How to Plan a Sweet Sixteen Party

A Sweet Sixteen party marks a teenage girl's passage into early adulthood. In some parts of the country, girls will participate in very formal "coming out" ceremonies in which they are introduced to society, but really any teenage girl can have her own "coming out" party when she plans her Sweet Sixteen.

Things You'll Need

• Refreshments
• Pen
• Decorations
• Invitations
• Paper

Instructions

Plan a Sweet Sixteen Party

1. Start planning by picking out a theme for your party. Even if it is just a matter of selecting one or two colors as a decoration scheme, this decision will help guide you choices throughout the rest of the party planning process.

2. Figure out how many guests will be invited by writing down their names and addresses on a piece of paper. You may have to limit the number of people you invite based on how much money you have to spend on the party.

3. Develop a budget for refreshments such as food, drinks and most important of all, the cake. Once you know how much you can afford to spend, you can start interviewing caterers and rental catering halls. They will generally quote you prices per person and many hotels and other facilities require that you use only their caterers and bakeries.

4. Select your invitations with the party theme in mind. Plan to send them out at least two weeks in advance if the majority of your guests live locally. If you are inviting friends and family from around the country, you should mail your invitations at least one month in advance and may even wish to send a "save the date" card to those whose travel will require advance preparations.

5. Arrange entertainment for your guests. This can be as simple as hiring a DJ to play the music throughout the night or as show-stopping as hiring costumed performers to stroll among the tables during dinner. You are only limited by your budget and your imagination when coming up with entertainment ideas.

6. Talk to a florist or party planner about decorations for your party. You can also design decorations on your own if your budget doesn't permit the added expense of hiring someone.

7. Be a good hostess and give your guests a small favor to remember the occasion by. It can be anything from a small thank you note at their seat to a highly personalized item like an engraved frame or gourmet chocolates.