Sweet 16 parties vary widely in their overall feel, from formal balls to casual gatherings with a few close friends. Some considerations when selecting a location for a sweet 16 party include budget, the size of the guest list and the type of party the teen would like to have. Does this Spark an idea?
Reception Hall
For a large sweet 16 celebration that includes at least 50 guests, a reception hall is an ideal location. A party at a reception hall typically includes a sit-down meal followed by dancing, although people on limited budgets can skip the meal and just serve snacks during the dance. The hall should provide space for guests to sit while they eat, along with a dance floor large enough for all of the guests. Many reception halls have their own catering service or a preferred list of vendors, so that might limit the choices for food or music. Because these locations end to book quickly, it's a good idea to start planning the party a year in advance if it will be at a reception hall.
Home
Hold a sweet 16 party at home to save money. This works best for gatherings with a guest list that's small enough for everybody to fit in the main room of the house. If the guest list is large, accommodate everybody by setting aside different areas of the house for different purposes. For example, set up one room of the house as a lounge with funky lighting and plenty of seating. Keep the food in another area and let guests mingle around the buffet tables as they snack. Set up a dance floor in the garage or in another large room.
Outdoors
If the birthday occurs during the spring or summer in a temperate location, hold the party outdoors. Have a backup location as well in case the weather does not look good on the day of the party. Pools and beaches are popular party locations for teens. Another option is to plan a backyard luau party decorated with tiki torches, inflatable palm trees and a variety of bright, tropical colors.
Retail Establishment
If the sweet 16 party has a small guest list, have the party at a retail establishment. Many restaurants have party rooms that provide some privacy for a celebration. For a girl's sweet 16, plan an outing to a day spa or a salon. If a popular movie is opening around the date of the birthday, have the party at a movie theater and go out to eat before or after the movie.
Tags: guest list, have party, sweet party, dance floor, gatherings with, reception hall, room house