Planning a Sweet 16 Party

Turning 16 is a big deal for many teen-agers, especially girls. They want to celebrate in style with their friends; however, it is easy for the planning and costs to get out of hand if mom and dad don't set, and enforce, limits. The following suggestions will help you plan a fun party while keeping the bank account in tact.

• Set a budget. Decide how much you can spend and how flexible you are willing to be. It is never a good idea to go into debt for a party. If you can afford only a family dinner with extended family and perhaps a few friends or a pajama party for a group of girls, that is fine. Don't let your teen talk you into more than you can handle.
• Consider co-hosting the party with the parents of another teen who is also turning 16. By sharing expenses, you may be able to do more for the kids. This is particularly appropriate if the two teens have the same group of friends.
• Consider the budgets of the young people who will be invited. Having a formal dance, similar to a prom, with the expense of gowns and tuxedos, may be too expensive for many guests to be able to attend, as would having the party at a resort location. It isn't necessary to compete with the parties your teen's friends have had. The focus should be on fun, not cost.
• Decide on the primary activities. Perhaps it will be a pool party followed by a barbeque. Or maybe the kids prefer to dance or engage in another activity. The activity you plan will determine where the party will be held, the time of day, and other issues.
• Don't forget about curfews, noise and similar community issues. Many cities have a curfew for teens, so plan to end the party 30 to 45 minutes before curfew, depending on how far guests need to drive to get home. If you will play music outdoors, be certain it doesn't violate a noise ordinance or disturb neighbors. Also consider parking, particularly in a residential area. You don't want the guests' cars to be ticketed.
• Consider hiring a party planner. A professional event planner will know the best locations to meet your needs and she/he will be able to help contain costs for food, music and other amenities. You can often save more than the planner's fee.
• Be certain to have enough security. You will be responsible for the safety of the guests, so be sure to have adequate supervision during the party. Teens should not have access to alcohol or drugs, nor should they have the opportunity to slip away to engage in inappropriate sexual activities, smoking, or any other questionable activity. If you have a pool party, you will need people to act as life guards. When groups of teens get together, expect a certain amount of horse play and silliness, so be prepared.
• Send out invitations requesting an RSVP and monitor who attends. Don't allow invited guests to invite their friends without your permission. It is easy for a party to get out of hand or for older non-teen adults to attend and attempt to influence the kids in what may be inappropriate ways.

With a bit of planning, your teen can have a memorable 16th birthday party free from problems, one that she/he and you will long remember.