How to Pick a Sweet Sixteen Party Theme

A girl's Sweet Sixteen birthday party may be the most important party of her teenage life. By throwing a well-planned and imaginative party based around a theme, you can give your teenage girl the night of her dreams.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Caterer or planned menu
• DJ or live music
• Rental hall or restaurant
• Decorations
• Invitations

Pick a Sweet Sixteen Party Theme

1. Keep the guest of honor in mind. The theme should really reflect her taste and passions. Look at what kind of after school activities she engages in for inspiration. Anything from cheerleading or popular music to theatre and movies can serve as an inspirational jumping off point for developing a party theme.

2. Remember to utilize the theme throughout the design of the party. Since the invitation is the first clue to guests as to what to expect on this magical evening, make sure they reflect the theme as well as the decorations and even the party space. You can even design a menu that reflects the party theme to create a whole experience for the Sweet Sixteen and her guests.

3. Go with a simple theme such as a favorite color for a Sweet Sixteen party on a budget. Find invitations in a matching color and print them on your printer. Decorate your home or the rented space with streamers and balloons in the theme color.

4. Splurge a little and go with a movie themed Sweet Sixteen party. Pick a popular movie such as "Titanic" or the most recent romantic hit and find props that reflect the style or era of the movie to decorate the party space. Invite guests to come dressed in the style of the period if the film is set in an earlier time and build your menu around food that would have been served in that era.

5. Host a formal dinner and dance in the style of a cotillion or coming out party. You can draw on the traditions of the South to plan a menu with mint juleps and finger sandwiches while the guests dance the waltz to music provided by live musicians. Decorate each table with magnolia bouquets for the complete effect.

6. Pick a more active party theme for the Sweet Sixteen who likes to move. Ice skating rinks or even ski trips make an excellent party theme for smaller groups.

Tips & Warnings

• Read vendor's contracts carefully before signing. Depending on the company, you may be charged an additional service fee of around 18 percent as well as face additional charges for service ware and wait staff.