Sweet Sixteen 

The 16^th birthday or sweet sixteen as it is popularly known is a party or event held when a teenager reaches the age of 16. This event is celebrated in many countries, but it is mostly celebrated in Canada and the United States.

Girls mostly celebrate this event, but boys can celebrate it too. These events are celebrated in modest parties with expensive DJs, expensive ball gowns, and it can also be celebrated on a budget. All that matters is the experience of celebrating the event and the happiness it brings.

For some girls, the sweet sixteen birthday feels like their wedding day. Others might view it just like the other regular birthdays they have had over the years. It doesn't matter how you see this day; here are some tips you can use while you plan for that party. These tips are going to help you plan an event that will be unforgettable.

1. Set a Budget

Whether it is a planned small party or a highly modest one, ensure that you plan about it on a set budget. You need to ask your parents how much they are willing to spend on this event. You can also ask them if you can spend your money on some things.

This event is going to involve a lot of their money, so you need to talk to them first. After you are aware of how much your parents are willing to spend, you can now plan on a budget from the funds they offer you.

2. Set a Date

After you have your budget, the next step for you is to find a date for the event. The event can be held before, on or after the actual date when you turn sixteen. When choosing a perfect date, always make sure that you consider, holidays and also special events that could interfere with the party. This will help you notify your friends and family about the date earlier on time, so they can also plan on attending.

3. Choose a Venue

Your choice of venue will depend on how many people expected to attend, date of the event and your budget. Making this decision might be difficult, so it is wise for you to start looking for that venue as early as possible. Event venue ideas include a barn, a dance club, a bar, a beach, a restaurant, a sports facility and your family's backyard. All of these and other ideas we have not mentioned will depend on your budget, and that is why we suggested that you fix your budget as the first step.

4. Make a Guest List

This can be another difficult task. Some girls would prefer a party with many people while some prefer a small event with some invite-only guests. This is just a preference, and the decision will depend on what you want, or maybe what your parents want.

5. Order your Invitations

Immediately after the guest list has been decided, it is now time for you to create or order your invitations for the event. The best time to do this is three to five weeks before the actual date. This will give time for your guests to check on their schedule and plan on attending.

Traditionally, Sweet sixteen party invitations are hand delivered. You can choose to follow this tradition or you can choose to simply mail them.

6. Set a Menu

This will significantly depend on your budget and venue. If you are to have your event in a restaurant, then your guest will be served the food prepared in the restaurant. If you are to have the event held at home, then it will be a good idea to have a home-cooked menu.

For the foods to be eaten, remember that your guest will be mingling while eating instead of just sitting down. Choose foods that can be eaten with both hands and fingers and do not forget about the cake and the desert. Do not forget to plan for drinks. Since it is an event to be celebrated by teens, it will be wise not to offer alcoholic drinks.

7. Choose a Theme

A theme for the party is a good idea, but it is not a mandatory one, so do not feel obliged to choose a theme if you do not want to. Choosing a theme for your party is fun, and it gives you a chance to show off your interests. The theme can be based off something like a hobby, a movie, sports, novel e.t.c. Choose the theme and ask your guests to come dressed in clothes that are related to that particular theme you have chosen.

8. Choose an Attire

The birthday girl will be honorary, so you must look the part. Choose an elegant dress, jumpsuit, an elegant top and skirt or some sophisticated and classy pants and top. You should also remember that you will be posing for photos every time, so it is vital for you to look your best from head to toe. You should also choose to wear classy but comfortable shoes since you will be dancing on your feet at the party. You can also put on some makeup for the day.

9. Decide on Transportation

Many sweet sixteen birthdays have a popular trend of the birthday girl coming in a limousine with her entourage in style. Again, this will significantly depend on your budget. Most people will agree that entering the party with a deluxe kind of transportation will make the party girl feel VIP.

10. Book Entertainment

This is going to be a party filled with teenagers so you need to hire a DJ who will lighten up the party. In a sweet sixteen birthday party, it is wise to hire a DJ rather than booking a live band.

11. Finding a Photographer

This is an exceptional party, so it is very wise for you to document it most vividly. Ensure that your chosen photographer can capture the best moments of the party and also remember to record it on your invitations. Guest always are too busy having fun, so they tend to forget to pick the most important phases of the party. If your budget is going to let you, you can choose to hire a videographer too.

12. Plan for the Grand Entrance

As the birthday girl to make your debut entrance, you must consult with the DJ to put on your favorite song as you enter. You should also discuss where you will be sitting with the MC and also the photographer to take photos of the most important times as you make your debut entrance.

13. Create a Timeline

No party is complete without a party timeline and a sweet sixteen birthday party is no exception. You should sit down and have a -rough plan on what will be done throughout the day. This includes planning for the birthday girl entrance, guests’ arrival, speeches if need be, games, presentations, among other fun activities.

14. Plan to have a Sweet Sixteen Birthday Memorabilia

Just the same way there are memorabilia at weddings, a sweet sixteen party should have one too. Have guest creative sign-on like a board, a pillow or even a shirt to liven up the memories of your fantastic day.

15. Pick Party Favor

This is an optional one to thank your guests for attending the party. This can be something edible or not; it all depends on your preferences. This can be something they can pick as they leave the party. It can also be something that goes hand in hand with the party theme or something that shows more about your personality.

16. Have an After-Party

Do not let the party end with the last song the DJ plays. You can decide to have an after-party or a sleepover with your closest friends. This reunion is a good way to end the precious day in your life.

In conclusion, those are some of the key points to consider when planning a sweet sixteen birthday party. You also should keep in mind that not everything goes as expected, so be ready for the unexpected changes and create some fun out of them.