How to Throw a Sweet Sixteen Party

It's your daughter's big day. No, it's not her wedding day, at least not yet. It's her sweet sixteen party. Most girls start to count the days as soon as they hit their teenage years. A sweet sixteen party is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so do it up right. Follow these simple steps to help make sure you throw a party she'll remember for the rest of her life.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Set a date for the sweet sixteen party as close to her birthday as you can without conflicting with someone else's party. Remember, all her friends are turning sixteen too. Have her ask around to make sure the date for her party is free for most everyone she wants to invite.

2. Choose where you want to have the party. You can rent a party hall, a restaurant, a church banquet hall, a local community center or even have it in your own backyard. However, stick to your budget.

3. Send invitations out at least a month in advance. Again, keep it within your budget. Let your daughter invites who she wants most, not every person she knows. Likewise, don't invite every distant cousin, aunt or uncle she doesn't even know.

4. Select the food. You can do anything from catered food to a buffet to even simply appetizers. If possible, have the food reflect the theme of the party. For instance, if it's a summer theme, try a barbecue with hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill.

5. Entertain the guests. Hire a deejay who interacts with the crowd, preferably someone who knows what 16 year-old girls like. Schedule dancing and games as well. Ask the deejay to give out the gifts.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't hover over or follow your daughter around during the party. Let her have fun. It's her day, not yours.