Going to prom is a milestone in a high schooler’s life. One minute, they're dancing, laughing, and having fun with friends, and the next, they're graduating and going on to the next stage in their lives. If you’ve been asked to help with this magical night, the prom theme ideas below are sure to provide a lifetime of memories for all who attend.
Select One of the Top Prom Themes for Your Upcoming Prom
1. Great Gatsby Theme
Great Gatsby is all about the 20s, and it’s one of the hottest themes for prom night. Many proms in 2014 had this theme because of the movie that came out the year prior, and you can gain a bit of inspiration on Pinterest. Elegant dresses, black tuxedos, and the right décor will make this theme one to remember.
2. Starry Night Prom Theme
Celestial high school prom themes are a popular choice. Simple yet elegant and dreamy, opt to decorate the space with lights, moons, stars and, of course, inspo from Van Gogh’s Starry Night painting. You'll find a lot of décor ideas that match Van Gogh’s vision perfectly.
3. Black and White Theme
Ready for a spectacular night? A black-and-white theme is all about contrast. You can have black and white balloons mark the entryway, take black and white photos, and have a checkerboard dance floor. Many schools go the extra mile with dresses in this color scheme.
4. Phantom of the Opera
A timeless prom option is the Phantom of the Opera. Men can wear a mask, but you can create the perfect space with:
- Roses
- Flameless candles
- Curtains
- Gold accents
If there’s room in the budget, the dance floor can be transformed into the Phantom’s lair.
5. Paris Theme
Paris, or any destination, such as Rome or Greece, can be recreated for a prom theme. This theme revolves around decorating the backdrop, and what better than the Eiffel Tower to fill the backdrop of the space?
String lights, gold accents, and the right music will help bring this theme to life.
6. Enchanted Forest Prom Theme
An enchanted forest adds a lot of green and plants, vines hanging from the ceiling, and soft lighting to the space to make it magical. This theme can really come to life if you have the opportunity to host the prom at an outdoor venue, by lighting up trees and having a dance floor under the stars.
7. Ocean Theme
You'll find the ocean theme or under the sea is a common choice in movies. This theme transforms the space to make it feel like students are underwater. Blue lighting, student-made starfish, fish décor, and more should fill the room to transform it into an underwater world.
8. Indoor/Outdoor Carnival Theme
A night at the carnival? This is one of the most unique prom themes we wish that we had at our school. You have so many options here:
- Games for non-dancers
- Cotton candy stands
- Popcorn
- Carnival music
9. Masquerade Prom Theme
A masked ball is always a major hit among students, and there are so many options to choose from with this theme. You can transform the space into an 18th-century mansion with:
- Décor fit for a castle
- Masks for all attendees
- Chandeliers
- Flameless candles
- More
10. Country Theme
Country themes are definitely location-specific, but they’re also a ton of fun and perfect for a night of dancing and fun. You can choose a rustic venue (barn if available), add hanging lights and lanterns, wildflowers, hay bales, and more.
11. Decades of Prom Theme Ideas
Poll the students and see what decade they like best. A lot of schools have proms that use vintage décor and mimic a time period, such as the 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, etc. This is a great way to get the class involved and feel like they have a say in how they’ll get to celebrate the occasion together!
12. World Traveler Theme
Traveling the world during prom is as magical as it sounds. Different rooms can be decorated like a certain destination, or you can decorate each wall of the venue to match a location, such as:
- France
- Italy
- Caribbean
- Greece
- Germany
- Anywhere you choose
13. Cosmic Theme
Cosmic or “out of this world” themes are also great options. You can use stars, planets and lots of hanging lights to create this theme. Bright-colored lights and accents work exceptionally well here.
14. Retro Diner Theme
Diner themes and retro proms are in style, and Riverdale can be credited for this. You can have:
- Checkered flooring
- Booths to sit in
- Diner food
Be sure to include neon lights and milkshakes to bring the theme together.
15. Night in the Clouds Theme
Sky-related décor items, like hanging clouds and blue moonlight, are perfect for this theme. You can have sun and moon rooms if you want to create the day and night feel.
16. Fairytale Experience
The fairytale theme is a lot like the enchanted forest, but you can add a variety of colors. Blues, purples and pinks are the main color choices for this theme. Add beautiful lighted archways, enchanting music, and a themed photo booth for an extra bit of fun.
17. Superhero Theme
Some schools opt for comic book themes and others love superheroes. If a superhero movie came out recently, this may be a fun option. Decorate the walls to look like Gotham, have Superman fly through the room in another area, the Hulk in another and don’t forget about the countless other superheroes including:
- Wonder Woman
- Green Lantern
- Batman
- Wolverine
18. Bohemian Theme
Do the students at your school love funky décor and styles? Boho chic or free spirit themes are great choices. Wooden décor, flowers, and a specially curated playlist will help you get into the vibe of this theme.
