How to Throw The Best Adult Prom Party

Why do the teenagers get all of the fun? Adults should be able to have an adult prom party with fancy food, music, formal outfits, and maybe even some adult beverages.

An adult prom party would be so fun as an anniversary party, birthday party, or a just because party.

It would be a perfect dinner party as well, followed by dancing of course.

Here you will find elegant prom party food, drinks, music, decor, and even some outfit ideas.

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Example Itinerary for an Adult Prom Party

You will want the experience to feel like prom. Make the party yours, of course, but here is a great outline for how to organize your adult prom party event.

1. Welcome your guests with a happy hour – appetizers and drinks. You can turn on some music to set the mood, but keep it low as it’s not dancing time yet and you want your guests to socialize.
2. Open the photo booth – your guests will want a way to remember their special night!
3. Serve an entree. If your real prom didn’t serve a sit-down meal, you likely went out with your date and maybe a group of friends to eat.
4. Open the dance floor!
5. Once your guests have danced off some of their calories, it’s time to serve dessert.

Adult Prom Party Decor

Adult Prom Party Photo Booth

Many of us probably still have our prom photos stored away somewhere. Let’s bring back the fun of prom photos and make a prom photo booth.

If you don’t want to hire a photographer, you can still have fun taking professional looking photos using an iPad photo booth machine.

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Even fancier is the trending 360 degrees photo booth, which you can own at home for probably the same price as a professional photographer.

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You will want a photo backdrop and some props for your prom party photos. Here are some themes to get you thinking about what you’d like to do:

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XLL Early 2000s Theme Backdrops Night Sky Star Universe Space Starry Photo Background Galaxy Stars Children Boy or Girl Birthday Party Photography Backdrops Cake Table Banner 7x5ft

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PartyDelight Sparkly Gold Sequin Backdrop Curtain 6Ft x 6Ft Photography Party Event Back Drop

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WR Purple Light Spots Backdrop Dreamy Glitter Dots Halos Photography Background Girl Birthday Party Baby Shower Decor Banner Video Photo Studio Props, 7x5FT

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Sotiff 4 Pcs Prom/Grad Column Standup Photo Booth Prom Decorations Prom/Grad Night Party Decor for 2024 Graduation Decorations Supplies (Black Gold)

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Kathfly 4 Pcs LED Prom Letter Lights 3D Extra Large Prom 2024 Light up Sign Marquee Letters Prom Decorations for 2024 Graduation Party Supplies(White)

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Room & Table Decor

My prom had lots of tall tables scattered around the room so you could lean against it and place your drink on it. If you have a large enough area, I would recommended doing this as well.

It creates a space for guests to gather and socialize without the pressure of dancing the entire night.

You can rent these tables from party supply companies and then just cover them with cocktail table covers.

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Any windows you have in the venue (or your home) should be covered with curtains. Prom is a night event and if it’s still light outside, we want to block that out.

Dance Floor Decor

Speaking of lighting, you can set the mood with string lights or a disco ball that syncs to the music.

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You’ll also want to consider a dance floor area. If you have hardwood floors, consider a large PVC mat as the dance floor.

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If you are okay with shoes on the floor then you can just designate an area in your house that can handle dancing.

Adult Prom Party Appetizers

My prom did not have appetizers, but I have heard of some prom venues hiring caters to serve appetizers.

The best way to serve appetizers at a prom party is to arrange them on serving trays.

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As the host, you can make a round with each tray of appetizers that you are serving. This will allow you the opportunity to talk with each guest as well.

Here are some of the best appetizers you’ll find to serve at your adult prom party.

You can’t go wrong with a crostini and these grilled flank steak crostini by Mary Ellen’s Cooking Creations will not disappoint!

Those hoping for a vegetarian option will absolutely love these whipped ricotta and honey crostini by CC’s Table.

And those who love seafood must try these smoked salmon canapés by Homebody Eats.

What is a fancy adult prom party without caviar? Make these easy caviar canapés by Sava’s Kitchen to really impress your guests.

