Planning a prom? Why not go bold with a Great Gatsby Prom theme! The glitz, glamour, and excitement of the Roaring ‘20s make for a spectacular night filled with unforgettable memories. From dazzling décor to elegant fashion, it’s all about turning your venue into an opulent Jazz Age party.
This guide will walk you through how to create a Great Gatsby theme for Prom that strikes the perfect balance of flair, fun, and sophisticated elegance. Get ready to throw the event of the century!
Start with the Vision: Planning a Roaring ’20s Prom Night
Every successful event begins with a clear vision and a well-thought-out plan. Here’s how to lay the foundation for your Gatsby-themed Prom.
- Set Your Budget: Decide how much you can spend on décor, favors, the venue, music, food, and more. Allocating specific amounts for each category will help keep planning on track.
- Form a Prom Planning Committee: Share responsibilities by creating a team. Create sub-committees for decorations, entertainment, invitations, and logistics to ensure that everyone contributes to the big event.
- Choose a Thematic Direction: Will your Gatsby theme exude the charm of a secret speakeasy, the luxury of a grand ballroom, or the enchantment of an outdoor Jazz Age garden party? Decide on the mood, venue type, and approximate number of attendees early on.
- Reference Iconic Gatsby Aesthetics: Think opulence. Gold, black, and silver tones with art deco patterns, vintage jazz elements, and bold, glittering accents are essentials for a Great Gatsby prom theme.
Need help organizing and planning your Prom? Anderson’s event planning platform, PromUs, can help with everything from fundraising to timelines and ticketing.
Send Out Stunning Gatsby Invitations
Your invites set the stage for the big night, offering an exciting glimpse into what’s in store. Choose beautifully designed invitations that reflect the glamour of the event. Don’t forget the matching tickets!
- Color Palette: Set a formal tone with a classic black-and-white invitation, or capture the party vibe with metallic colors and art deco patterns.
- Digital or Paper Invitations: Go with card stock invitations for a classic vibe, or create animated digital invites for a tech-savvy option.
- Include Key Info: Add the date, time, location, RSVP deadline, and a dress code hinting at flapper dresses and bow ties.
- Add a Modern Touch: Incorporate a QR code linking to a Spotify playlist or event website.
Choose a Complete Gatsby Theme Kit
Looking for decor inspiration? Check out incredible Gatsby-themed party kits available from Anderson’s. Full themes like “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” “Golden Melodies,” or “The Golden Age” make it simple to transform your venue into a fun1920s scene.
- Benefits of Theme Kits: Kits streamline the decorating process while aligning perfectly with the Gatsby aesthetic.
- Customize the Kits: Add personal touches such as unique table centerpieces or custom banners for that extra wow factor.
Add Spiffy Touches with 1920s Décor
Take your venue from basic to breathtaking with these 1920s-inspired decorations.
Ideas for an Opulent Gatsby Makeover
- Dance Floor Glam: Lay down black-and-white checkerboard paper for a dramatic, vintage dance floor.
- Accent Walls: Use art deco murals, flapper silhouettes, or vintage car standees to create eye-catching backdrops.
- Textures and Fabrics: Incorporate feathers, fringe, velvet, and metallic fabrics for added drama.
- Lighting and Height: Hang chandeliers, mini lights, and dramatic drapes to elevate the elegance.
Glam Favors and Swag Bags That Shine
Make your guests feel like 1920s VIPs with stylish prom favors.
Favor Ideas
- Gold glassware or metallic photo frames for sophisticated keepsakes
- Fedoras, feather boas, and pearl necklaces for fun props
- Personalized 1920s swag bags filled with goodies such as custom lip balm, candles, or themed accessories
Want next-level customization? Set up a DIY favor station where students can personalize their takeaway keepsakes.
Dress to Impress: 1920s Prom Attire Ideas
What’s a Gatsby Prom without 1920s fashions? Encourage students to channel their inner Jay Gatsby or Daisy Buchanan.
Encourage Guests to Get “All Dolled Up” For Prom Night
- For Ladies: sequined flapper dresses with fringe, long gloves, and bold headpieces
- For Gents: tailored suits, suspenders, bow ties, and stylish fedoras
Set up accessory stations stocked with tiaras, sunglasses, and boas for fabulous embellishments. For added fun, organize a “Best Dressed Gatsby” photo moment!
Jazz It Up with 1920s-inspired Music and Dancing
No Gatsby Prom is complete without music that gets everyone dancing. “Cut a Rug” with these song list ideas:
- Rhapsody in Blue
- It Had to Be You
- Puttin’ on the Ritz
- Mack the Knife
- Stardust
Mix these tracks into your DJ’s set list or go the extra mile with a live jazz performance for an authentic ’20s feel. Encourage students to learn the Charleston or participate in a swing dance-off.
Speak the Lingo with Roaring ’20s Slang Games
Make the party even more interactive with classic 1920s slang.
- Fun Slang Games: Share cards or apps with terms like “bee’s knees,” “cat’s meow,” and “whoopee.” Offer small prizes for the most creative usage.
- Decorative Flair: Post signs with bold quotes like, “A little party never killed nobody!”
Snap Glam Photos Worth Sharing
Give students a reason to post all over their socials with glitzy, Gatsby-style photo ops.
- Backdrop Magic: Include art deco arches, gold sequins, and vintage car props.
- Props Galore: Stock pearls, boas, faux cigars, aviator sunglasses, and feathered headbands in your photo booths or selfie stations.
- Create a Hashtag: Encourage students to tag their snaps with your unique Prom hashtag (e.g., #GatsbyProm2025).
Add the Final Touches: Timeline and Teamwork
Create a Flawless Timeline
Plan out the night with clear timelines for arrivals, dinner, dancing, awards, and the finale.
Prep and Final Check
- Assign roles for setup, sound checks, and troubleshooting.
- Build an emergency kit with tape, safety pins, first-aid, and tech backups to handle any last-minute mishaps.
And above all, remind your team to relax and enjoy the evening they’ve worked so hard to create!
Make Your Gatsby Prom Unforgettable
A Great Gatsby-themed Prom isn’t just an event; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience of glitz, glam, and timeless memories. From dazzling art deco decorations to jazz vibes that get everyone swinging, it’s the perfect way to capture the spirit of the Roaring ‘20s.
Need help turning your vision into reality? Browse Anderson’s for all your Gatsby prom essentials, including decorations, favors, and theme kits.
Get ready to make your Prom “the bee’s knees”!