About Sweet Sixteen Party Games

There are days every female remembers--for example, her first date, her Sweet Sixteen party and her wedding day. Sweet Sixteen parties act as a stepping stone to adulthood. However, it's the entertainment and games that are most remembered from the event. Planning a wide variety of Sweet Sixteen party games provides hours of entertainment and excitement for the honoree and guests.

Time Frame

The celebration occurs on or near the 16th birthday of the honoree. In preparing for a Sweet Sixteen party, many party games can be prepared before the day of the celebration. This alleviates some of the stress involved with hosting a Sweet Sixteen party. Keep your teenager informed as to what you've planned. This ensures appropriate games are chosen.

The games can kick off the party, allowing other guests to get to know each other. If the game is the party's main focus, such as a murder mystery dinner, it will take the majority of the allotted time. It can start once all the guests arrive. If other activities are planned, play a few games then switch to another activity. It's easy to come back to games throughout the party.

Types

Choosing Sweet Sixteen party games depends on your teenager and her friends. It's best to keep the honoree in on the planning so she "approves" of the entertainment. A few ideas for Sweet Sixteen party games include: A dance-off hosted by a D.J. or local band. This is a great chance for everyone to show their moves and works best for co-ed parties. Include glow sticks and glow-in-the dark bracelets and jewelry to make the dance floor more fun. Let the guest of honor choose a winner. Second, hold a lip sync contest or karaoke. Award prizes for best singer, most dramatic, the funniest and best entertainer. For an all-girls party, create a "Project Runway" contest. Buy clothes, shoes and accessories from local thrift stores from various genres. Set up a red carpet and lights. Write down different style ideas and let the girls get to work. Start the fashion show, choosing winners for the best design.

A few other types of Sweet Sixteen party games include creating a scavenger hunt, breaking the party up into two teams to see which team finds the prize first. Design a murder mystery dinner party. This game idea works best for a small, intimate group of friends. Choose games and activities relating to your teenager's personality. For example, perhaps she enjoys art. Consider crafts, painting or visiting a local make-your-own pottery studio.

Significance

Sweet Sixteen party games provide entertainment for a party. They should be fun and exciting. The games can be used as ice breakers for guests who don't know each other. It's a good idea to play a game at the beginning of the party so everyone can share their name or something about themselves. Sixteen-year-olds don't always introduce everyone. Sweet Sixteen party games help get the party started. This is especially true if it's a co-ed party, and the guests are a little shy. Playing a few party games gets guests involved and interacting.

Considerations

Select Sweet Sixteen party games that fit the overall theme of the party. For example, if the party is a luau or beach theme, consider the limbo or beach volleyball. Always plan extra games--some may be party favorites while others will be duds. Having extras allows hostesses to move to the next game if one is not a big hit. Plus, it's hard to gauge how long each game will last. Some games go by quickly while others last for half an hour. Consider your guests. Make sure all guests can play the games and will feel comfortable doing so. If not, select other games for guests to enjoy. Provide prizes for the game winners. A few ideas for prizes include CDs, DVDs, candy, lotions, bath soaps, gift cards for iTunes or Claire's, feather boas and costume jewelry. Make sure to have enough prizes.

Expert Insight

Sweet Sixteen parties celebrate young girls entering a new period in their life, womanhood. It's seen as a transition from girl to young woman. Sweet Sixteen parties can be as elaborate or simple as parents and teenagers plan. Sweet Sixteen party games follow the same idea. Some honorees prefer classic games, which everyone knows how to play. Others opt for stylish and elaborately planned adventures. As planning begins, consider some favorite games from their childhood, which can bring back great memories. Take into account their favorite activities such as horseback riding, skating, or try incorporating a destination into the entertainment. Sweet Sixteen parties become expensive quickly. Always plan a budget and shop around for good deals on games and game supplies.