The History of Sweet Sixteen

The History of the Sweet 16 birthday celebration can be related to two different factors:

• Traditionally, teenagers can drive at age 16.
• In many states, 16 is considered the age of consent.

Sweet 16 parties have become a part of popular culture as well. In the 1984 movie Sixteen Candles, the lead character Samantha Baker is upset because her family has forgotten she wanted a party for her sixteenth birthday. Singer Hilary Duff recently recorded Sweet Sixteen, a song that celebrates the freedom of being a 16 year old girl. Billy Idol, Chuck Berry, and Neil Sedaka also have songs that reference a young girl’s sixteenth birthday as a special occasion.

Celebrating Sweet 16 with Themes!

While there’s no rule that says Sweet 16 parties must have a theme, choosing one definitely sets the tone for your event. Whether simple or elaborate, themes give you a starting point to use for selecting your invitations, decorations, food, and party favors.

Masquerade Ball

For coed “Sweet 16” parties, a masquerade ball can be a wonderful theme. Ask your guests to come dressed in formal attire; girls can wear their old prom dresses and guys can either rent tuxes or come dressed in a nice suit. Have your guests decorate eye masks with feathers, foam stickers, glitter, and sequins. Decorate with white lights, candles, and an assortment of fresh flowers. Play a selection of your favorite dance music to set the mood. For food, serve either a formal dinner or an elegant buffet that includes fresh fruit with a chocolate fountain.

Hawaiian Pool Party

For Sweet 16 parties with style, nothing beats a fun Hawaiian theme! Ask your guests to wear Hawaiian shirts, hula skirts, and bathing suits. Decorate the pool area with tiki lights and fake palm trees. For party favors, distribute flower leis as your guests arrive. When it’s time to eat, treat your guests to a buffet that includes tropical fruit smoothies, macadamia nuts, and pineapple upside-down cake.

A Day at the Spa

For a party that just includes your female friends, spend the day at a spa to celebrate your sixteenth birthday. If you don’t live near a spa, or simply want to save some money, you can modify this idea to create a mini-spa experience at your own home. Purchase foot scrubs, body lotions, nail files, pumice stones, nail polish, face masks, and other pampering beauty supplies to take turns giving your friends manicures, pedicures, and facials. Serve mini sandwiches, an assortment of fresh fruit or vegetables, and sparkling water to drink.

Glamour Shots

Another fun “girls only” idea for your sixteenth birthday celebration involves taking your closest friends to a fashion photography session. You’ll enjoy a memorable afternoon with your friends and take home some cherished keepsakes. If you don’t have a Glamour Shots location near you, ask your friends to bring their own selection of costumes to your home. Give each other makeovers and have a relative with a digital camera take your photos.

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