Over the past couple of decades, asking someone to prom has gone from a simple question to a full-on event. Known as “promposals,” these creative invitations often involve posters, puns, and sometimes even elaborate setups. But where did this trend come from, and why has it become such a big part of high school culture?

The idea of making a public or creative prom invitation started gaining popularity in the early 2000s, alongside the rise of social media platforms. As students began sharing photos and videos online, the pressure and excitement around making promposals unique grew. Posters quickly became the centerpiece because they’re easy to customize, visually appealing, and perfect for photos. A clever phrase paired with bright colors or inside jokes can turn a simple question into something memorable.

Some of the most popular promposal posters rely on puns and pop culture references. For example, signs like “Prom would be un-bear-able without you” with a teddy bear, or “I’d be lion if I said I didn’t want you at prom with me” featuring a stuffed animal, are classic go-tos. Others use favorite movies, sports, or snacks to make the invitation more personal. Athletes might incorporate their sport—like writing a message on a basketball or making a sign that says “I’d score big if you said yes to prom.” These ideas are popular because they’re simple but still show effort and thought.

In recent years, promposals have become even more elaborate, sometimes involving groups of friends, decorations, or surprise elements during school events. At its core, the goal is: asking someone to prom in a way that feels special.

Whether it’s a handmade poster with a funny pun or a bigger planned moment, promposals have become a fun and creative way for students to express themselves. And as trends keep changing, one thing is certain promposals aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.