Roll out the red carpet to commemorate a birthday milestone.
Few milestones rival that of the sweet 16 birthday, and including a red carpet will underscore the significance of the event. On the party invitations, specify that the party will have a red carpet so all guests will arrive camera-ready. Request guests to dress in semi-formal or formal attire, like a true red carpet event. Take pictures of guests arriving on the red carpet, and have a printer on-site to print and display a photo of each attendee inside the party venue. Arrange for the birthday person to hit the red carpet after the majority of guests have arrived. Invite guests to come outside and cheer for the birthday teen's journey up the red carpet toward adulthood. Does this Spark an idea?
Sweet 16 Movie Premier
Create a personalized red carpet event for a sweet 16 birthday by hosting a night of Hollywood glamour. Hang a banner welcoming guests to the birthday teen's opening night as a 16-year-old at the entrance of the venue. Place a red carpet leading toward the venue, and ask family and friends to stand on either side of the carpet to take pictures like the paparazzi. Inside the venue, hang posters of movie stars with images of the birthday girl or boy interspersed between famous actors and actresses. Framed movie posters are also appropriate decorations. Near the entry, make a Wall of Fame by placing gold and silver stars on a wall for guests to sign. Everyone is a star at the Sweet 16 Movie Premier.
Sweet 16 Pop Star
The finales of televised competitions get the red carpet treatment, so follow suit with a pop-star-themed sweet 16 bash. Challenge everyone to compete in a karaoke singing competition, with the birthday teen serving as head judge. The singing competition will require the guests to form groups or duets before the party. Rent a karaoke machine prior to the event, and make sure the song list includes pop favorites from several decades. Groups can either reserve songs ahead of time or select a song at the party. Explain on the invitation that everyone must arrive in a pop star costume or cocktail attire. Place the red carpet outside the venue and station a parent to ask guests about their routines. Ask another parent to tape both the interviews and performances. Since the competition is all in good fun, choose several winners.
Casino Opening Night
Honor the birthday teen with a casino for a night, complete with a red carpet opening. Place the red carpet outside the casino and ask guests if they are feeling lucky. As guests wind their way down the red carpet, hand each teen an equal amount of sweet 16 casino chips. Decorate the interior of the casino with red carpet to make the entire space feel glamorous. Set the rules for gambling at the beginning of the night, and explain that the chips cannot be exchanged for cash. Instead, offer inexpensive prizes for chips. Alternatively, purchase a large prize for the person with the most chips at the end of the night.
Studio 16
Roll out the red carpet for a sweet 16 party by placing a younger spin on a Studio 54 theme. Studio 54 was known for its red carpet, velvet ropes and excesses of all kinds. Studio 16's red carpet will be much sweeter and less exclusive. Instead of Studio 54's selective bouncer, have a parent welcome each guest as they make their way into the party. Encourage guests to come in cocktail attire or a retro-inspired look. Inside, play plenty of dance music accompanied by the circling lights of a disco ball. Pass out glow sticks to give everyone a chance to shine at the club.
Tags: birthday teen, Place carpet, carpet event, carpet outside, carpet will, cocktail attire, guests come