How to Create a Budget for Homecoming

The first thing you'll need to decide before planning homecoming is what your budget is going to be. Your budget will allow you to decide what you can reasonably spend on decorations, food, entertainment, a venue and activities. Homecoming is a time to really showcase your school's unique and spirited personality, and truly creative people can create stellar events while staying within time and budget constraints.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• List of homecoming activities
• Potential fundraising events
• Homecoming committee

Seek Advice

1. Ask last year's homecoming coordinator what budget she feels would be appropriate. You can also ask what she would do differently, to avoid falling into the same money traps.
2. Talk to the school treasurer to find out what monies have been alloted to homecoming.
3. Bring all homecoming committees together, including the decorating committee, the dance committee and the activity committee. Find out what their financial needs are, and ask for cost-cutting suggestions.

Raise Money to Support Your Homecoming Activities

4. Hold a bake sale, a car wash or other fundraising event if you want a bigger budget for homecoming. This is a chance to make new friends and build school spirit.
5. Call alumni and request donations, if school regulations permit. Even a few hundred dollars can buy a lot of supplies for a memorable homecoming.
6. Create excitement for homecoming by soliciting fund-raising suggestions from the student body. If you notice students who are not participating, consider approaching them and asking their advice. The best ideas don't always come from the loudest corner, and homecoming is for everyone.

Be Frugal and Creative

7. Encourage homecoming committees to create events and decorations that use materials already available. Ask the drama department to loan set props, and the art department to create pictures that set the mood. The students will probably cherish the opportunity to show off their talents and get involved.
8. Ask your school's economics or home economics teacher to help you create a realistic, practical and complete budget for the big event. He or she may appreciate being asked, and you have a pro right at your fingertips.
9. Invite parents and alumni to help create decorations. After all, homecoming is all about brining old students back to their alma mater. While parents and alumni take a trip through memory lane, you'll have a rich source of extra helpers on hand to get things into shape.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a comfort cushion in your budget for emergencies, such as favors or decorations that don't show up on time and must be purchased elsewhere in a hurry

Who Can Help:

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