Prom is an enduring high school tradition and as the tradition moves forward schools are looking to put a more personal twist on each year’s prom night. Dramatic themed decorations are growing in popularity as schools work to top last year’s events.
Stumps, a South Whitley, Indiana Prom and Party Company, supplied the first memory books to high schools via its catalogs starting in 1926.
“The memory booklet started with Stumps and is a tradition that we would like to see high schools keep alive at their Proms,” Jacquie Downey, Director of Business-to-
Memory booklets are a way for schools to create keepsakes out of information such as the event details, Prom Court, senior superlatives, and other fine points about the students in attendance. As Prom evolves so do memory booklets, now available in metallic materials, encased in confetti or glitter pouches, or in prints to match Prom themes.
Today, Stumps supplies the decorations, favors, memory books and other items for 8 out of 10 high school Proms in the United States. Prom season typically lasts from the end of April through the middle of May, although some West coast and some East coast schools hold Proms during the end of May through early June.
As new traditions for Prom are created, the cost for many of the events is on the rise. Prom expenditure varies by location. Some schools spend as little as $5000 on their Prom and others spend over $25,000. Costs per student or per couple can also vary, but many couples spend over $400 on tickets, limos, dinner, flowers and after Prom events.
Themed Proms are an increasingly popular trend. The top themes for 2007 included Hollywood, Masquerade, Parisian, City and Star themed dances, using elaborate decorating kits to transform prom venues.
Prom favors are also keeping up with new trends. This year Stumps introduced iPod cases to their collection of personalized Prom favors. Schools could choose plastic, vinyl or latex cases for iPod Video, iPod Nano, or iPod shuffle and imprint the cases with their Prom information. Some cases included space for students to add their own Prom photo. Another trendy new favor added this year is a cell phone stand that could also accommodate an iPod and be personalized.
The best selling favors of 2007 included:
1. Personalized picture frames
2. Personalized photo albums
3. Mint tins
4. Key Tags
5. CD Cases
After Proms are growing in popularity, keeping kids together after the Prom in a safe but fun environment. Schools can carry their Prom theme over to the After Prom event, or choose a separate theme to surprise students at the door. Popular After Prom themes include Casino, Luau, and Hollywood decorations.
“Prom is still the ultimate night for high school girls, many hoping to be crowned Prom Queen. For a lot of students, it’s the night to look forward to all year and the perfect time to be with that one special person or a large group of friends,” Downey said.
