If you're planning prom, choosing the right place to get your prom supplies is a big decision. Where you shop and what you choose will depend largely on your budget, your decorating space, and your theme. Before you choose a prom supply company, make sure you have considered your options thoroughly.
Types of Prom Supplies
When you first start looking for a prom supply company, you'll need to consider what types of prom supplies you're looking for. Below is a beginning checklist of things to consider while making your shopping list.
Prom Theme Kits
Theme kits are nice for those who have little time to spend decorating, or who feel they have little creativity. Theme kits come in a variety of themes such as countries, Under the Sea, the circus. . .if you can imagine it--there is likely a whole kit you can buy. In general, you will find that a theme kit will include:
- A backdrop mural for your chosen theme.
- Props to complete the scene.
- Some type of archway under which you stand for a photo.
Some advantages to going with a theme kit are that it's easy to put up and be done with decorating. With that said, it is expensive; a complete theme kit will run you about a thousand dollars. In addition, if you want to get the whole school involved and help save on costs--you might want to consider asking the art department to create your scenery instead.
Prom Favors
You'll want to make sure you plan your favors well so that everyone has a souvenir to remember their special night. You can go with a prom supply company, but most wedding companies will also do prom favors. Be aware some companies that sell prom supplies will give a discount if you order everything from them.
Gossamer
You can do all sorts of things with gossamer--even change a gymnasium into an incredibly elegant setting! Gossamer is a shiny decorating "sheet" that you can use to cover walls, ceilings and create dramatic backdrops. Consider it a 'must have' if you're not getting a theme kit.
Prom Accessories
Attention to detail shows your prom guests that you've worked on creating an evening to remember. Consider some of these accessories:
- Lamp posts
- Ice sculpture
- Punch fountain
- Confetti for the tables or floor
- Archway for the entrance
- Fresh flowers
- Lighting
After you've made the list of your supplies and thought about what you'd like to have, it's time to start shopping for the perfect supply company.
Questions to Ask Prom Suppliers
Don't just go with the first supply company you see in the phone book. Shop around and make a list of possible options. Don't assume either that you need to just go with one company. By shopping around you can get incredible deals and afford the prom you really want to have. Make sure to ask these questions when shopping for your prom supplies:
- Do you offer any discounts?
- Who is responsible for setting up special decorations such as fountains?
- Do you deliver to the prom site? (If you're ordering from a local company but having your prom elsewhere--this is an important question to ask.)
- Do you offer any guarantees?
- Can we cancel or change our order?
It is important to be thoroughly acquainted with the company's return policies as well so make sure you and your advisor read the fine print. If you're just ordering things that can be delivered in advance to your school, there should not be a contract. However, if your items need to be delivered the night of the prom, then the company should give you a contract stating where and when the delivery will happen, along with a phone number if you have any problems.
Where to Find Prom Supply Companies
If you're budget conscious, before you head to a general supply store, consider going local. For example, if you want fresh flowers, see if you can strike a deal for deep discounts in exchange for advertising and sending prom goers there for boutonnieres and corsages. If you're looking into an ice sculpture, see if you can't go through a wedding supply store by sending guys to them for tuxes.
If you are limited locally or find merchants are not willing to strike a deal, here is also a brief list of companies that sell prom supplies:
Stumps Party
Stumps Party store offers huge discounts based on how much you purchase, and gives 20% off to new customers. Prices range from $5 for small supplies to up to $300 for large props. Their prom supplies include:
- Invitations and tickets
- Balloons and banners
- Lights and wall decorations
- Flowers, vases, and greenery
- Candles
- Arches, lamp-posts, and columns
Anderson's
Anderson's has a huge prom supply selection. Prices range from under $5 to up to $1000 for large supplies and gift sets. Supplies include:
- Invitations and wristbands
- Swag bags
- Curtains and fabric
- Candles
- Sunglasses and lanyards
- Masks, key-chains, and photo frames
- Candy and a candy bar setup kit
- Drink-ware and glassware
- Themed decor
Prom Nite
Prom Nite has options for proms on a budget, as well as clearance supplies. Prices range from around $5 to up to $1500 for a complete theme decor kit. They offer tons of themes such as Gatsby night, Hollywood, Masquerade, Paris, International, Casino, Glow, Fairytale, and Ballroom to name a few. Supply options include:
- Balloon decorating kits
- Invitations and tickets
- Crowns, sashes, robes and tiaras
- Drink-ware, candles, glassware, tableware, and vases
- Keychains, swag bags, photo frames, and bags
- Paint, markers, chandeliers, curtains, and centerpieces
Shindigz
Shindigz offers free shipping to online orders over $49 and gives $50 off of orders over $299. This store has themed prom supplies, after prom supplies, and always has clearance items available. Prices range from around $5 to up to $350. Supply options include:
- Photo booth decor
- Balloons, banners, fabric, lighting, and hanging decor
- Invitations, tickets, and swag bags
- Candy, chocolate, key chains, mugs and tumblers
- Centerpieces, glassware, tableware, table skirts, plates, cutlery, and napkins
- Curtains, thrones, letter sets, and columns
Finding Great Supplies
Take your time during your search for awesome prom supplies and decorations. Keep your budget and theme in mind during the shopping process and enjoy this special event. With supply shopping tackled, it's time to start considering prom gifts.
