Ideas for a Sweet 16 Birthday Party
- Provide special keepsake party favors for this milestone event.party cup ctreamers and party banners image by Warren Millar from Fotolia.com
Turning 16 is a milestone that many teens want to mark with a special celebration. Deciding on a theme, style and venue for such an important occasion can be difficult and daunting, but the key to success is tailoring it to the individual's personality and taste. The party can be casual or formal, big or small, low-key or extravagant--whatever best suits the birthday girl. Next to her wedding, this is probably the biggest celebration she'll ever experience in her honor, so it deserves careful thought and planning to get it just right. - Hold a red carpet theme party at a full service venue, like a hotel or event space, to give the young honoree a soiree with a "grown-up" feel. Encourage guests to play the role of the paparazzi as the birthday girl enters. Include disposable cameras and inexpensive sunglasses on each table, and serve beverages in champagne or martini glasses to add a glamorous touch to the event. A DJ will add to the big-time feel of the event.
- If a Sweet 16 birthday occurs during the summer months, host a pool-side party to celebrate the occasion. Suggest that the celebrant create her own music play list for the event and utilize an outdoor sound system for entertainment. Prepare your own food and beverages for big savings over a catered event--a barbecue is a fitting choice for this setting. Serve special non-alcoholic drinks with little umbrella in the glasses to add festive flare.
- If the birthday girl is the active type, a bowling party can be great fun. Bowling doesn't require a high level of athleticism, so most guests should be able to participate. Most bowling alleys will accommodate parties in the league off-season. Pre-order food and beverages based on guest-count to control costs. Some alleys include shoe rentals in a party package.
- Costumes are popular with all age groups, so a theme party based on 60s, 70s or 80s fashions stands to be a big hit. The music does not have to reflect the party theme--teenagers are very particular about their music, so you want to be sure they enjoy what's playing--however, you can certainly incorporate some theme music into the mix. A DJ can perfect the mix for the evening.
Make it clear on the invitations that dress is to match the decade theme. Select party decor to reflect the decade, for example, a 60s theme could include lava lamps and a 70s theme could include a disco ball. - If the party is for girls only, arrange a spa day. Pre-plan a limited menu of services like manicures, pedicures and brow waxings. End the day with a light lunch at a local tea house or cafe, or have lunch delivered to the spa if there is a private space for dining.
