Turning sixteen is a special moment in a girl’s life! Sweet 16 is a coming of age and a time to celebrate becoming a young adult. The planning for these parties can often be large in scope and there’s quite a bit of planning that goes into a Sweet 16 birthday party! This is a big event, and you can’t just start planning three days before and expect to keep your sanity. Start your planning early. Trust us, it’ll come up quicker than you think.

Set the Date
The very first thing you need to do is to set a date for the party. The date is the center, the sun, the one thing all other details and planning will center on. It doesn’t even have to be on the exact birthday day, although that would make the party even more special and memorable. However, the best days to have a party are on the weekends to accommodate adults with jobs (if you are having a combination friends and family party and want everyone to be able to come). Set the date, and a time, and be sure to send out invitations early so everyone can plan ahead.

Pick A Location
Are you throwing this party at your house, at a hall, at a park? It’s a good idea to pick out the best venue for a sweet 16 party before you start planning the party, since location will greatly affect how you plan. Many community centers, clubs, halls and even hotels rent out rooms or the location for the night. Select your venue and you will be able to book ahead of time to make sure you have a location for the big festivities!

Plan The Guest List
Decide beforehand who will be coming to the party and ask your daughter before who she would like to invite! Take the time to gather everyone’s information and addresses on a list or computer document and you’ll save yourself tons of time when it comes to actually send out the invitations.

Pick The Invitations
Invitations need to be sent out before the party. Any theme will do, from brightly colored hot pink to ‘sweet 16’ inspired cards. Write the date, location, and time on the invitations and then request RSVP’s so you know who is coming and how many people to plan for.

Party Favors
Be sure to pick out party favors for the teenage girls that come to the party! Party favors can be obtained from party stores or even your local Target or WalMart.

The Food
The food and drinks at your party are of huge importance! Decide before whether you’re getting the event catered or are going to bring food and snacks for it yourself. Some soda, juice, water, and a variety of snacks is a good idea, but you’re going to want some substantial food there as well for the guests in addition to a cake.

Ordering the Cake
Don’t forget to order a cake! Place your order early and confirm it for the event two days before to be sure that it will be ready.

Buy Gifts and Rent What You Need
Buy gifts ahead of time for the birthday girl so you can concentrate on planning the big day! Call a rental place to get your music, speakers, photo booths and more!

Select a Theme
Lastly, pick a theme to the party. It can be ‘sweet 16’ or any type of theme, from jungle to princess! Just be sure to run it by the birthday girl.