Every birthday is fun and exciting, but certain birthdays carry more weight. The first birthday is obviously a big one. Turning 13 is also exciting. But few birthdays serve as a signpost in a young person’s life quite like their Sweet 16. With some proper planning and oversight, you can ensure your child’s 16th birthday is meaningful and memorable.
5 Tips for the Perfect Sweet 16 Party
You only turn 16 once. Whether your child is the type of person who likes to relax with a few close friends, or someone who likes being the center of attention in a sea of people, you can plan the perfect party. Here’s how:
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Collaborate With Your Child
Surprise parties are fun, but unless your child is someone who loves the unexpected, you’re better off planning their 16th birthday party together. Kids are famously finicky at this age – so be sure they have some input in the planning of the event.
If you have an independent child with a very specific set of wishes and preferences, avoid being too heavily involved in the process. Your child is at an age when a huge desire for independence is being fostered. Constantly peering over their shoulders won’t win you any points. In other words, be involved – but not so involved that they feel like you’re calling every shot.
You may suggest celebrating by throwing a pool party. Your child is likely to love the idea, as most teenagers are obsessed with pool days. Pool parties are a great way to cool off in the summer heat and give hints on decoration as well. You can fill the pull with made-to-order customizable inflatables, like pool hummocks, pool loungers, and swimming tubes and the best part of it is that you can customize them to match your theme and imagination. Whether you choose to decorate with artificial palm branches, inflatable flamingos, or any other fun and festive design, your child and their guests are sure to have a memorable time.
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Create the Right Guest List
There are so many different factors to consider in developing a guest list for a Sweet 16 birthday party. The most important thing to think about is the upper limit or cap on guests. If, for example, you only want a maximum of 15 people at the party, only invite 19 or 20 guests. Any more than this and you risk having too many people show up.
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Set a Budget
Even at 16, it’s amazing how many teenagers don’t fully understand the cost of a birthday party. They don’t think money grows on trees, but they might as well.
“Tell your teen how much you’re willing to spend, and involve her in divvying up where it goes,” motherhood blogger Megan Cooley writes. “Like any party, the sweet 16 can bruise the bank account if there aren’t boundaries. Including your daughter in the party’s budget discussions will help her understand why you can say yes to some requests and have to say no to others.”
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Choose Activities
Don’t make the mistake of planning a Sweet 16 birthday party without having some activities or entertainment planned. Otherwise, you risk ending up with a room full of bored teenagers (which has never been a precursor for positive results).
Sixteen is a hard age to plan activities for. They’re young enough to enjoy a lot of things that young adults may not find exciting, yet self-conscious enough to think they’re too cool for other ones. Keeping this delicate balance in mind, here are some ideas:
- Plan a Sky Zone jump party. Depending on the location, your local Sky Zone may have attractions and features like dodge ball, climbing walls, ninja warrior courses, and various challenge zones.
- Put up a big bed sheet or inflatable screen in your backyard, grab some snacks and drinks, and have a screen on the green party. (This works even better if you have a swimming pool.)
- Rent a box suite at a local college or semi-professional sport’s game (such as a minor league baseball team) and cater the meal.
The options are endless – and depend on your child’s personality and interests. Keep this in mind and choose activities that your teen gets excited about.
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Plan Ahead
“Professional party planners recommend sending out invitations three to five weeks in advance,” Allied Party Rentals mentions. “When it comes to the classic Sweet Sixteen party, there is a longstanding tradition of hand-delivering invitations, so make sure they are printed out in time for the birthday girl to pass them out.”
It’s obviously up to your teen whether or not you want to follow this last suggestion. Some will find the process of hand-delivering invitations to be super awkward and archaic, while others will enjoy the tradition. Again, it all comes down to preference.
Keep it Simple
Parents often fall for the myth that their children want some massive, over-the-top party, when most 16-year-olds simply want a fun, intimate gathering with their closest friends. Avoid the temptation to turn your child’s birthday party into an MTV-worthy event; instead listen to their wishes and do your best to work together and plan a party that will provide lasting memories for years to come.