Homecoming Checklist

23 items · Lifestyle · Easy difficulty · 2 weeks

Get ready for homecoming: tickets, guest forms, dress code, outfit, flowers, photos, dinner, rides and what to carry on the night of the dance.

• Find the dance date, start time and end time

  Check the school website or the morning announcements, and note the game and spirit week days too.

• Find out when ticket sales close

  Some schools sell no tickets at the door, so missing the deadline means missing the dance.

• Clear any fines or holds that block a ticket purchase

  Overdue library books, unpaid fees and attendance problems can stop a sale at some schools.

• Buy your ticket
• Turn in a guest form if your date goes to a different school

  Many need a parent signature, and some need sign-off from your date's school, so allow a few days.

• Read the dress code
• Set a budget with whoever is paying

  Add up ticket, outfit, flowers, dinner and photos before buying any one of them.

• Decide whether you are going with a date, a group or both
• Pick your outfit and try it on with the shoes

  Dance in the shoes at home for ten minutes. Blisters show up fast on a gym floor.

• Book any alterations
• Order a corsage, boutonniere or mum

  Florists get busy the week of homecoming. In Texas and parts of the South the custom is a mum, which can take a while to make, so start early.

• Tell the florist the outfit colors
• Reserve dinner for the group, or plan a dinner at someone's house

  Restaurants near the school can fill up early on dance night.

• Choose a photo spot and a time to meet there

  Allow about 45 minutes. Parks and school grounds can get crowded in the hour before the dance.

• Plan the ride there and the ride home

  Name a driver for each direction and the time you will be picked up.

• Agree on a curfew and any after-party plans with parents
• Plan your hair, makeup or haircut appointments
• Charge your phone fully on the afternoon of the dance
• Pack a small bag with your ticket, student ID and some cash

  Add a phone charger, lip balm and any medication you need.

• Eat something before you leave

  Dinner may be early or skipped, and a crowded gym is hot.

• Check the re-entry rule before stepping outside during the dance
• Text your ride when the dance ends
• Hang up the outfit and return any rentals on time

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