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THE HOMECOMING GUIDE
Homecoming Guide: Advice for Attending Homecoming
When the new school year begins and summer turns to fall, it’s time to start thinking about homecoming! Depending upon your school, homecoming traditions might vary, but to help you get the most out of these hoco traditions, PromGirl presents this survival guide for homecoming! Discover helpful homecoming preparation tips, from who typically attends homecoming and how to budget homecoming costs, to what to wear to the homecoming dance! You’ll also find homecoming advice that explores spirit-week traditions, including building parade floats, cheering at pep rallies, crowning the homecoming court, and attending the homecoming football game. But let’s focus on the homecoming dance! Which homecoming dress will you wear? Make the most of the welcome back celebrations by exploring this homecoming survival guide from PromGirl for all things hoco.
THE HOMECOMING GUIDE
Homecoming Guide: Advice for Attending Homecoming
When the new school year begins and summer turns to fall, it’s time to start thinking about homecoming! Depending upon your school, homecoming traditions might vary, but to help you get the most out of these hoco traditions, PromGirl presents this survival guide for homecoming! Discover helpful homecoming preparation tips, from who typically attends homecoming and how to budget homecoming costs, to what to wear to the homecoming dance! You’ll also find homecoming advice that explores spirit-week traditions, including building parade floats, cheering at pep rallies, crowning the homecoming court, and attending the homecoming football game. But let’s focus on the homecoming dance! Which homecoming dress will you wear? Make the most of the welcome back celebrations by exploring this homecoming survival guide from PromGirl for all things hoco.
Usually homecoming (hoco) is a week-long celebration of school spirit for high school students. It is an annual tradition in the U.S. that includes a variety of activities leading up to a homecoming dance. All homecoming activities are centered around bringing the community together and celebrating school spirit! For most high schools, homecoming occurs at the beginning of the school year. Homecoming events may include a pep rally, a parade, a football game, and the homecoming dance. With the school marching band leading the way, the homecoming parade builds tons of excitement for the game and may feature handmade homecoming floats. If you attend the homecoming football game, find yourself a seat in the bleachers, surround yourself with current classmates and past alumni, and support your school while celebrating the senior football players. Even if you’re not a huge football fan, you can still enjoy the adrenaline and excitement of the crowd with your friends! As much fun as the game is, the homecoming dance is something you won’t want to miss. From start to finish, homecoming is sure to be unforgettable.
Why Do We Celebrate Homecoming?
Homecoming is celebrated every year to show school spirit and support for your school’s athletic teams, with a special shout out to the senior class for their last year of high school! The original idea for homecoming came from the director of athletics at the University of Missouri around 1911. Chester Brewer proposed that inviting the alumni back (having them “come home”) to an annual football game would boost school spirit. While it’s not clear who held the first homecoming celebration, these activities quickly became popular at college campuses across the U.S., and eventually the tradition was adopted by high schools. Today, even middle schools have adopted this fun tradition. So be sure to join in on your school’s homecoming festivities because it’s a tradition you won’t want to miss!
What Is the Homecoming Court?
The homecoming court is usually made up of a homecoming king, a homecoming queen, and additional court members. Who are these people? Well, you and your fellow classmates! Any student can typically nominate himself/herself for homecoming king or queen, but just be sure to check out your school’s participation requirements first. Some schools might require you to maintain a certain grade point average, have good attendance, and/or have a good disciplinary record. Also, a lot of schools only allow seniors to run for king and queen. Once the initial group of participants is narrowed down, nominees will be announced and students will have the final vote. Depending upon your school, sometimes the homecoming king and queen are announced at the football game, and sometimes they are announced at the homecoming dance! The runners-up become the rest of the homecoming court. If you are running for your school’s homecoming king or queen, good luck! If not, be sure to show your support and cast your vote!Family, friends, alumni, and students can all attend various homecoming events. Most high schools will typically hold pep rallies, spirit week, the football game, the crowning of the court, and the homecoming dance. Usually, all students are welcomed and even encouraged to attend these fun-filled festivities as a show of support and camaraderie for the high school. In-school activities, like pep rallies, spirit week, and the hoco dance, are often limited to students and faculty. Alumni, family, and friends from other schools are often welcome to attend special sporting events or parades held outside of school. So celebrate with everyone at the homecoming parade, cheer on your school’s football team under the stadium lights, and then put on your homecoming party dress and have a great time with your classmates at the dance. Since some schools may set specific rules for who can attend homecoming, it’s important to check with your homecoming committee before inviting guests to any event.
What Grade Is the Homecoming Dance in High School?