19. Night at Hollywood Theme
Students will want to feel like the center of attention on this special night. An evening in Hollywood is a theme with red carpets, paparazzi (or photographers), spotlights, and even a “Walk of Fame” with student photos and names.
20. Big City Theme
The big city theme is an easy one to create. You can transform walls into any major city skyline with uptown and downtown sections, “bridges” on the floor for kids to walk over, the Statue of Liberty, and more.
21. Disney Movie Theme
Depending on the year, you may or may not have a great Disney movie to use as inspiration for prom. When Frozen was released, many prom decorations included:
- Blue dresses
- Blue and white balloons
- Flooring that looked like ice
- Snowmen
- Icy light fixtures
22. Night at the Museum Theme
A fun choice for prom is to have a night at the museum theme. Famous pictures and paintings with cutouts for kids to put their heads in, fake marble statues, checkered floors, and artwork can turn the venue into a fun museum.
23. Classic Theme
The classic theme can include old cars, fancy dresses, neon lights, and a period feel with disco lights and great music.
24. Royal Theme
Princes, princesses, and jesters? Oh my. This is a theme that is elegant and timeless. You can opt to have crowns, tiaras, and carriages outside to greet the royal court.
This theme is perfect for schools that name a “king and queen” at prom because the attendees are all members of the court.
25. Western Theme
Western themes work better in some locations than others. Cowboy boots, old tavern-style décor, and country music will make this the perfect night for everyone who attends.
26. Winter Wonderland Theme
Turn your venue into a shimmering dreamscape with a Winter Wonderland theme. Think twinkling fairy lights, faux snow, crystal centerpieces, and an icy white-and-silver color palette. Students can dress in elegant blues, silvers, and whites while dancing under snowflake chandeliers. Hot cocoa bars and snow-globe photo booths complete the magical atmosphere.
27. Fire and Ice Theme
Create drama with contrasting elements—one side of the venue decorated in fiery reds, oranges, and gold with flame effects, while the other features icy blues, silvers, and crystal décor. The dance floor can be the meeting point where these opposing forces come together. This bold, visually striking theme makes for incredible photos and an unforgettable atmosphere.
28. Arabian Nights Theme
Step into a world of color and luxury with rich fabrics, hanging lanterns, and jewel-toned cushions. Incorporate gold accents, Moroccan patterns, and desert-inspired backdrops. A lounge area with floor seating and ambient lighting will make the space feel truly magical.
29. Casino Royale Theme
Bring the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas to prom night! Deck out your venue with poker tables, playing cards, and elegant red-and-black décor. Students can dress in their finest formalwear, reminiscent of James Bond sophistication. Just remember—keep the games for fun, not real gambling!
30. Festival of Lanterns
Inspired by Asian lantern festivals, fill your venue with hundreds of glowing paper lanterns in various sizes and colors. Warm lighting, floating lantern centerpieces, and a wish-writing station where students can pen their hopes for the future create a meaningful, luminous atmosphere. This theme photographs beautifully and feels both festive and reflective.
31. Ancient Greece Theme
Channel the elegance of ancient Greece with marble columns, gold laurel wreaths, and white drapery. Use ivy, olive branches, and candles for décor, and encourage guests to dress in Grecian-inspired outfits. A “Mount Olympus” backdrop or columned photo area makes this theme feel truly divine.
32. Tropical & Beach Paradise Theme
Bring the beach & tropical paradise indoors with palm leaves, flowers, tiki torches, and bright, summery décor. Pineapple centerpieces, mocktails served in coconuts, and steel-drum music make this feel like a destination getaway—no plane ticket required.
33. Garden Theme
Transform your venue into a blooming paradise with a Garden Theme, making one of the most fun prom themes. Fresh or silk flowers in abundance, trellises adorned with climbing roses, and garden-inspired centerpieces create an elegant, romantic atmosphere. Consider incorporating vintage garden elements like birdcages, watering cans, and rustic wooden signs.
Make Prom Night One to Remember
The prom theme ideas above are sure to help you come up with a night filled with magical memories that will stay with attendees for the rest of their lives. Ready to bring your prom vision to life? Create a Celebration.com registry to easily collect contributions for decorations, entertainment, and all the special touches that will make your prom unforgettable.
Whether your students prefer whimsical fairytales, elegant ballroom styles, or college-inspired Greek life themes, there’s a perfect prom idea for every personality and dream.