Plan a Super Sweet 16 Party

Turning sixteen is a big deal to all teenagers, including teenage girls. At the age of sixteen teenagers can get their driver’s license and they receive additional privileges. For many cultures turning sixteen symbolizes a coming of age, the teenagers becoming adults. When planning the perfect sweet 16 party there are a lot of things to keep in mind; party type, theme, favors, and traditions.

Sweet 16 Themes

Involve the guest of honor in the planning of her big day. What type of event does she want to have? The different types of party are casual, semi-formal, or formal. The type of party helps shape all of your other party planning decisions. Waltzes, traditions, and gowns usually correlate to a formal party. Some traditions can still be followed in a semi-formal party with your guests wearing more comfortable, less formal clothing. Casual parties generally don’t have a dress code and allow for more freedom with the planning. Be sure to make note of the party’s type on the invitations so your guests know what to expect.

The theme of the party should also be decided keeping the guest of honor in mind. Her hobbies, interests, or favorite things can be reflected in the party’s theme. Some popular themes are princess, sports, glamour, and childhood. The princess theme is a formal event that involves the guests wearing tuxes and formal gowns. A “court” is normally chosen of boys and girls similar to a homecoming’s court. The sports theme is perfect for a more athletic girl that loves sports. The guest of honor will have loads of fun playing a variety of sports and games with her family and friends, while also allowing her guests and her to dress casually.

A mardi gras or a Hollywood theme can give the event a glamorous feel. Party beads or masks can be supplied for your guests to wear. A glamour theme allows your guests to have a chance to dress up like a celebrity attending a red carpet event. The childhood theme gives your sixteen year old a chance to leave childhood things behind. Some ideas of childhood things are childhood toys, Disney, and Mother Goose stories. Some games which fit with almost any theme are limbo, karaoke, a dance contest, or charades.

The girl’s coming of age is symbolized by the traditions which accompany the planning of a sweet 16 party. Some of the traditions are the shoe ceremony, tiara ceremony, candle-lighting ceremony, and the first dance. The first dance is where the guest of honor and her father dance together before the dance floor is opened for open dancing. In the shoe ceremony the father or grandfather of the guest of honor presents the guest with a high heeled shoe. The guest of honor removes her flat soled shoe and wears the high heeled shoe which illustrates that she is now a woman. The tiara ceremony can be included with the shoe ceremony or be done independently. A tiara is placed on the guest of honor’s head by either her grandfather or father, which also symbolizes her becoming a woman. The candle-lighting ceremony has important people in the guest of honor’s life lighting a candle and speaking shortly about her. They can either recite poems or share memories of them and the guest of honor. The candle-lighting ceremony can also be reversed where the guest of honor lights a candle for the important people in her life and she speaks of them.

How to Plan a Super Sweet 16

Hiring a band or DJ to play music at the party is also very important. Teens love to dance with their friends to their favorite music. Dancing is normally done after all the traditions are done allowing the guests to loosen up and have some fun. Photo booths are also a great thing to rent for your sweet sixteen parties. All the guests will have fun taking photos with each other and getting a photo strips to take home with them. There are many different options including lighting options when you are planning a super sweet 16. The most important thing is to keep the party fun and original. Include planning ideas that are focused on the guest of honor and everyone should have a great time at your super sweet 16 event!