The homecoming dance in high school can be for all grades or just upperclassman, depending upon the school. Do freshmen go to the homecoming dance? If your school allows it, freshman should definitely go! Many schools allow freshman, or first-year students, to attend the homecoming dance as a way to meet upperclassmen and embrace their new school’s spirit! Depending upon the size of your school and the breakdown of the classes, there may be a separate homecoming dance for underclassman and upperclassman. Be sure to check with your homecoming committee for all the hoco dance details before you buy your ticket! Whether you are a freshman or an upperclassman, the homecoming dance is a time to have fun with friends old and new.Wondering how much homecoming is going to cost you? Attending the hoco dance could simply mean paying the price of your ticket. If you want to splurge on an all new homecoming dress, shoes, hairstyle, makeup, a fancy ride, professional pictures, and more, then you can expect to spend a few hundred dollars. Beyond the ticket cost, you get to decide how much you want to spend on homecoming preparations based upon what’s most important to you (and your budget, of course!). Whether you want to get a better idea of the potential expenses or you want tips for budgeting and saving, check out the homecoming advice below.
How Much Should You Budget for Homecoming?
If you’re wondering how much you might spend on the homecoming dance, there are a few expenses to keep in mind. The must-have items include the dance ticket and what you are going to wear. After that, it’s all optional! Prices may vary by school and by region, but here are a few typical expenses for you and your date to consider:Tickets: $15-$30 each (unless included in an activity fee paid at the start of the school year). Some schools will also discount tickets if you purchase for a date or with friends!
Dress: $0 - $150+. Wear your favorite semi-formal dress from your closet or splurge on a new semi-formal dress.
Slacks & Dress Shirt: $0 - $100+. Wear a set you already own, invest in a new dress shirt and slacks, or go all out by buying or renting a suit.
Shoes: $0-$80. Go for a pair you own, score a great deal on $30 dress shoes, or spend upwards of $80 on designer heels.
Hair: $0-$80+. Splurge on a chic updo at the salon, or save by having a friend style your hair for free.
Nails: $0-$30+. Polish your own nails for the cost of the polish (or no cost at all if you already own the perfect color!) or have them done professionally for $30 and up.
Some hoco attendees may also want professional pictures, flowers, dinner, and transportation, and the prices of these can vary by the options you choose. Whether you want to keep it simple or go all out for the homecoming dance, remember to have fun and make memories!
How to Make a Budget for Homecoming
When you want to create a budget for homecoming, start with the must-haves: dance tickets and a cute homecoming dress or outfit. Then, add in the cost of any extras like accessories, homecoming shoes, hair and nail prep, or additional planned activities like dinner. When budgeting for homecoming, here are some homecoming costs to consider. If you find a dress you like and the price is a little higher than you budgeted for right now, shop with an online dress retailer that uses Afterpay (like PromGirl)! Afterpay gives you the option to buy what you want today, but breaks up the payments into four equal installments, interest-free. For more information on this payment option, check out some FAQs here. From the dress and tickets to homecoming preparations such as hair and nails, choose the things that are most important for your homecoming experience.Then, make a list of these items and the potential cost for each. Next, add up the costs and make sure it’s a price you are willing and able to spend (even if you can pay for some things, like the dress, in installments). Is the total a bit over the budget you set? Don’t worry! There are many ways to save on your homecoming expenses. Check out the tips below for saving on homecoming costs.
Homecoming on a Budget: How to Save on Homecoming Costs
Wondering how you can save on homecoming costs? Let’s start with the dress. You can find plenty of beautiful homecoming party dresses for under $100, so you do not have to budget hundreds of dollars for your hoco dress. Don’t believe us? See for yourself here! Also, treat your homecoming dress as an investment by choosing a style that you can wear again for another semi-formal event. One dress, one price, multiple chances to shine! Next, it’s time to consider how to save on the extras: your hair, makeup, and nails. You can always go with the do-it-yourself (DIY) method or trade off doing hair and makeup with your friends. Homecoming is usually a semi-formal or semi-casual dance, so when it comes to transportation, go casual and save the limo for prom. Cut costs by carpooling with friends or asking a family member for a ride. Another great way to save for homecoming is to take pictures with your phone. When you forgo the photographer, you have your photos instantly for posting on social media and can trade selfies and group pictures with your friends later (plus, you know your best angles!). Be sure to make room in your budget for after hoco fun too! Keep costs low with simple, fun activities like a sleepover or a bonfire with friends. However you choose to save on your homecoming costs, you can enjoy a carefree night of fun at the homecoming dance when you stick to your budget.Not sure what to wear to homecoming? Let this section of PromGirl’s Homecoming Guide offer advice on all things trending in hoco fashion. Generally, girls wear short semi-formal dresses, but fresh and flirty styles like rompers and jumpsuits are popping up at homecoming events, too. Most guys err on the side of formal and wear a suit to homecoming, but at a more casual hoco dance, ditch the jacket and go for a collared shirt and tie. Dress to impress in a homecoming party dress that fits comfortably, flatters your figure, and matches your school’s dress code and formality level for the event. Read on for more great advice on what to wear to homecoming.
