Homecoming festivities reflect a sense of school spirit that manifests itself in fun-filled activities.

A grand homecoming requires a theme arising from ideas that shine

Giddy up, pony. Hooray for Hollywood. Aloha? The buzz on campus is that homecoming will be the best ever presented. Event organizers and legions of volunteers are trying to come up with some novel homecoming theme ideas that will result in an unforgettable gathering.

It’s a sure thing that incoming guests will be traveling to the campus from nearby states and foreign countries, too. It will be oh-so satisfying if homecoming theme ideas result in an event of universal appeal. The roster will be pleasing to everyone when plenty of forethought prevails.

Colleges and universities nowadays produce a global community of former students. Alumni went their ways to seek their fortunes based on what they learned at the old alma mater. Now, it’s time for these men and women to return to their school and celebrate their roots. That said, most involved in planning the event will admit to some high-level stress in developing homecoming theme ideas. What is super? What is silly? Relax. There are many currently popular themes from which to choose.

• Hawaiian luau
• Mardi Gras
• Wild West
• Fancy formal
• Hollywood

The responsibility is sobering. After all, homecoming theme ideas that eventually solidify into realities will be made instantly famous—or infamous—on social networking sites. Grads and guests are sure to be all a-twitter for many weeks after the big doings. What kind of events will they talk about? The plan is crucial. Homecoming themes may be percolating like black gold trapped far underground but channeling those ideas into a gusher of grand events is a hefty task.

Consider the culture

Today, the assembly of current and graduated students that comprises homecoming crowds varies from school to school. Cultures vary. Some schools are sophisticated. A formal tone prevails—even during halftime. Other schools are more laid back. Both might welcome something along the line of a Wild West theme. Who doesn’t like denim blue jeans and scoot boots?

The western theme may be one of the easiest of homecoming theme ideas to implement. It lends itself to parades whose floats replicate a wagon train. It incites decorating that can transform a venue into a vignette from yesteryear. Props such as authentic-looking wagon wheels, corral-type fence railings and cactus plants are cute but not overly corny.

A committee whose homecoming theme ideas crystallize into a western-flavored affair might have money in mind. Not all centers of higher learning are recipients of alumni gifts that have the school’s bags of gold bulging. Those who explore homecoming theme ideas may want to weigh the economic impact.

A western look, for instance, might be less expensive than a formal affair requiring fancy attire. There’s no doubt a couple looks downright regal when dressed to impress. But there’s a big comfort factor offered by great men’s styles and women’s wear that is attractive but casual. Homecoming theme ideas have pros and cons in every category.   

Show the school spirit

Spirit is the watchword related to many modern homecoming theme ideas. Spirit implies pride and exuberance. School spirit is a commodity cherished by every member of a fraternity or sorority and by other independents whose brotherhood may consist of members of the chess club, science club or school newspaper.

Spirit is such a universal concept that some colleges and universities have discarded the term “homecoming” in favor of “spirit week.” The ploy extends a common denominator of appeal, targeted to a wide pool of alumni. It also seems to foster increased participation by undergraduates in school events such as homecoming parades and the traditional homecoming football game.

Those whose quest is to generate imaginative and easily executable homecoming theme ideas may find themselves returning again and again to the idea of school spirit. It’s a universal whose appeal can be expressed in numerous fun-filled ways—dances, parties, themed parades and sporting events that bring out the school spirit in everyone

Recruit resources

People who are working together to come up with homecoming theme ideas may want to peruse some recent alumni magazines that tout the accomplishments of graduates. Some grads have gone on to open restaurants, night clubs or retail stores of one kind or another. Others may have taken over management of a theater, recreation facility or health spa. Is there a connection? Could those ties be useful to the homecoming? Recruit those resources. Tap the spirit—the spirit of giving.