For a refreshing and light appetizer, you don’t want to miss out on these avocado goat cheese cucumber appetizers by Haute and Healthy Living.

Bacon is always a party favorite and everyone will love these bacon wrapped dates with chorizo by Get Inspired Everyday.

If you haven’t had endive before, this is the appetizer to try! These strawberry goat cheese endive appetizers by The Dizzy Cook are perfect for an adult prom party.

Another fancy seafood appetizer to serve your prom party guests are these delicious garlic sriracha shrimp topped crackers by Erica’s Recipes.

You maybe haven’t tried this next appetizer but I promise it will be a hit! These bacon wrapped water chestnuts by Simply Stacie have raving reviews and are so easy to make.

Asparagus is kind of a fancy vegetable in itself, but these prosciutto wrapped asparagus appetizers by Emma Eats and Explores are next-level, perfect for prom.

My favorite appetizer at any party are crab cakes and these easy and delicious crab cake appetizers by Spend With Pennies is perfect for the adult prom party.

For any guest that prefers a vegan option, these beautiful green summer rolls by Six Hungry Feet are a must have for the party.

Adult Prom Party Entrees

Having a sit-down meal at an adult prom party seems a must. Dinner is always a part of prom, whether it is served at an actual prom event or attended to before the dance.

You will want to serve an elegant dinner, so make sure you have your nice dinnerware and fabric napkins. If you don’t have enough dinnerware sets, don’t hesitate to buy the fancier disposable plates.

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Utopia Home [24 Pack, White] Cloth Napkins 17x17 Inches, 100% Polyester Dinner Napkins with Hemmed Edges, Washable Napkins Ideal for Parties, Weddings and Dinners

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If you think your guests would love a pasta then look no further than this elegant mushroom pappardelle by Little Nonni.

These delicious lamb lollipops by Organically Addison are perfect to serve at a dinner party. They are just the right size yet appear impressive.

If your guests prefer chicken, these amazing chicken drumstick lollipops by My Chefs Apron will also suit an adult prom party perfectly.

Another impressive dish to serve at an adult prom party is this beautiful savory pithivier with mushrooms, leeks, and potatoes by Baste Cut Fold.

This refreshing scallop crudo by Pinch and Swirl is perfect for an adult prom party. It comes together quickly and always looks very impressive.

You can’t go wrong with chicken and this lavender herb butter roasted chicken by Maplevine Kitchen smells and tastes amazing.

Serving these pan seared beef steaks with red wine sauce by The Slow Roasted Italian will surely be a hit at an adult prom party.

My sister loves to make a paella for holidays and this seafood paella by Bless This Meal will surely impress your prom party guests.

This New York strip steak by Cheerful Cook pairs well with the adult prom party theme. It’s just fancy enough and is easy to serve.

This amazing Chilean sea bass by Chicken Fried Kitchen is so good it will almost melt in your mouth!

Salmon is another great fish that is easy to fancy-up. This pistachio crusted salmon by On My Kid’s Plate is perfect for an adult prom party entree.

If you already have your favorite lobster ravioli, top it with this amazing garlic butter cream sauce by The Short Order Cook. Your guests will love it!

Prom Party Drinks

If your prom party is 21+, you may want to consider serving a couple cocktail choices or even having an “open bar.” You can also provide some delicious mocktails, my favorite because I can always try more.

The best way to do this without hiring a bartender is to premix everything you can – leave any garnishes & and the ice out. It’s best to use large cocktail shakers and then to set the premix drinks in a tub of ice to keep cold.

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You can print out directions for how to make each drink, i.e. how to garnish it and which glass to use, and allow your guests to become their own bartender for the night. They will learn some skills and it frees you up to enjoy the party as well.

Adult Prom Party Cocktails

This bohemian cocktail by Kim Schob uses vermouth and fresh fruit juice, so delicious!

For a unique drink, you need to serve this Blueberry Yuzu Bee’s Knee’s cocktail by The Virtual Caterer. Don’t worry, you can find yuzu juice on Amazon!

