theme Fundraiser Décor Resource
Prom theme fundraiser décor can be found on Amazon by searching:
- Prom décor
- Prom decorations
- Prom decorations for party
- Prom backdrop
- Prom sign
- Disco ball
Costume Contest
Make your prom fundraiser stand out by encouraging guests to wear prom attire from different decades. The possibilities are endless, whether it’s ’80s big hair, ’90s glam, or modern chic. Offer prizes for categories like:
- Best Throwback Outfit
- Most Creative Prom Outfit
- Best Group Costume
- Funniest Prom Look
- Best Dressed Couple
This will get your guests excited about dressing up and are great photo opportunities.
Other Contests and Games For Prom Theme Fundraiser
Games and contests will keep the energy up throughout the night. Here are some fun ideas:
Prom King And Queen Vote
Charge $5-$10 per vote for prom king and queen. Guests can buy votes for their favorite candidates, making it a fun way to raise funds. Watch our voting game fundraiser video.
Dance-Off
Host a dance-off where participants show off their best or worst prom dance moves. Guests pay to enter the contest.
Food And Drinks
No prom is complete without food and drinks. Here are some food ideas that will work well with this theme. Food Classic finger foods like mini sliders, fries, chicken tenders, and pizza bites are great options. For a sweet touch, include a dessert table with cupcakes, brownies, and candy bars.
Sliders And Fries
Pizza Bites
Brownies
Cupcake And Candy Bar
Drinks
Offer a cocktail bar with alcoholic drinks and mocktails with fun names like Senior Punch, Homecoming Lemonade, Prom Punch, and Crowning Moment Mojito.
Cocktails And Mocktails
Entertainment
Music and dancing are essential for any prom-themed event. Here’s how to make it memorable:
DJ or Live Band
Hire a DJ or live band to play popular songs from different prom eras. Take requests to make sure guests get to hear popular songs.
Dance Floor
Create a designated dance floor with mood lighting and mirrors to evoke the prom atmosphere. Don’t forget the slow dance songs to recreate those classic prom moments.
Prom Memories Slide Show
Have a slideshow in the background featuring fun prom memories from local community members, donors, and volunteers.
Live Auction Packages For Prom Theme Fundraiser
Offer your guests a chance to go on the date of a lifetime withunique and luxurious live auction trips and experiences. These packages will definitely attract bidders’ attention. These consignment packages can be sold multiple times at your event, which can increase your fundraiser profits. You pay only if the packages sell. We recommend hiring a highly-skilled professional auctioneer to help maximize bids, keep the auction flowing smoothly, and remind guests of the cause they are supporting. Here are some live auction package ideas for a prom theme fundraiser:
Silent Auction Packages
Silent auctions are a great addition for this type of fundraiser. Create several baskets for attendees to bid on throughout the evening. Some ideas include:
The Date Of A Lifetime
A package that includes a stay at a luxury hotel or cabin, restaurant vouchers, and event tickets.
Sports Lover’s Basket
Include memorabilia from local teams, game tickets, and signed gear.
Home Date Night
A home date night basket is another idea to include in your fundraiser. Fill a basket or box with popular movie night items like DVDs, popcorn, movie candy, other snacks, soft drinks, popcorn boxes, blankets, etc. Decorate the box in a movie theme.
Prom Night Revival
A package that includes tickets to a local theater show, a formal dinner reservation, and limo service.
Ultimate Spa Day
Treat guests to a spa day with massages, facials, and beauty treatments.
Your silent auction can also be online by using silent auction software. This allows your donors to use mobile bidding for online auctions.
Tips To Promote Your Event And Raise More Money For Your Cause
Engage Local Businesses
Ask for donations or sponsorships from local businesses in exchange for advertising opportunities at the event.
Promote Your Event Early
Promoting your fundraiser is essential. Use social media, email newsletters, and community flyers to spread the word. Make sure people have enough time to mark their calendars and buy tickets. For tips, check out these blogs:
How to Promote Your Fundraiser on Social Media And Increase Profits
Fundraiser Tip-Use Social Media To Promote Your Fundraiser
Our video playlist is also helpful.
Use QR Codes To Promote Your Event And Raise More Money
There are numerous ways to use QR codes to promote your fundraiser and raise more money for your organization. Add them to your paper or digital gala invitation and promotional materials, such as posters and banners. Patrons can quickly scan the code to access your ticket website or online auction.
Here is an example of what patrons will see if the QR code is linked to your customized auction software pages:
Simplify Check In And Check Out
It’s important to have a smooth, simple, hassle-free check in and check out. This is key because the simplicity encourages guests to start and keep bidding in the live and silent auctions, make donations, purchase raffle tickets, and pay to play fundraiser games. At check in, guests register their credit cards and receive bid paddles, program, and table assignments.
Follow these tips, and your prom-theme fundraiser will be a night to remember for your guests and the cause you support.
Fundraiser Theme Resources
To see more fundraiser theme ideas, check out our latest fundraiser theme blogs.
We also have a free downloadable fundraiser theme e-book titled 20 Fun & Creative Fundraising Themes Your Guests Will Love.
If you need help planning a successful prom-theme fundraiser, Murad Auctions is here to help. Contact us or schedule a free consultation.