What Style of Dress Should I Wear to Homecoming?
When it comes to choosing a homecoming dress, it’s best to start by following the rules . . . school dress code rules, that is! You want to make sure you don’t get turned away at the door because your fashion is just too bold, so be sure to check with your homecoming committee first for the do’s and don’ts of hoco dress styles. Maybe cut outs are out, but illusion fabric is in (you won’t know until you ask). Confirm the rules and check your homecoming flyer or ticket stub to see if you’ll need a casual, semi-formal, or formal dress for the dance.Next, you’ll want a dress that expresses your personal style. Prefer a whimsical vibe? Go for youthful designs, like fit-and-flare or high-low dresses. Is standing in the spotlight your calling? A homecoming dress with sequins or glitter is sure to have you sparkling under the lights. If you’re not sure what dress will look best on your body type, check out some tips here to help you choose a hoco dress style that flatters your figure best. One last consideration for your dress is color, and, when it comes to hoco, anything goes! Choose a homecoming dress in sunshine yellow, radiant red, or crisp white. Wait . . . can you wear white to homecoming? You sure can! Whatever you choose, just remember to pick something you’ll be comfortable in when it’s time to get down on the dance floor.
Are Homecoming Dresses Long or Short?
Homecoming dresses can be long or short, so check your school’s dress code to see if your hoco dance has a dress length requirement. Most homecoming dances are semi-formal or even semi-casual occasions. If your school’s hoco dance is semi-formal, then a homecoming party dress or even a short formal dress will fit right in. If it's semi-casual, a casual long maxi or short party dress will do. While you don’t have to wear a short dress to homecoming, wearing a long dress in a formal prom style to a semi-formal homecoming dance might look out of place. At most high schools, hoco dances are a casual kick off to the school year, so semi-casual long dresses or short homecoming party dresses match well to the event. Homecoming is the first major event of the school year, so whether you choose a cute casual dress, a semi-formal maxi dress, or a statement-making long formal dress, just make sure you check the dress code first!
Do I Have to Wear a Dress to Homecoming?
Although it might not be required to wear a suit or dress (check your school’s homecoming dance dress code to be sure!), homecoming is one of the few dances of the school year, so it’s a great opportunity to dress up and have fun with friends. One of the best things about wearing a dress to homecoming is that dresses are super easy to accessorize. So, skip the separates and opt for a cute high-neck hoco dress or a short formal shift dress. Do you want to show your school spirit without having to slip into a dress for the occasion? For a comfortable, yet stylish alternative to a traditional homecoming dress, wear a romper or jumpsuit. Bonus: These cute and trendy styles are easy to accessorize as well! The most important part of homecoming is to have fun, so if you feel more comfortable wearing a romper or jumpsuit, go for it.Now that you’re making plans for the homecoming dance, it’s time to pick out your hoco dress! When you’re searching for the perfect dress, it’s best to start as soon as possible. Shopping online is an excellent way to find a variety of cute homecoming dresses at affordable prices. Explore these tips and more homecoming advice below to make the most of your hoco dress shopping experience. Ready to start looking for your homecoming dress now? Shop PromGirl’s selection of homecoming dresses!
When Should I Buy My Homecoming Dress?
You should buy your homecoming dress early! The earlier you buy your homecoming dress, the better chance you have of getting the exact style and color you want before anything sells out. Generally, homecoming events take place in late September or early October, so you’ll want to start shopping for dresses right when you go back to school. Is it the off-season and you’re too excited for homecoming to wait? If you’re thinking ahead, you should look for a cute hoco dress on sale! Shopping in the off-season allows you to score great deals on dresses. Buying your dress in advance gives you plenty of time to get any necessary alterations done to ensure your desired fit, as well as extra time to match up the perfect shoes and accessories to complete your look. When it comes to dress shopping for major events like homecoming, it’s always better to plan ahead. However, if you’re not big on planning, don’t stress! You don’t have to buy that far in advance to find your perfect homecoming dress. If you shop online, you just have to select a dress that is in-stock and ready to ship to have it on your doorstep in just a couple of days!
