Ah, the sweet 16 birthday party—a treasured rite of passage that celebrates, um, let’s just say being 16 and leave it at that. (Note: As long as the tradition persists, we’re fans of extending it to 16-year-old boys as well.) At any rate, we’ve rounded up a whole bunch of sweet 16 party ideas to help you plan a birthday celebration that brings down the house.
How to plan a sweet 16 party
As with any birthday party, the most important things to consider when hosting a sweet 16 party are a) the personal taste of the birthday girl or boy and b) your budget. We can’t help with the latter—but as far as the former is concerned, we suggest you pick a theme. Yep, themed parties are fun, thoughtful and memorable celebrations. If you’re in search of some inspiration, just pick from this list of birthday party themes and let your creativity take care of the rest.
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Fact: Slumber parties never go out of style. Plus, all you really need to make the celebration a success is popcorn, a movie and doughnuts in the morning. (Apart from birthday cake and balloons, that is.)
2. Night-in-Paris themed party
Here, a themed party for the cosmopolitan teen. Pink and rose gold decor, fairy lights and an Eiffel tower centerpiece will set the scene—just don’t forget to serve French-inspired finger foods, too. (Hello, mini croissants.)
3. Disco divas party
String up a disco ball, craft a playlist of ‘70s dance hits and bust out the bellbottoms for a sweet 16 party with a throwback theme.
If treating your teen and her friends to professional spa services isn’t in your birthday party budget, just celebrate the milestone with a day of pampering at your pad by setting up a nail painting station and whipping up some DIY face masks for the big day.
5. Mocktail party
Here, a fun and oh so refreshing party theme for the under-21 set in which partygoers shake, stir and finally sip some mocktail magic of their own making. Just be sure the recipes are on point and the required ingredients are on hand.
6. Hawaiian party
When a destination party isn’t in the cards, give your teen a taste of the tropics with a luau-themed party that features hula hoops, leis, colorful decor and virgin pina coladas at the refreshment table.
7. Limo dinner party
Rent a limo and book a reservation for a small group of friends at the guest of honor’s favorite restaurant. The sweet 16 is sure to feel like a star.
For a party that would make Cher Horowitz proud (not that your teen would know who that is), tell your teen to invite a few friends to go on a shopping spree at the mall followed by cake back at home—just be sure to set a budget for the event so your credit card bill doesn’t bring you to tears.
9. Cosmic bowling
Bowling is fun but glow in the dark bowling is even better. Many alleys host this event on a regular basis—just check the schedule at your local spot and you’ve got yourself a sweet party venue with built-in entertainment.
10. Photo booth party
Every major milestone deserves to be commemorated with photographs and a sweet 16 party is no exception. Rent a photobooth so the guest of honor can take photos with all her friends, but be sure to mention the main event on the invitation so all the partygoers arrive camera-ready.
11. Outdoor movie
Recreate a drive-in movie experience for a gaggle of teens by setting up a projector screen in the backyard and a buffet of finger foods, popcorn and candy. ‘Twill be a movie night to remember.
12. Karaoke night
Score a karaoke machine, queue up the teen pop (think: Harry Styles, Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift) and leave the teens to get the party started. They’ll sing to their hearts’ content…or at least until it’s time for cake.
It’s not the most budget-friendly idea on the list, but a nice hotel suite, room service dinner with poolside fun during the day makes for an extra special slumber party if you can swing it.
14. Murder mystery dinner party
Plan a night of role-playing fun a la Clue for a creative dinner party that’s full of suspense (and good eats, too, of course).
15. Breakfast at Tiffany’s party
Baby blue balloons and decor are in order for this Tiffany’s themed birthday party. Bonus points if the guest of honor dons an LBD to recreate Audrey Hepburn’s iconic look.
16. Pool party
Whether it’s at a public pool or in your backyard, a pool party is a straightforward and reliably fun way to celebrate a sweet 16 that falls during the summer months.
17. Candy Bar
Combine dessert-themed decor with a lavish buffet of candies and treats and you’ve got a seriously clever riff on the sweet sixteen concept.
The sweet 16 in your life might not be too keen on roughing it, but a glamping party complete with s’mores and stargazing will be an instant hit. (Psst: Check out Getaway tiny houses or glamping spots on Vrbo in your area.)
19. Ice cream sundae party
The classic cake and ice cream combo gets a major boost when the party boasts a make your own sundae bar—just be sure to serve up some creative fixings to ensure the main event isn’t snoozy.
20. Homemade pizza party
Serving pizza at a party is kind of a no-brainer, but put down that Domino’s delivery menu, friends—a DIY pizza party provides hands-on fun for the guests and the activity yields an even tastier reward, too.
21. Masquerade costume party
Opt for ornate purple, green and gold decorations and ask guests to arrive in masks for some Mardi Gras-inspired merrymaking. We promise the photos will be scrapbook-worthy.
Whether you host the birthday bash at a local roller rink or take to the streets, this retro party idea is sure to deliver a rollicking good time—provided you have rental skates on hand for partygoers in need, that is.
23. Anime cosplay party
Here, a costume party for fans of anime. If the teen in your life is into the genre, there’s a very good chance the whole friend group will relish the opportunity to dress up as their favorite characters.
24. Bonfire party
It’s just like a beach party but scheduled in the late afternoon or evening so you can light a bonfire and roast hot dogs and marshmallows.
25. Beach party
Stake out a spot on the sand with a large canopy (and balloons, of course) and invite a group of friends to celebrate with a day of beach volleyball, boogie boarding and sunbathing.
26. BBQ
Head to a local park or fire up the barbie in your own backyard for a party that features lots of good eats—hot dogs, hamburgers (or steak if you’re fancy) and potato salad, to name a few—and party games to keep the teens entertained.
Treat the birthday girl or boy and a couple friends to a day at a nearby amusem*nt park for some thrill-seeking fun—you know, ‘cause by 16 you’re tall enough to ride all the roller coasters.
28. Escape room
Host a birthday party where guests race against time to solve puzzles and break free from the escape room. Bonus: This engaging activity can be played virtually, so it’s a great way to celebrate with friends and loved ones both near and far.
29. Color themed party
Channel P. Diddy and bring back the glamor and panache of the once popular ‘white party’ with a color-themed bash that requires guests to dress for the occasion.
30. Alice in Wonderland Tea Party
For teens who prefer a whimsical theme, a Mad Hatter tea party fits the bill. Get creative with the decorations—teacups and finger foods of varying sizes are a must—and you’ll achieve a Pinterest-worthy party.
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