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Prom Ideas in Chicago

by Autumn Jones

Overview

With its rich history and stunning skyline, Chicago is an ideal place to throw your prom. Don't look for inspiration in France or Hollywood, though: let the theme of your prom reflect the city, and hire local talent to complete the experience.

The city itself.
Chicago Themes

Choosing a prom theme may seem impossible, so find inspiration in the city. Throw a Chicago speakeasy-themed prom (speakeasies were top-secret, underground establishments during the Prohibition era). Require a password to get in. Don't lead people in the front door; make a twisting, complicated route to the dance floor, and cover the walls in brown paper to simulate being underground or in back alleys. If you're feeling really authentic, you can require a password for the drink table, and have a "bartender" stand there, requiring patrons to whisper as they order ("speak easy"). Don't be afraid of mobsters, either; tell boys to dress like Al Capone. Recreate Chicago's Roaring Twenties. Project silent movies onto the walls of the prom, and have the girls who are taking tickets or serving drinks dressed as flappers. Boys can wear vests and fedoras. If you're giving away favors, consider sequined, feathered headbands or long strings of fake pearls for the girls, and watch chains or suspenders for the boys. Celebrate the deep tradition of Chicago jazz by turning your prom into a jazz club. Make signs replicating famous Chicago clubs like Andy's or The Green Mill. Hang instruments from the walls, or if you're feeling really ambitious, lower them from the ceiling. Request jazz-inspired songs from the DJ. Research authentic Chicago jazz from the University of Chicago jazz archives.

Chicago DJs

Check out local listings to find a DJ near to your school. Support Chicago talent. Cage & Aquarium Productions, located in Logan Square, will help you select the ideal songs, avoid anything too cheesy, and keep people dancing the entire night. Style Matters, also located in Logan Square, will bring a huge cool factor to your prom. They work with you to pick the ideal DJ for your musical tastes and theme, and are dedicated to playing truly awesome music. Search for more Chicago DJ winners on Yelp.com.
Chicago Prom Suppliers

Find excellent service and quirky products at local Chicago party stores. Doolins, at 511 N Halsted St., is full of reasonably priced balloons, helium, wristbands, decorations, party dishes, tickets, confetti, and anything else you could want for a prom. M.K. Brody Co. is located in the West Loop at 1101 W Randolph St, next to Oprah's Harpo Studios. Their stock is cheaper than larger chains, and delivery is very fast. The store doesn't carry the stock, only the display models, so you'll have to fill out an order form.