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Summer vacation is officially starting, and I know the last thing we want to think about when school *just* ended is next school year, but we can't forget what's in a few short months... That's right. It's almost homecoming season! As the first formal event of the school year, homecoming sets the tone and lets everyone, from the shyest freshman to the most confident seniors counting down the days until graduation, know that the homecoming committee came to slay. There are so many details that go into planning the perfect dance, starting with choosing the perfect homecoming theme.
Finding the right homecoming theme is more than just telling everyone to show up wearing specific colors. It's a thoughtful process that considers so many different factors. Will your theme be based on your school's mascot? Is there a viral trend that's blowing up on your TikTok FYP? Is there a movie or a time period that you want to recreate? Do you want to send a meaningful and inspiring message now that all your school activities are in-person full-time for the first time since the pandemic? Once you check off all those boxes, then you have to think about fun things like picking the right tableware and what you'll be gifting as party favors, choosing between a DJ or a curated Spotify playlist, and picking out the perfect backdrop that will have everyone posting the most savage Instagram captions.
No matter what your homecoming theme inspo is, the best part of the preparation process is doing your best to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and has the best night ever. Perhaps your homecoming committee already started planning for the big night. Or maybe you're still looking for the perfect suggestion to make this the biggest night of the school year. Either way, get ready to be the talk of the school after you check out this list of homecoming themes that will help you create the most memorable night ever.
Red Carpet
Somebody call the paparazzi, the stars are beginning to arrive! 🤩 Everyone will feel like a total celeb when you roll out the red carpet for this year's homecoming.
What you need:
Sock Hop
We're bringing it way back for this one. Welcome to the 1950s! Transform your high school gym into a real sock hop complete with poodle skirts, records, and a jukebox.
What you need:
Downton Abbey Tea Party
Pinkies up, darlings! You'll need lots of floral print and pastels for this theme. Don't forget the finger foods and, of course, tea.
What you need:
Vintage Tea Party Floral Paper Party Cups and Plates, $41.99, amazon.com
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Yule Ball
Transform your school into Hogwarts and host the annual Yule Ball. Deck the space out with wintery decor and Hogwart house crests for a super easy and fun Hoco.
What you need:
Mamma Mia!
If you've been on TikTok lately, then you know a Mamma Mia! themed bash is an ultimate serve. With inspiration from the musical Greek setting, bright blue hues, and vinyl records, your class will be partying like Donna and the Dynamos in no time.
What you need:
Mini Vinyl Record Music Party Decorations - 30 Pieces, $8, amazon.com
Disney
Turn your school's big night into a fairytale by making homecoming a Disney theme. Take inspiration from all of the classic Disney tales, and your guests will feel like princes and princesses.
What you need:
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Bridgerton Ball
You don't need Lady Whistledown to tell you that Bridgerton has basically taken over the world (seriously — there's even a pop-up café in LA). If you burn for Bridgerton, whip out some floral china and tapered candles. This theme will also give everyone an excuse to dress in gorgeous ballgowns and suits.
What you need:
Variety Pack of Vintage Floral Paper Plates, $20, amazon.com
Superheros
Who says Spiderman and Thor get to have all the fun? Turn your homecoming into a night straight out of the comic books and plan a colorful superhero-themed dance.
What you need:
Beistle Hero Action Sign Cutouts, $7.53, Amazon
Rectangular Polka Dots Disposable Plastic Tablecloths, $2, walmart.com
Night in Neverland
Join Peter Pan and the Lost Boys in Neverland with this whimsical theme. Decorate the space with tons of white feathers, fake plants, and garlands along with a green and gold color scheme. Bonus points if you manage to incorporate Neverland's favorite pixie, Tinker Bell into the decor.
What you need:
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Casino Royale
Tell the boys to grab their tuxes because a casino royale-themed homecoming will have everyone dressing to the nines! Set up some card games around the event (no gambling with actual money, of course), and deck out the gym with red and gold to really bring the luxe factor. Your guests will forget they're not in an actual casino.
