Each year Homecoming rolls around and each year a few unlucky sophomores, juniors and seniors get stuck with coordinating the plans for their group. In the beginning, it starts out simple and easy, but when kids start switching groups or dropping dates, things get a little complicated.

So what does it take to plan the perfect homecoming? Here are a few factors planners need to take into consideration before the dance actually rolls around.

Group Size

Group size can be tricky. Numbers are important because they regulate every other aspect of planning.

“It’s easier to have a smaller group because it’s typically your closest friends, and you can communicate everything a little better,” said senior Noelle Kendall. “If you have a bigger group it’s a lot harder to please everyone.”

The best thing to do is to keep your numbers at a healthy medium and plan the rest of your dance accordingly!

Transportation

It’s common for a bigger group to take a party bus to the dance and for smaller groups to take limousines. But both mechanisms of travel require extensive planning.

Buses are hard to find when you have a group under 30 or over 50. Keep your group local, organize it with your friends, and finalize a list sooner rather than later.

“Make sure you get a bigger bus no matter how many people you have, so there is more space,” said senior Kelsey Flaharty. “If you get it exactly the number then there’s no space.”

For a bus, if you have over 50 people, typically the group is going to be too crowded, but if you have under 30 people the group will be too spread out. If your group decides to go with a limo then keep your number small. Typical limo companies won’t go over 35.

“You definitely need to know all of the details about it before you even call the bus company,” said senior Gabrielle Robles. “The buses won’t wait for you.”

And while the buses won’t wait for you, it’s important that you scope them out too. It makes a big difference in the long run.

“Make sure you’re calling around to get a bus or limo, but you should also make sure that it’s clean and nice,” Kendall said. “When I organized [Homecoming] for our group, the bus driver was so nice, the bus company people were so nice, and my mom and I really appreciated their customer service.”

Bus & Limousine Companies suggestions:

• Platinum Transportation
• Party Bus rentals Orange County
• Party Lounge
• Orange County Party Bus

Food

Homecoming doesn’t serve you a meal on location, so it’s a good idea to grab some food beforehand. Food places vary based of your group number and the times you have available. Remember to call ahead of time and make a reservation because places fill up fast!

“Pick something that’s quick, but sit down too,” Robles said.

With limited time available before the dance, make sure to be speedy in whatever endeavor you decide to employ.

• Food options:
• Ruby’s Diner
• California Pizza Kitchen
• Mission Mall Food Court
• Irvine Spectrum
• BJ’s Brewery

Pictures

To all you girls out there trying to plan the perfect homecoming pictures, be sure to factor in lighting. Shading and strange shadows can take a major effect on your pictures!

“During Homecoming season the sunset is earlier so you have to take pictures earlier, which then gives you more time for dinner,” Kendall said.

Once you’ve planned out your timing, it’s time to pick a location. Parks and beaches are the two most common places to take pictures at.

“Pick somewhere spacious and somewhere accessible, especially for girls in heels,” Flaharty said.

It’s best to block out about an hour to an hour and a half for pictures.

Picture places recommendations:

• Montage Beach
• Ritz Carlton
• Great Park
• Pumpkin Patch
• Coto de Caza Club
• Dove Canyon Club

And finally…

After you’ve planned everything out, it’s time to collect money. Do it in a timely fashion so you are not nervous as the actual date of the dance approaches. Make sure to keep it organized!

If you’re stressed out, remember these few tips and take the planning process step by step. Don’t be afraid to ask others for help either! It’s always better to plan it with a friend, so that there is someone to keep you organized.

“Stay calm, plan early and have fun,” Flaharty said.