Last Homecoming? Here’s How to Make It Extra Memorable

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If you’re like me, you probably can’t believe how fast your child’s high school years have flown by. One minute you’re buying crayons for kindergarten, and the next you’re talking about graduation gowns and prom dresses. If this is your senior’s last homecoming, it’s a big deal — for them and for you!

I’ve always loved homecoming season. There’s just something about the school spirit, the big game, and of course, the homecoming dance that makes it such a special tradition. But if I’m being honest, my favorite part has always been taking homecoming pictures with my kids and their friends. Just call me the Mamarazzi!

I still remember lining them up in the yard or at a pretty park — everyone laughing, fixing each other’s ties or hair, and posing for those iconic shots. I loved capturing those moments because they were filled with excitement, friendship, and a whole lot of laughter. Those pictures are some of my most treasured memories, and I know you’ll want to hold onto these moments too.

So, if this is your teen’s last homecoming, here are some ideas to make it extra memorable for both of you.

Take All the Pictures

This is not the year to skip photos! Capture the group shots, the silly candid moments, the siblings together, and yes — one with YOU in it too. Moms are usually behind the camera, so hand the phone to someone else and get in the frame! If that doesn’t work, some of my favorite homecoming pictures were selfies (we call them “usies”) taken on my phone.

Pro-tips:

For better indoor/outdoor photos try an inexpensive ring light with a phone holder. Amazon
Try a tripod/selfie stick combo so moms can get in the pictures too. Amazon
Plan ahead and purchase a photo keepsake book as a gift to remember the night. You can run out to a 1-hour photo store while the kids are at the dance and have books made for your kids and their friends to look at the same night. Amazon

Host a Mini Pre-Party

Before everyone heads to the dance, invite a few friends over for snacks and sparkling cider. They will be too excited to eat much so a charcuterie board is perfect. It doesn’t have to be fancy — just a little time together to calm the jitters and get everyone smiling before the big night.

Pro-tips:

Use a theme charcuterie board for another level of festive. Amazon
Invest in reusable football themed party supplies. You can use them for homecoming, and you’ll be ready for your football player’s senior night, grad party, and of course the big game. Amazon
Having football themed decor on hand is a really helpful idea too. Amazon
A fall themed football cloth tablecloth? Yes, please! Amazon

Make Getting Ready Special

Offer to help your teen and their friends with hair, makeup, or boutonnières. Play their favorite music and make it a fun, lighthearted experience. To this day when I hear certain songs, I am taken back to their homecoming nights. This is a memory-making moment, so keep it stress-free and fun.

Pro-tips

Make sure the girls have a lighted makeup mirror. Amazon
And the boys have a beard grooming kit. Amazon
Grab a portable clothes rack to keep all the dresses and suits wrinkle-free (and off the floor) before and after the dance. Amazon

Choose a Special Photo Spot

If you always take pictures in the same spot, consider switching it up this year. Go to the school stadium, a favorite park, or somewhere that holds meaning for your senior. These photos will be keepsakes, so choose a location that tells a story.

Pro-Tips:

Before sitting on the ground for pictures plan to have portable picnic blankets. They will keep clothing clean and actually add to the mood and feel of the pictures. Amazon
Be prepared for an indoor location in case of rain. Hotel lobbies are a favorite of mine. Make sure you ask for permission first. Another idea would be to have a fun backdrop set up at home which could also be used for fun pics after the dance. And bonus! You will be ready for photos at your grad party. Amazon

Don’t Forget the Game!

Homecoming isn’t just about the dance — the game is a huge part of the tradition. Cheer loudly, take photos with friends in the stands, and soak in the atmosphere one last time. I like to remind my kids that senior year is their last chance to be a kid, so enjoy every moment of it. Encourage them to be silly and step out of their comfort zones.

Pro-tips:

Teens don’t wear coats. Ask me how I know. They do wrap themselves up in blankets at games. Grab a cute football themed blanket or a blanket in school colors. Amazon
After a long day at school and running around with friends, phone batteries will likely be low. Make sure they have a portable battery charger, so they don’t miss any pics at the game. Amazon

Write Them a Note

Sometimes the most meaningful thing you can do is put your feelings into words. Write your senior a quick note about how proud you are, how much you’ve loved watching them grow, and how excited you are for what comes next. Slip it in their room or leave it in the car for them to find. You don’t need to say anything or have a discussion. Just let them find the note and know how much they are loved and cherished.

Pro-tips:

Keep the theme going with beautiful fall stationery. Amazon
Senior year is full of memories so a gift of a keepsake box for holding letters and other mementos is quite thoughtful. Most homecoming tickets are electronic these days. Have them take a screenshot of the ticket and then have it printed for them. Amazon

Plan a Post-Dance Tradition

Keep the night going by planning a fun breakfast or late-night snack after the dance. Pancakes, flatbread pizzas with their favorite toppings and hot cocoa are always a hit — and it gives everyone one more chance to laugh and talk about the night before heading home. My #1 tip for keeping the kids safe is knowing they aren’t getting into trouble at my house.

Pro-tips:

When making lots of pancakes at once, it’s good to have a large electric griddle. That way the kids aren’t sitting around waiting for food. Amazon
Same idea if you are making pizzas. Make sure you have large pizza stones. Amazon
If you definitely know who is coming back to the house, fun personalized mugs make for a fun keepsake of their last homecoming. Otherwise, choose a fun fall design. Amazon

Soak It All In

Most importantly, take a deep breath and enjoy every second. These moments go by so quickly, and while it may be bittersweet, it’s also so special.

Pro-tips:

Record your memories of the special event. It will be fun for you and your child to compare notes and to look back on as time flies by so quickly. Amazon
While you’re shopping for the big night, go ahead and grab several frames for all of the pictures you are taking this year. Did I mention the importance of being the Mamarazzi? Amazon

Final Thought:

Homecoming is about so much more than a dance — it’s about friendship, school spirit, and memories you’ll both cherish forever. Your senior may not remember every detail of the night, but they will remember that you were there, cheering them on, taking the photos, and making the night extra special. I promise you; the time you invest in your teens will be what they remember long after they become adults. A childhood of great memories – what more could we want for our children?

Leave me a comment below and share with our community some of the homecoming traditions you have. I love to hear all of the traditions that different schools have. Let’s get the conversation going and help out the other mamas in our community. We’d also love to see you over on our Facebook page. Click over here and join the conversation.

For more Senior Year Celebration ideas, click the image below.