Homecoming proposals are met with mixed reactions. Some people find them to be an act of affection, gathering the courage to ask you with more than the simple question “Will you go to the dance with me?” Others find the practice to be overwhelming and unfair that one person has to make such a grand gesture for a potential “no”, especially at only the high school level.
While I have only been asked to go to a dance twice, one without a proposal and one with a mockery of one, there are some things to be taught for how to ask correctly. Therefore, here is what to do (and what not to do) to make the perfect hoco-proposal.
Starting with the do-nots, because it’s best to start with knowing how to not ruin what is meant to be a special moment. The first don’t, though controversial, I would say is necessary to the perfect homecoming proposal. Do not do it in public.
This is about you and the person you’re asking, something to be seen as a special memory between the couple. Doing it in person is performative and should be avoided as such.
Additionally, when making a poster like many hoco-proposals do now, make it about what the other person likes, not what the person who made it likes. If the girl likes football, then add a football on there. If not, stay away from your favorite team just because you like it.
My next do-not is: if you don’t have the money to do a gigantic poster with candies, baskets, and items that show how much you spent, then don’t. Homecoming proposals are solely asking if someone will accompany another to go to a school dance, and money shouldn’t be a defining factor in that.
After all, the simple asking of the question still qualifies as a homecoming proposal. Which leads me to my final do not. Under no circumstances, pressure your girlfriend or boyfriend into doing an elaborate homecoming proposal. It adds unnecessary stress to an already courage-needed situation, and the person is less likely to ask someone who is pushing them to be unnecessarily uncomfortable.
Moving on, to what to-dos of a homecoming proposal. First of all, make a sign. If you don’t have a poster board (but they sell it dollar stores), paper works just as well. Markers work like anything else, and it shows you put in effort.
Relate it to the person you’re giving it to. Think about who you want to ask, and if you know them well enough, draw images or use the word in a play on words on your poster. That being said, when making a poster, aim for clever, not cliche. Be original, and it shows you mean more than just being over the top. You can even do a homecoming proposal to your friends!
My last to-do is to do it for the person, not for the likes. Do something that shows you know and like the person and truly want to go to the dance with them. Not that you want everyone to know you got a hoco-proposal or had the courage to give one.
Homecoming proposals: though hated by some, and only a developing tradition, are really just a special way to acknowledge your crush or love on some time away from Valentines. Whether you want to give one, want to get one, or just want to know for the future or for a friend, those are my guidelines for the dos and don’ts for homecoming proposals.
