What’s the Difference Between Homecoming and Prom?
By: Cha Monterona
Table of Contents
Homecoming and prom are memorable high school events that are highly anticipated by the students since they bring them together and are filled with fun activities like dancing and even dressing up. These events are both traditional since they have been here for a long time, but they are distinct in many ways. Whether you are a freshman attending their first homecoming or a senor who’s excited for prom, this article will help you understand the main difference between these events to help you prepare for each event accordingly.
Origin and Purpose
This is one of the biggest difference between the two. Homecoming is held in the fall and is typically meant to welcome back alumni and celebrate school spirit. Most times it is centerd around a football game and other activities like pep rallies, spirit days, and parades which take place throughout the week with the dance being part of this large celebration.
Prom is held in spring and is more formal than homecoming, marking the end of the school year. The event is considered a rite of passage for juniors and seniors, symbolizing the end of their high school era. Unlike homecoming, prom is a one-day dance that emphasizes elegance, romance, and glamour.
The Dance Experience
While these events feature music and dancing, their overall experience is significantly different. The dance vibe at homecoming is mainly energetic and fun since they feature upbeat and popular music and people are allowed to dance in groups. This encourages the students to let loose and enjoy the dance without any formalities.
Prom is quite different and has a more sophisticated feel because it is a more romantic event. The music includes some popular music but mostly slow music, which creates a more relaxing event. Students are allowed to bring a prom date, and there is often an expectation of formal dinner arrangements, professional photography, and even grand entrances.
Traditions and Activities.
These events also feature their unique set of traditions and activities. For homecoming, the traditions include:
Pep rallies involving students gathering to show school spirit before the game
Parades with floats, marching bands, and student groups performing a celebratory procession.
Homecoming court, where students vote for a homecoming king and queen who are crowned during halftime at the football game.
The football game is the highlight of the homecoming week bringing the school community together to cheer on their team.
For prom, the activities are more formal and elegant; they include:
Promposals are basically creative ways that students ask someone to be their date for prom.
Grand entrances where couples or friend groups are allowed to make big entrances when arriving at the venue.
A dinner involving all students just before the dance starts.
A prom court where the students are allowed to vote for a prom king and queen
After-parties are also a famous occurrence where the students attend after-prom events to celebrate more.
Costs and Expenses
The expenses of the two events are significantly different. For homecoming, there’s less costs since students are required to wear semi-formal attire, meaning they don’t have to spend any money on dresses or suits. The tickets are also affordable and since the event is in school no costs for venues or catering are incurred lowering the cost of this event further.
Prom requires a higher budget compared to homecoming since students are required to wear formal attire, which requires them to buy dresses or tuxedos for the day. Makeup, hair, accessories, and tickets are also part of the costs that they need to incur. Some students also choose to rent limousines or any other expensive types of cars to make a grand entrance and later dine in upscale restaurants after or before the event, which makes the event significantly different from homecoming. Saving in advance helps you have the prom of your dreams, so students opt to start saving early.
These events have different purposes and take place at different times of the year, making them all unique in their own way. Homecoming is perfect for a fun event that celebrates school spirit, while prom is more formal for seniors who are graduating soon. Choosing the right attire for both events is essential, and investing in the right accessories and makeup to match the event should be at the top of your to-do list. Remember, they are both events that mark a milestone in your high school journey, so embrace the excitement and ensure you make memories.
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