For many teenagers, having a sweet 16 party is just as important as planning their future wedding. Regardless if you are planning a sweet sixteen party, or a Quinceanera, below are important tips that will help you make it memorable.

1.) Decide on a Date and Time

Sometimes birthdays fall on difficult dates, and this is one of the most important factors. I am sure that there will be others planning sweet 16 parties around this time, so avoid schedule conflicts. Choose any day Friday through Sunday afternoon or evening. Try to avoid special occasions like holidays that might keep friends and family away. The best advice is to choose the weekend before or the weekend after and send out invitations far in advance. The further out you send invites gives guests more time to prepare for a RSVP. This is the first step in how to plan a sweet 16 party.

2.) Location Location Location

Even though you can plan a larger than life event, you need to keep your budget in mind. Do not stick with the cookie cutter banquet halls in Michigan, step outside the box. Pick a warehouse and decorate it to your theme or plan a tent event in your backyard. You can still negotiate rates with Michigan banquet halls depending on the date and time of your sweet 16. Also try to choose a local place that will not discourage guests from traveling to far.

3.) Who is coming and how many?

Basically, the more people you invite, the more your party will cost. This is directly related to the meal and location size. You need to ask yourself what kind of party you are trying to plan. Are you looking for a smaller low key birthday party, or a loud spontaneous sweet 16? Please keep in mind your budget and your goals. Put your style into the party by inviting the people you know or get along with. If you are more outgoing, then extend the list to those you know would add to the atmosphere of the event (more friends than family). If you are shyer then invite more family than friends. It is this mixture between family and friends that you will have to choose between. You can even throw two different parties (one for family and one for friends) if your budget allows it.

4.) Invitations

Now that you know who to invite and how many people are going, it is time to send out the invitations for your sweet 16. These are good to mail out two months before the event date. Make sure that you have all other details finalized before putting them on the invitations. I recommend creating the invitations yourself; this is a more budget friendly idea and unless if it is a surprise party, the guest of honor (birthday girl) should make the invitations herself. Tie your theme into the design for your invitations. It can be as simple as sports insignia to as intricate as calligraphy and cut outs. Be sure to note on the invites for people to RSVP ASAP!

5.) Themes

So since we brought it up, we might as well cover it. A theme is crucial when it comes to planning a sweet 16. This will distinguish your party from all the ones your friends are throwing. It is an expression of your personality and creativity. Themes can be lavish or quite. Themes usually include a color, costume, time period or place. Some DJ companies in Michigan offer accent lighting options where your walls change colors. This will give you the added even personalization you desire. You can even make the sweet 16 different themes, just request that guests change for the second half. Click for our list of prom themes.

6.) Party Details

When does the party start? When the does the party end? Be sure to set an end time for the party so that guests can arrange rides if need be. You will also need to figure how the dinner will be served and when the dancing will begin. Most DJ companies offer event services that include online planners. This way everything flows smoothly and as they coordinate with your banquet staff.

7.) The Dinner

Even though a meal is typical at every event planned, this can take up a large portion of the budget. Food can either be catered, buffet, or appetizers. So what will you serve at your sweet 16? If you are really in depth with an international theme then choose food that mesh well with that country. Remember that your guests will have to eat this food, so try to give them options that they would enjoy.

How to Plan a Sweet 16 Party

In final consideration for planning a sweet 16 party, keep all the above points in mind. If you follow the guidelines above, planning your party will not only be stress free but fun. There is no right or wrong way to plan your birthday bash. The only way is your way, so keep your guests in mind because they are there to celebrate you!