How to Plan Entertainment for a Homecoming Party

Homecoming is one of the greatest high school and college traditions, normally centered around a home football game. This is an invitation for the school's current students and former alumni to "come home" and celebrate together. The entertainment at the Homecoming party, often a dance or a banquet, is an important part of the tradition and can be remembered for years.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Choose a theme with the rest of the planning committee. Many Homecoming parties have themes such as "Retro" or "Mardi Gras." This sets the mood, makes decorating more fun and gives party-goers a chance to dress up.

2. Know you budget.

3. Know your size. Is this party located in a grand ballroom or the basement of your house? Look at the number of people invited and plan accordingly.

4. Decide whether to have a DJ, live music or both. Consider a live "Battle of the Bands" with a prize for the winners, or book local bands whose members are alumni.

5. Create a dance floor. Some people will want to dance while others mingle. Creating a space to dance will provide options so that everyone can have fun.

6. Decide which games and contests to hold. Depending on the theme, you could have a blackjack or poker table, a scavenger hunt, a costume contest or a King/Queen, Prince/Princess nomination and awards ceremony. You want to get the crowd involved!

7. Hire a magician or have some students demonstrate their own magic tricks. Again, go with what your budget allows.

8. Coordinate with those in charge of food and decorations to make gift bags and hold raffle drawings for special Homecoming cakes or table centerpieces. Winners will love taking home a part of the memory.

Tips & Warnings

• Promote the party by hanging fliers on public bulletin boards and asking the local newspaper to run an advertisement. If your party is small, hand-addressed invitations will be more appropriate. Whatever the size of the party, do not assume people will know about it if you neglect to promote it!
• Have a backup plan for any acts hired. If a singer gets sick or a hypnotist cancels at the last minute, having an amateur DJ or talent competition lined up eliminates stress.
• Decide whether or not to offer alcohol and have an ID system to eliminate underage drinking. Offer a ride home program if alcohol is served.
• Remember that the party is a Homecoming celebration. Congratulate the sports team if there was a game, thank the alumni and chaperones and keep the crowd updated on the night's activities and changes. Let everyone know that the celebration is worth coming back to every year!
• Avoid having too many Homecoming entertainment acts booked. You want to have enough options, but overloading can lead to chaos.