What you need:
Playing Cards, Poker Size Standard Index, 12 Decks of Cards, $16, walmart.com
Artificial Silk Fake Flowers Rose Flower, $14.58, amazon.com
Tropical
Although homecoming takes place in the fall, a tropical theme can bring back the heat. Bright colors, pineapples, and palm trees can make any place feel like an island. The only thing that'll be missing is the beach.
What you need:
New York City
Bring the Big Apple to your high school with a New York City-themed dance. Decorate the gym with all of New York’s biggest landmarks and the classic NYC subway. Stick with Manhattan classics like pizza and hot dogs for the food, and all your guests will walk away with full stomachs and huge smiles.
What you need:
Personalized New York City Subway Sign, $39.99, Oriental Trading
New York Subway Cardboard Stand-Up, $97.99, Oriental Trading
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Alice in Wonderland
Send your guests down the rabbit hole with a whimsical Alice in Wonderland-themed homecoming. Get lots of clocks, mushrooms, and of course, tea cups for a magical night in Wonderland.
What you need:
Assorted Size Giant Paper Peony Flowers Decor for Centerpieces, $10, walmart.com
Disco Fever
With stars like Dua Lipa and The Weeknd bringing back vintage sounds in music, it only seems fitting to match your HoCo vibe. Spruce up your space with colored lighting and 70s-inspired disco balls.
What you need:
Broadway
Bring the glitz and glamour of Broadway to homecoming and make all of your guests feel like stars. Don't skimp on the twinkly string lights and make sure to highlight all the Broadway classics in your decorations.
What you need:
21 Piece Set: Personalized Broadway Musical Theater Tony Awards Photo Booth Props, $55, Etsy.com
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There's No Place Like Homecoming
Break out the yellow brick road and all of the red glitter you can find. A Wizard of Oz-themed homecoming is unique, kooky, and magical. Turn your gym into an emerald city by draping green fabric on the walls and DIY a big hot air balloon to pull the gym together.
What you need:
Carnival Chic
Alexa, play "Circus" by Britney Spears. Homecoming is one of the most fun events of the school year, and what's more fun than a circus? Not only can you bring on the stripes and primary colors with this carnival theme, but you can also include snacks like peanuts and cotton candy.
What you need:
Paris
Amp up the romance with a Parisian-themed homecoming. With a big Eiffel Tower at the center, the rest of the decorating will be easy. Just grab some strings of lights (because it’s the city of lights, of course), and don’t forget the French macarons!
What you need:
Fairy Light Flexible Mini Lights, $9, Walmart.com
Eiffel Tower Banquet Centerpiece Decoration, $3, Walmart.com
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Fairytale
Your guests will feel like princesses and princes at this enchanted dance. Really pump up the romance with string lights and lot of flowers. When you crown the homecoming king and queen at the end of the night, make sure they have a proper throne to sit on.
What you need:
Garden Party
Get classy with a garden party-themed homecoming. Since real flowers can be expensive, stock up on some plastic ones and just go crazy! Use a pastel color scheme with green as the main color. If you’re feeling extra whimsical, decorate the ceiling with umbrellas.
What you need:
Samantha Olson
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Sam is an assistant news editor at Cosmo, covering all things pop culture, entertainment, and celebrity news. She previously covered those same topics along with health, lifestyle, and beauty at Seventeen. When she isn't draping her cheeks in blush, you can probably find her live-tweeting awards shows or making SwiftToks.
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Carolyn Twersky is an associate editor for Seventeen covering celebrities, entertainment, politics, trends, and health. On her off time, she's probably watching Ru Paul's Drag Race, traversing NYC for the best donuts, or, most likely, enjoying time in her favorite place in the world: her bed.
Jasmine Washington
Assistant Editor
Jasmine Washington is an Assistant Editor at Seventeen, where she covers celebrity news, beauty, lifestyle, and more. For the past decade, she has worked for media outlets, including BET, MadameNoire, VH1, and many others, where she used her voice to tell stories across various verticals. Follow her on Instagram.
