A sweet 16 birthday is a big deal in many cultures. In some societies, it’s a party to mark a teenage girl’s passage to early adulthood. Therefore the transition is worth celebrating. Here are some tips on having the super sweet sixteen party you’ve always dreamt of.
#1. Budget
It’s important to set a budget so as to have boundaries when spending. The last thing you want is to go bankrupt after the party. Be sure to include some extra money in your budget for any unanticipated expenses.
#2. Venue
Picking a location for such a big event can be a daunting task. You need to keep in mind how many guests you’ll be having and of course your budget. Rent a place where you know everyone is familiar with and loves. The venue should also be big enough to for all your guests. Also remember to book the venue weeks or even months before the big day to ensure its availability. Aside from a hall, you can do it at your own home, as this helps in saving money.
#3. Guest list
The guest list is one of the most crucial aspects of any party . Some girls would like a party with just a few close friends while others prefer a crowded one. Sit with the birthday girl to help her come up with a list of all the people she wants to invite. Remember it’s her day so everyone on the guest list should be someone that she wants there. Encourage her to invite people that also get along to avoid fights. Be sure to plan out in advance the guest list.
#4. Invitations
To set the right tone for the party, have cool invitations to support your theme. For instance if it’s a pool party, have a custom made invitation that shows this. Remember that the invitation should look very attractive so as to build up the excitement before the day. Strictly keep invitations to people that are on your guest list. Send out your invites at least a month before the party. Also, try to send your Sweet 16 party invitations out no later than 4-6 weeks before the big day; this will give guests time to clear their calendars, pick out new dresses (especially if it’s a costume themed party), and buy the perfect presents.
#5. Entertainment
A sweet sixteen party is not complete without a program that honors the birthday girl. Make sure you have something to keep your guests entertained. It’s a must to hire the right DJ. To help your entertainment professional know what type of music to play at the party, ask the birthday girl to write down a playlist of her favorite artists and songs. This will give everyone a chance to dance and have a good time. Apart from the music you could also get other types of entertainment for your guests like a magician, comedian etc.
#6. Food and drinks
You will need to decide on a menu for the party. Teenagers are well known for having a big appetite so you might want to get a lot of food in stock. You can have the event catered for or have a home-cooked buffet. If the event is at a restaurant, then be sure to check the menu ahead of time. Remember alcohol should not be allowed no matter what. Don’t forget to order a special cake.
#7. Parents
Sometimes parents will want to be around in the party but most of the time, this makes guests feel a little uncomfortable. On the other hand if parents are there, inappropriate behaviors will be limited. So to balance this up, parents could do the welcoming remarks before the party starts so that their presence will be known but fade into the background during the party.
#8. Have fun
To make the party even more memorable, get your child to do something they have never done before to wow the guests. It could be a hot air balloon or helicopter entrance. It could even be a ride in a limo with a red carpet walk.
A sweet sixteen party takes a lot of hard work in planning. So at the end of it all make sure to have fun and make it very memorable. Remember it only comes once in a life time.