Jelly-o marshmallow candy ice cream. Chocolate cake topping cupcake gingerbread tiramisu gummi bears cake soufflé jelly.
Preparing for a high school dance can be both exciting and challenging for parents, so I have created a comprehensive guide to help you navigate every step of the process. As a mom who’s been through high school dance seasons several times, I’ve learned over the years that it’s an important event for teens that definitely requires some planning. Here’s how you can help your teen have a fantastic, safe, and memorable dance experience. Be sure to scroll down to the end of this post to download my School Dance Checklist.
Start with a Conversation: Is the Dance for Them?
Before getting into the details, talk with your teen about whether they genuinely want to attend the dance. Some are excited about dressing up and having a night out, while others might feel uninterested or pressured. It’s important to let them know that it’s okay not to go if they don’t want to attend.
High school dances are also an opportunity to teach your teen about social etiquette. Encourage them to ask their date in person rather than through a text. It’s a small gesture that shows confidence and respect.
Discussing Dance Plans
If they decide to go, discuss the evening’s plans, including their group, transportation, and return time. Emphasize safety, whether they’re driving or carpooling. Make sure they understand rules like following curfews, wearing seat belts, and cell phone safety while driving. For younger teens, like ninth graders, it’s often necessary for parents to help with transportation, so be clear about those arrangements.
Teens often have good intentions when planning, but coordinating a large group can be challenging. Coordinate with other parents to ensure everyone is on the same page about dinner reservations, transportation, photos, and afterparty plans. A quick text or call can clarify details and help the night run smoothly, ensuring everyone’s safety. Personally, I’ve found that it’s really helpful to talk with other parents about the night when preparing for a high school dance. Even if it’s a quick text to confirm the order of events and curfew time.
High school dances often require more preparation than you might expect, so it’s best to start early. This includes making dinner reservations if your teen plans to eat out with their group, as popular spots fill up quickly. Boys may need a haircut or new shirt, while girls often shop for dresses. Consider ordering dresses online and returning what doesn’t work. Be sure that shoes and accessories are planned out and ready to go.
It’s important that your teen feels confident and comfortable in their outfit. For girls, find a dress that fits well and follows the school’s dress code. For boys, this means a sharp suit or blazer with well-fitting shoes. Comfort is also key—dances can be long, and no one wants to spend the evening in shoes that are too tight or a dress that’s hard to move in. Encourage your teen to break in new shoes ahead of time and for girls consider packing a pair of flats if they’re wearing heels.
Selecting flowers for a high school dance is a nice tradition that adds a special touch to the evening. While wrist corsages and boutonnières are the classic choice, small hand-held bouquets for girls are becoming a popular alternative. Encourage your son to take the lead by asking his date what color flowers she prefers or what color her dress is, so he can coordinate the arrangement. Picking up the corsage or bouquet himself is a practical way to teach responsibility and thoughtfulness. For girls, be sure that they order a coordinating boutonnière for her dance date.
Night of the Dance Photos
One of the most enjoyable traditions is taking group photos before the dance. Whether you choose to host this at your house, another friend’s home, or at a scenic local spot, it’s a great way to capture the memories. Make sure to communicate with your teen and the other parents to agree on the best location and time.
Hosting an After-Party at Home: Tips for a Memorable Night
When preparing for a high school dance afterparty, planning for refreshments is key! Plan a sophisticated yet kid-friendly menu. It’s also great to have a table and chairs set up for the kids to hang out and enjoy their refreshments. Here’s a curated list:
Encourage parents to collaborate on purchasing and preparing items or to drop them off at the host’s house. This makes preparing for a high school dance stress-free and enjoyable for everyone. I’ve linked all of my favorite items for this area in each section.
For a lively atmosphere, include a mix of outdoor and indoor games. Outdoor options like cornhole or giant Jenga are great for encouraging friendly competition and laughter. If the weather isn’t cooperating or if you want to keep things inside, consider setting up indoor activities like ping pong or karaoke.
A well-stocked snack station is a must for any teen party. Think mini sandwiches, chips, fruit skewers, and veggies with dip. These options are easy to grab and keep everyone fueled up for hours of fun. Arrange the snacks in a way that’s visually appealing and easy to access, keeping the setup simple and convenient.
Provide a variety of drinks for party guests. Water, soda, and lemonade are perfect choices. Consider setting up a self-serve beverage station where teens can help themselves, adding a fun, independent element to the gathering. Glass Bottle cokes are fun- and a big tub of ice of individual drinks is the perfect setup for teens! The mini cans of coke and sprite are also great for parties.
A hangout area is perfect for when teens want to take a break from the main activities. Set up some seating where they can relax, chat, and enjoy a quieter moment with friends. This space gives them a chance to unwind and enjoy the party refreshments.
Get your teen involved in creating a music playlist tailored to their friends’ tastes. Having them take charge of the music ensures the playlist will be a hit. Plus, it’s a great way for them to feel more involved in the planning process.
Simple yet effective decorations can transform your party space. String lights, lanterns, and balloons are easy to set up and create a festive, inviting atmosphere.
Create a self-serve goodies table with items like glow sticks, small bags of candy, and chips or pretzels. This gives guests easy access to snacks and fun items throughout the night. A cookie cake sliced and ready to go would also be a party hit for teens!
Make clean-up easy by setting up a small dedicated area with trash bags and paper towels. This not only helps keep the space tidy throughout the party.
For older high school students, particularly juniors and seniors, a traditional home party after a dance might seem a bit too “extra.” At this stage, they might prefer to go out after the dance on their own. Consider suggesting alternative options that are safe and fun while also cater to their independence. Be sure to make reservations for these outings:
If they do decide to have a home party, reassure them that you’ll respect their space and stay behind the scenes.
It’s essential to talk to your teen about making good choices on dance night. High school can bring pressures, including the temptation of alcohol or risky behavior. Remind your teen that they can always call home if they find themselves in a situation where they feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Let them know you’re just a phone call away, no matter the time or place. This is always an ongoing conversation at our house, and on the night of a dance- it’s always important to emphasize.
High school dances are memorable experiences for your teen. By staying involved and communicating openly with your teen and other parents, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable night. Your support and preparation make a significant difference in their experience. I’ve linked some items here that I hope will be helpful when preparing for this fun teen milestone.
I’ve created a handy checklist of must-do items for dance prep— I hope it will be helpful when preparing for your upcoming high school dance!
Download Here : High School Dance Prep Checklist
Join the Party: Where Milestones Meet Memories! Subscribe to my blog for a dose of party guides, inspiration, and fun!