I have both a high school senior and a freshman. I certainly don’t have all the answers for anything, but I’m enjoying all the questions that come with being a “senior mom”. As the mom of two boys I’m pretty one-sided in my knowledge of all things HOCO…..I rely heavily on my friends that are “girl moms” for the girlie questions. So when I received my second inquiry about where to buy HOCO dresses I decided it might be fun to just start a HOCO Q&A for our community!
Here’s what I do know…
- I have a great source for where to buy corsages and boutonnieres. (see comments)
- There are many kids who go with dates and in my experience it has been a “boy ask girl” thing but kids are encouraged to go without dates and there are many groups of friends who attend without dates.
- In my opinion the elaborate process of asking someone to be your date has gotten out of control. But the kids love the creativity and typically make signs for the question and then once the girl says “yes” they pose for a photo with the sign and put it on Instagram/Snapchat.
- Friends typically arrange a group dinner at a restaurant or in many cases parents will host at their home. This always gets tricky because you never want to leave anyone out…..
- Boys wear anything from a suit to khaki’s and a blazer (no tux). The girls like for the boys tie to match their dress but it isn’t mandatory. My boys have always worn khakis, a blue blazer, a white dress shirt and a matching tie with Sperrys or dress shoes.
- DHS Homecoming Dance is the day after the game. Game 9/23 – Dance 9/24
Here’s what I don’t know….(and would love your feedback)
- The best places to buy HOCO dresses.
- How much one typically spends on HOCO dresses.
- How or where girls do their hair and nails for HOCO.
- Actually, there’s probably more that I don’t know about HOCO than I do… so if you have anything to share or ask please leave a comment!
2 great choices for where to buy HOCO flowers:
DHS Mom, Laura Madden’s (Flora by Laura) Laura Madden
404-395-2295
lauramads@att.net
Bloom’s http://www.bloomsofdunwoody.com/
Dresses: Department stores. Dillard’s & Macy’s appear to have the best selections. Macy’s Junior’s SALE RACK (!). For the dance my daughter actually got her dress at Free People, but for the various events (she’s on the HOCO Court this year) she is recycling her Freshman year dress and another dress we got off-season at Macy’s for $11. Typical spend is a rather wide range but $60-$100 is what I’ve come to expect. Another great place for something formal is, believe it or not, David’s Bridal. Zac Posen has a great line for formals like this (bear it in mind for prom, too, since they are a bit more expensive but not haute couture pricing). We have shoes for pictures & the start of the dance with ridiculous heels I can’t even walk in and another pair with much lower heels for the football field and she will be bringing ballerina flats to change into. (I remember Freshman year every one of the girls in their group took off their shoes within the first five minutes of entering the gym). For Homecoming I advise getting a dress they can actually wear again to any number of functions or even a fancy dinner. Avoid spending too much on a dress that Katherine Heigl might find in her “27 Dresses” wardrobe. It’s four hours. No need to exaggerate! 🙂
When is the Homecoming Parade?
DUNWOODY Flowers-770-394-4111
We have never been disappointed with the flowers, colors, etc. Can send her pics of dress and trust her judgement. Have used her for years!
Hair and Make Up – For my now Senior – Hair and Makeup is typically done at one of the girl’s houses. They all get together (way too early in my opinion) and help GLAM-UP.
The Dunwoody High School homecoming parade is 4-5 PM on Thursday, September 22nd.
Should the boy purchase (meaning cover the cost) the HOCO dance ticket for his date, or each get their own ticket? I am assuming that dinner out would be dutch/
Carol – I’m curious about this as well. I think as a boy mom for HOCO we’ve covered the cost of both ticket and dinner in the past. However, for Prom we went dutch for dinner and transportation and covered the cost of both Prom tickets. I’d love to know what others say.
A friend told me her daughter likes to go to thrift boutiques/consignment shops for her dress. If anyone else likes to do this, consider going to Bargainata Thrift Boutique. It’s located at 6600 Roswell Rd NE in Sandy Springs just south of the intersection of Abernathy and Roswell Road. It’s open Friday and Saturdays from 10-5 pm. Some of the clothing is new (samples/donations from stores/etc) and other items are gently used. You can also find jewelry, shoes and handbags there. All proceeds support local community service projects including literacy tutoring, school supplies for Title 1 schools and more. If you want more info, contact NCJW at ncjw@ncjwatlanta.org or 404-843-9600.
If a boy is taking a girl on the Homecoming Court, is he to do anything during half-time or at dance?
In the past the tickets were sold either as individuals or as “date” tickets for 2. I know that sophmore year my daughter bought a date ticket with one of her (girl) friends in the group she was going with since it was cheaper than a single ticket. I know in many cases a GF/BF the boy pays, but if going as friends they split the cost. Dresses are great at Dillards, but really anywhere. HoCo is more casual than Prom, short, cocktail style dress, even a dressy summer dress. My kids have also bought online and then had altered.
I believe the pair up the kids who are on HOCO court for the halftime show. So if the date is NOT on the court then they don’t have any halftime responsibilities.
If you’ve ever had a kid on hoco court-are we in charge of the car they ride in/on in the parade? Also-I’ve heard they can hand out candy (vs “toss it”), do I need to find people to do that as well? Does anyone know who spearheads the hoco festivities at Dhs? I got the “packet” but no contact name???
Do the girls usually wear short or long dresses?
The SGA is responsible for the cars/drivers in the HOCO parade. That is one thing you do not have to worry about. 🙂 For questions, ask your child to speak with their class president’s name. The part about the candy – I do not know that answer.
The parade is Thursday at 4:00 – 4:30 on Vermack and runs South to North down Vermack. Bring a blanket or soccer chairs. Ziploc bag for candy!
If on Hoco court, you do not need to arrange your parade car. SGA organizes this. But do bring your nice dress and hairbrush to change into, right after school on Thursday. My daughter brought bags of candy from home to toss. Parents of the hoco court, don’t miss the pep rally in the gym on Friday when they introduce the court, and the seniors put on their hoco skits. All so fun.