Posted by Jessy on 12/7/2013 to
Birthday
Birthdays are a special occasion because they only come around once a year. In many cultures, the fifteenth and sixteenth birthdays are of even greater importance than the others because reaching those ages is symbolic of transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. In the US, the Sweet Sixteen is a big occasion for birthday boys and girls and their family and friends, so it's important to make sure that everything goes according to plan. Here are some tips on how to prepare for one of the most memorable occasions in a teenager's life.
> Choose a time and location
Timing is everything when it comes to a Sweet Sixteen birthday party. Consult with the birthday boy or girl to select the most appropriate date possible. Ensure that the bash does not fall on a school day or other special occasion so that most of the invited guests are able to come. Most importantly, the date of the Sweet Sixteen should work well for the star of the party.
Picking the right venue is just as important as setting the date because a themed party requires a fitting atmosphere. Choosing the location early on can help those planning the party decide on how many people to invite. Sweet Sixteen venues can range from banquet halls and bowling alleys to an individual's home or an amusement park, depending on the interests of the birthday boy or girl.
> Decide on a theme
Sweet Sixteen parties are no fun without a theme. Themes dictate the style of dress, venue decorations, food, music, and more. Popular themes include: a princess and her castle, beach party, comic book heroes, the 1920s, black and white, ancient Greece, and many more. Themes can be generic or very specific, but one thing's for sure: a good theme usually makes a good party.
> Set a budget
Throwing a huge, elaborate party will no doubt require lots of money. The problem is that money is a limited resource for most families. Setting a budget will keep expectations realistic so that everybody wins at the end of the day. While it's a wise idea to put a cap on spending, it's also smart to be a bit lenient on going over budget if the end result ultimately brings joy to the kid. After all, the happiness of a child is priceless.
> Mail out invitations
A Sweet Sixteen wouldn't be much fun if nobody showed up. To spread the word, send out invitations to every individual that the birthday boy or girl wants at the party. While formal paper invitations are customary and nice to receive, it's not necessary to put extra money into them when it could be used elsewhere. Sending out a mass email or social media page invitation well ahead of time would suffice.
> Create a playlist
What's a party without music? To make a Sweet Sixteen bash extra special, hand-pick a collection of songs that would go well with the theme or appeal to the attending crowd. Since most Sweet Sixteen parties feature dancing, choosing the right the of music could make or break the entire experience. Make sure to get the playlist approved by the birthday boy or girl before the big day rolls around.
> Come up with a menu
With all the dancing that usually goes on during a Sweet Sixteen party, guests are likely to get very hungry at some point during the day. That's why it's a given to serve food at the event. It's not necessary to serve more than one meal, but the meal should ideally include several courses and feature a number of different options to accommodate the different preferences of the guests. Most parties have catered food, but some people prefer to hold the event at a restaurant or even make their own.
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