For the guests who love a bit of spice, you have to serve this delicious watermelon jalapeno margarita by Zen and Honey.

One of my personal favorites, this Mexican Paloma by A Latin Flair is a refreshing drink to serve your adult prom party guests.

Another great grapefruit cocktail is this fresh grapefruit Aperol Spritz by Straight to the Hips Baby.

A cosmopolitan is a great drink to serve at a party and this Cointreau Cosmo by The Littlest Crumb is delicious!

A Manhattan is always sophisticated and this Brandy Manhattan by Ugly Duckling Bakery is perfect for an adult prom party refresher.

Adult Prom Party Mocktails & Fancy Drinks

One of my favorite drinks is a Brazilian limeade and this coconut milk Brazilian limeade by Life Around the Table is perfect for refreshing your thirst after dancing.

This passion fruit mocktail by Through the Fibro Fog is a delicious way to quinch your thirst from the dance floor.

A fun way to make a mocktail is to use kombucha. The Tastes of Life has some delicious ways to spice up kombucha for a fancy mocktail.

Adult Prom Party Desserts

Similar to the appetizers, it’s best to have mini desserts on a catering tray. You can walk the tray around an hour or so after dinner and offer a nice sugar boost of energy to your dancing guests.

These mini Bundt cakes with an orange blossom glaze by Oh My Veg are so gorgeous and the perfect mini dessert for a prom party.

Chocolate is my favorite and these chocolate covered profiteroles by Christina’s Cucina is sure to impress your party guests.

For a beautiful mini cheesecake, you have to serve these no bake mini cheesecakes with fresh fruit and edible flowers by The Heirloom Pantry.

For a pick-me-up, serve your guests this irresistible Opera cake with coffee sponge by Living Sweet Moments.

I love a great strawberry dessert and these strawberry tartlets by Whisking Wolf are beautiful and delicious.

If you prefer a chocolate dessert, these chocolate ganache tartlets with strawberries by Cooking Gorgeous are beautiful and delicious.

These no bake Irish cream mini cheesecakes by Emily Fabulous are a perfect adult prom party dessert, decadent but easy to make.

A Baking Journey shares how you can easily make these delicious mini chocolate éclairs at home, perfect for an adult prom party!

For the next set of desserts, you want to grab some mini parfait cups and mini spoons.

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You can’t go wrong with chocolate mousse and this amazing dark chocolate mousse by Cupcake Savvy’s Kitchen is only two ingredients!

For a light, refreshing take on mousse, you will have to serve this delicious lemon mousse by Powered By Mom.

A love a good strawberry shortcake and Quiche My Grits has a delicious mini strawberry shortcake recipe that you need at your prom party.

This vanilla mousse by The Feathered Nester is so fluffy and delicious you must try it.

Adult Prom Party Songs

Your adult prom party playlist will depend on what your favorite music to dance to is. You may want to take a stroll down memory lane and play the same songs that were popular when you were at prom in high school.

If you will have a mix of ages at your prom party, play the top dance hits from each decade to keep your guests out on the dance floor.

Popular 70s Prom Songs

1. Abba – Dancing Queen
2. Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight
3. Gary Numan – Cars
4. The Commodores – Brick House
5. Sister Ledge – We Are Family
6. The Four Seasons – December, 1963
7. Carl Douglas – Kung Fo Fighting
8. Chic – Le Freak
9. Kool & The Gang – Ladies Night
10. Donna Summer – Hot Stuff
11. The Emotions – The Best of My Love
12. Blondie – Heart of Glass
13. Rose Royce – Car Wash
14. Bee Gees – Stayin’ Alive
15. Average White Band – Pick up the Pieces
16. Van McCoy & The Soul City Symphony – The Hustle
17. Earth, Wind, & Fire – September
18. Hot Chocolate – You Sexy Thing
19. KC and the Sunshine Band – That’s the Way I Like It
20. Stevie Wonder – You Are the Sunshine of My Life

