Planning a Sweet Sixteen Party

Planning a Sweet Sixteen party can seem like an overwhelming task. A few ideas and helpful tips should get you started on the right track.

Teenage Birthday Party Ideas

The sixteenth birthday is a momentous occasion often connected to a large party. Traditionally, a debutante ball or coming out party marked a young girl's entry into society. In some Latino cultures, the quinceañera plays a similar role. The MTV show My Super Sweet 16 introduced the larger public to over-the-top sixteenth birthday celebrations with huge guest lists, professional party planners, catered meals, designer clothes, and expensive decorations.

Even if you don't have ambitions of emulating My Super Sweet 16, a sixteenth birthday celebration is a time when you may want to step it up from what you usually do each year. If you normally plan a special dinner, pick a fancier restaurant this year. If your teen usually has a small party with family members, let this year be a chance to invite all of his or her friends.

The phrase "Sweet Sixteen" usually applies to girls, but guys are just as likely to enjoy hosting the party of the year in honor of their birthday.

Take cues from your teen before planning a Sweet Sixteen birthday party. Does he even want a party? Would she really enjoy an elegant debutante ball? Some teens would rather receive a large gift or a contribution towards a car fund than spend hundreds of dollars on a party.

It can be too easy to go overboard in creating the perfect Sweet Sixteen party. Before you begin planning, create a budget and commit to sticking to it. Discuss the budget with your teen and get their input on party priorities. Some teens may be willing to cut back on food costs if it means they get to invite more friends while others would rather have a small, intimate party and plan to enjoy a more expensive activity with those guests.

Look for ways to cut costs while still creating a fabulous event. Send printable invitations instead of buying them from a store. You can make many decorations yourself instead of buying them from a party supply store. Shop around for the best deals on basic party supplies like cups and plates. Cook your own food instead of having it catered.

Sweet Sixteen parties can take place right at home; they don't have to be at an exclusive country club or other pricey venue. However, if your home is too small to contain a large gathering of boisterous teenagers, you should look into other locations. If you're planning a dinner, many restaurants offer rooms that you can reserve for your party. Finding a party hall for rent is another option. You can also plan a party at a location that offers miniature golf, bowling, laser tag, go-karts or other activities.

Although "Sweet Sixteen" can be its own theme, with plates, napkins and balloons available emblazoned with the number 16, a separate theme can create an unforgettable party atmosphere. Some ideas include:

• Winter Wonderland
• Red Carpet/At the Movies
• Luau
• Princess
• Masquerade Ball
• Candyland/Sweets
• Spa Party
• Color-based themes like Black and White or Silver and Black

Once the guests arrive, you'll want to keep them busy. Consider including some of the following ideas in planning a Sweet Sixteen party:

• Rent a photo booth for guests to use throughout the party.
• Hire a DJ for a dance party.
• Plan a craft, such as a beaded bracelet, that guests can complete and take home.
• Take a cue from wedding receptions and buy several disposable cameras for guests to take candid shots throughout the party.
• Rent a karaoke machine.
• Plan a movie marathon.
• Set up several video games systems with interactive games that will appeal to your guest list.

Send guests home with a memorable Sweet Sixteen party favor. You can find many companies that sell custom-printed favors, such as bottles of bubbles, notepads and candy bar labels. Small trinkets like keychains, cell phone charms, picture frames or candles are another choices. Find a design that matches your overall theme or decorating color scheme. Whatever you choose, be mindful of your budget and try to select a favor that guests will actually find useful or fun.

No matter what ideas and activities you choose, careful planning can help ensure that a Sweet Sixteen party will be a fun and unforgettable time for your teen.

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