Now that 2024 has kicked off, many seniors and their parents are gearing up to plan exciting after-proms and grad events to celebrate launching into adulthood! Planning your after-prom party or grad event is a lot of work, especially if you want it to go off without a hitch. Whether you’re a student planning for your class, or a parent planning for your soon-to-be graduate, here are our best tips for planning a safe, memorable, and FUN after-prom party or grad night!
And here’s the best part — We’re offering a special on a moonwalk! But run, don’t walk . . . From February 19 through 23, 2024, customers can call or email to rent a regular moonwalk for $125 (regular price $195). Book and pay now, then use the offer anytime in 2024!
Part 1: Plan the Logistics
These first tips are all about getting those necessary ducks in a row. It may not be as fun as carnival games and bounce houses, but these steps are vital to throwing a successful after-prom.
1. Plan Ahead
Don’t wait until a few weeks before to start planning if you want to throw an after-prom or grad celebration! It not only takes time to organize, fundraise, and make reservations, but you also need to give guests time to plan for your event.
2. Make it a Partnership
Successful after-prom and grad events happen when there’s a partnership! Whether you’re a student, parent, or administrator, it’s all about collaboration! For students planning an after-prom, for example, working with your school administration can make the event successful. With their seal of approval, you’re much more likely to have parents on board since they can count on it being safe. As a bonus, the administration can help you find a venue and figure out how to raise money to cover the event, and you can get permission to sell tickets on school grounds.
3. Include the Parents
All party planners — administration, students, and parents — should make sure to include parents in the event. It’s also about letting them celebrate too! Parents of graduating seniors will be so proud of their son or daughter that they’ll want to find ways to honor their accomplishments. Include parents by letting them help with planning, financing, or even supervising your after-prom party.
4. Budget and Fundraise
Throwing a class-wide party won’t be cheap, and prom costs enough on its own without adding a high-ticket event afterward. If you want students to attend, you need to keep tickets affordable—not based on your overall costs. Once you determine your budget for the event, do some fundraising to make up the difference after ticket sales. Car washes, garage sales, and bake sales are some popular fundraisers to get students, faculty, and parents involved. You can also ask parents for their financial support!
5. Book a Spacious Venue
One of the biggest priorities for planning your after-prom party is finding the right venue. The best party venues for senior class celebrations are those with plenty of space to set up a variety of activities and fun rentals. While bowling alleys or roller rinks are fun too, they limit options for entertainment and may not appeal to everyone. Instead, find a venue like a church, community center, gymnasium, field house, or large outdoor area (weather permitting!) where you will have plenty of space to welcome all the guests!
Part 2: Plan the Fun!
Now that we have all the mundane logistics out of the way, it’s on to the fun part! From concessions to activities, here are five tips for making the most of your after-prom experience.
6. Get Creative with Concessions
While most students will likely have a fancy dinner with their date before heading to prom, or at the prom itself, they will surely have worked up an appetite on the dance floor! Stock up your after-prom party with fun and convenient snacks that fit with the more casual and playful vibe. For example, a popcorn machine will keep the party hopping, and everyone loves cotton candy for some light-hearted fun! Don’t forget sodas and plenty of water to keep everyone hydrated.
7. Mix Grown-up and Silly Activities
Have a mix of entertainment to keep everyone engaged and having a blast. To embrace the newfound maturity of adulthood, set up some casino games complete with a professional dealer to set the tone. In another area of your venue, throw it back to childhood birthday parties with obstacle courses, slides, and a giant princess moonwalk! (Pro tip: If you’re a parent throwing a family graduation party, this mix of adult and kiddo-focused activities means everyone will have a blast, from the youngest nieces and nephews to Grandma and Grandpa!)
Nothing beats a moonwalk for after-prom and graduation fun! Take advantage of our special offer on moonwalks! From February 19 through 23, 2024, customers can call or email to rent a regular moonwalk for $125 (regular price $195). Book and pay now, then use the offer anytime in 2024!
8. Encourage Friendly Competition
Embracing the competitive spirit is a fantastic way to keep everyone from participants to onlookers having a blast. For those who prefer a more active approach than the casino games can provide, throw in some sporty fun with bubble soccer, a bungee run, or something completely original like our Guardian’s Galaxy game!
If your venue is more limited on space, consider breaking out the old X-Box or Nintendo gaming console with some racing games or Smash Bros. Nothing beats the classics!
9. Don’t Forget the DJ!
Music is just as important at your after-prom party as it is at prom itself! Keep the dance floor magic going with a DJ. The right DJ can take your party from drab to fab just by spinning some lively and nostalgic tunes, and our friend Mike Watts is a master disc jockey! No Kansas City after-prom party or grad party is complete without him!
10. Make Memories with a Photobooth
Photobooths make sure your after-prom or grad party is truly unforgettable! Especially with students all dressed up, it’s a perfect opportunity to snap photos! Stock up on free printable props online and set them up next to a classic photo booth for instant prints or this selfie booth with three themed backdrop options.
Find What You Need for That After-Prom Party WOW Factor!
With everything from inflatables to exciting activities and games—plus plenty of essentials like tables, chairs, and tents—no after-prom party is complete without the Fun Services Midwest treatment! Contact us to reserve what you need to make your after-prom party the highlight of everyone’s senior year.
And don’t forget our special offer on moonwalks! From February 19 through 23, 2024, customers can call or email to rent a regular moonwalk for $125 (regular price $195). Book and pay now, then use the offer anytime in 2024!