Popular 80s Prom Songs

1. Cindy Lauper – Girls Just Want to Have Fun
2. Soft Cell – Tainted Love
3. Berlin – Take My Breath Away
4. Michael Sembello – Maniac
5. Bruce Springsteen – Dancing in The Dark
6. Duran Duran – Hungry Like The Wolf
7. Diana Ross – I’m Coming Out
8. Fleetwood Mac – Everywhere
9. Rick Springfield – Jessie’s Girl
10. The Outfield – Your Love
11. The Knack – My Sharona
12. David Bowie – Let’s Dance
13. Electric Light Orchestra – Mr. Blue Sky
14. Prince – Kiss
15. DEVO – Whip It
16. Men Without Hats – The Safety Dance
17. Billy Idol -Mony Mony
18. Pat Benatar – Love is a Battlefield
19. Michael Jackson – Beat It
20. The Jeff Healey Band – Angel Eyes

Popular 90s Prom Songs

1. Savage Garden  – Truly Madly Deeply
2. 69 Boyz – Tootsee Roll
3. C+C Music Factory – Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)
4. Blackstreet and Dr. Dre – No Diggity
5. Daft Punk – Around the World
6. A Tribe Called Quest – Can I Kick It
7. Haddaway – What is Love
8. Ginuwine – Pony
9. Montell Jordan – This is How We Do It
10. Edwin McCain – I’ll Be
11. Chumbawamba – Tubthumping
12. TLC – No Scrubs
13. SNAP! – Rhythm is a Dancer
14. LEN – Steal My Sunshine
15. Cheryl Crow – If It Makes You Happy
16. Wheatus – Teenage Dirtbag
17. Britney Spears – Hit Me Baby One More Time
18. Vengaboys – Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom!!
19. Vitamin C – Graduation (Friends Forever)
20. Ace of Base – The Sign

Popular 00s Dance Songs

1. DJ Felli Fel – Get Buck in Here
2. 112 – Peaches & Cream
3. Chingy – Right Thurr
4. Lil Wayne – A Milli
5. Unk – Walk it Out
6. Kayne – Gold Digger
7. Kelis – Milkshake
8. M.I.A. – Paper Planes
9. 50 Cent – Candy Shop
10. J-Kwon – Tipsy
11. Petey Pablo – Freak a Leak
12. Lil Jon & E-40 – Snap Yo Fingers
13. Lifehouse – Hanging By a Moment
14. Jay-Z – Big Pimpin
15. T.I. – Whatever You Like
16. Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz – Get Low
17. Akon – Smack That
18. Keri Hilson – Knock You Down
19. Ciara – Goodies
20. Alicia Keys – My Boo

Adult Prom Party Outfit Ideas

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Women's Sexy Strapless Backless High Split Long Maxi Dress Ruched Off Shoulder Sleeveless Bodycon Party Cocktail Dresses Black

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Memoriesea Women's Sexy One Shoulder Satin High Split Cocktail Wedding Party Maxi Dress Purple

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V Neck Satin Prom Dresses Long Mermaid Lace Evening Gown with Slit Pleated Bodycon Formal Dress with Tail Champagne Size 10

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WULFUL Men’s Slim Fit Suit One Button 3-Piece Blazer Dress Business Wedding Party Jacket Vest & Pant Black

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MY'S Men's 3 Piece Slim Fit Suit Set, One Button Solid Jacket Vest Pants with Tie Black Medium

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MAGE MALE Mens Suits Slim Fit 3 Piece Tuxedo Suit One Button Solid Prom Wedding Party Blazer Vest Pants Set with Tie Black

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YND Men's 3 Piece Slim Fit Tuxedo Set, Solid Shawl Collar Jacquard Jacket Vest Button Pants, Red

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Mens Suits Slim Fit 2 Piece Floral Tuxedo Suits Blazer Pants with Bow Tie for Wedding Prom

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Save This List for the Best Adult Prom Party Ideas

What did I miss? Leave a comment below to let us know how your adult prom party theme went!

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