If you’re organizing the high school prom, there’s a lot of preparation leading up to the big night. For many students, this formal is the biggest day of their high  school careers, and something they’ll look back on for many years. Many of our customer have used our products for their proms, so we’re here to help! Just follow this simple prom planning checklist.

Put together a team
Planning and organizing a prom is not a one-person job by any means. You’re going to need a team behind you, so be sure to organize a committee develop ideas and delegate responsibilities. Recruit volunteers among parents, faculty and students to help you put it all together.

Pick a time and place
Check in with other area schools to find out when they’re holding their proms. Holding your prom on the same night as other nearby schools could limit your choices for venues and entertainment, so do your best to pick a different date. While many schools hold their proms in their auditoriums or gymnasiums, feel free to think outside the box: Ballrooms, country clubs, hotels and function halls can all accommodate a prom.

Backdrops customized to your prom theme can give prom pictures that red carpet atmosphere.

Decide on a theme
Some fun prom theme examples include Hollywood red carpet, enchantment under the sea, Disney movies or even Mardi Gras. If you’d like more ideas, Seventeen has a gallery of the hottest prom themes for 2016. Your committee can come up with a list of choices and let the students vote on their favorites.

Start cheesing!
The students will have a blast taking photos with props. From mustaches to sunglasses to a stand up hot air balloon, Oriental Trading Company has props for your photos, no matter what theme you pick. You and your committee can come up with an official hashtag for the prom, which students can use when sharing their pictures on social media.

No prom is complete without group and couples and group pictures. A backdrop customized with your school name or date, or with creative images that go with your theme will turn boring picture-taking into a super-fun activity.

To order a backdrop made to your specifications, visit the Sign Art website, and have fun!

Your big day is coming up, and you’re no doubt planning the music, food, flowers and guest lists.  But what about a photo backdrop for your wedding reception? It will give your candid pictures extra pop, and that red carpet feel is fun for everyone!

They go with your theme
Your wedding decor may be vintage, rustic chic, nautical, the Princess Bride or classic romance. Whatever you choose, the backdrop is designed to your specifications to perfectly complement the theme.

You can lighten up
There’s no debating that your photographer will take gorgeous photos of you and your spouse, along with your wedding party and family. But the backdrop will give your group the chance to cut loose and make some quirky, goofy pictures.

They’re fun for guests of all ages
From grandparents to groomsmen, kids to couples, bridesmaids and cousins, everyone loves striking a pose. Give your guests something fun to do between dance sessions.

Props just add to the fun!

Three words: Props, props, props!
Props are simple additions that can spice up your wedding photos. Check out these props on Etsy, or make your own with this DIY project from Something Turquoise.

Give a personalized ‘thank you’ to your guests
Everyone gives little goody bags of sweets, customized pint glasses or other knick knacks. With the backdrop setting the scene, your guests can go home with amazing picture souvenirs to remember the good times they had. These pictures will outlast that bag of Jordan almonds.

Make a photo scrapbook 
You can put together all of your hilarious pictures into a photo scrapbook or add them to your wedding album. You can also incorporate the pictures into your guest book.

See how SignArtEtc can help make your wedding a memorable one.

Hosting an Oscar viewing party at home? It’s easier than you think to give your party that red carpet event atmosphere. Here are some ideas for an award-worthy bash.

Games

Set up an Oscars pick-em game so your guests can try to predict who will win each award. Set aside a special prize for whichever friend picks the most correctly. Use the official nominees page to make your ballots. You can also set up a movie trivia game to play during the commercials.

Snacks

Popcorn is the perfect snack for an Oscar party. You can even serve it in these mini red and white striped movie theater popcorn boxes. Or serve it with other snacks as on these movie night snack trays. If you’re bored with regular butter popcorn, try more exciting flavors like kettle corn, caramel corn, or these popcorn recipe ideas.

Finger foods are a great choice because your guests will be able to much on them throughout the show. Set up a buffet and serve treats like popcorn, pigs in a blanket and a cheese board. Bake some Oscar-shaped cookies for dessert. Use fancy plates since the Academy Awards is such a formal affair.

Popcorn is the perfect snack for your Oscar party.

Cocktails

It’s not an Oscars party without champagne. You can also mix things up by serving these Oscars-inspired cocktails like the Red Carpet Royale (gin, bitters, grapefruit juice and Prosecco) from Colleen Mullaney of The Huffington Post. Make sure to have plenty of water and non-alcoholic refreshments available too.

Paparazzi

Every red carpet event has paparazzi. A backdrop for photo posing, complete with a red carpet, will give your party that authentic look. Use instant cameras and put your best paparazzi pictures on the wall.

Party Favors

Give each of your guests a gift bag of candy, gift cards and other goodies. And of course, give each guest a toy Oscar award!

Don’t Forget the After-Party!

After the show, give out your party favors and awards for the pick-em and trivia games. Close it with a champagne toast to all the Academy Award nominees, and a toast to you for throwing an Oscars bash worthy of the golden statue!