ReTRo HouSeWiFe

SURVEY OF THE DECADES - CHILDREN & FAMILY 2000s:

 The Prom Mom

When I went to my high school prom back in the 1980s, I never gave a thought as to who went to all the trouble of organizing and paying for our lovely dance. My main concern was my dress, and which pre-dance and post dance parties to attend.

Now, as the mother of two high-school age children, I was recruited by the Moms Organization (technically, it is a "parents' organization...but you know how that goes!) to be on the "Prom Committee". I happily accepted, even though my oldest is only a sophomore, because after my experience on the "Winter Dance Committee", I realized what a major undertaking pulling off a successful event is!

If I am going to be a real help when it is my kids' turn, I figured, I better get my feet wet now.

Organizing the Prom - Task List

1. Reserve a location - We are now starting to plan the prom for the Class of 2009. The first item on the task list is to decide on a location to have the prom. The good locations get taken early, so it is important to start early! Proms can be a little tricky because the kids don't drink alcohol, which is how most establishments make their money, so they often charge a large fee to make up for this. One local nightclub wanted $25,000 - which is a budget buster!

   Here is what we need to consider in choosing a prom location:

   1. Size - the establishment must be large enough to accommodate the party. Our class is small so we only have to plan for 100 - 125 guests.
   2. Location  - We would like a beautiful location, something special to commemorate all of the hard work the kids have put in over the years.
   3. Cost - Obviously the cost has to fit our budget - which is about $20,000 for the entire event!
   4. Time Restrictions - Many venues have limits on the duration of the party, or have an early closing hour. We need a location where we can stay at least until midnight.