By Randi Martin
Owner of Always Fabulous Events and a Planaganza GoLocal Philadelphia Local Expert
I celebrated my sixteenth birthday in the 80s. At the time, “Sixteen Candles”, starring Molly Ringwald, was one of my favorite movies. The major dilemma of the movie was that no one remembered her birthday. How awful!
Fast forward to the present. MTV’s hit “My Super Sweet 16” has brought glamour and fabulosity to the tradition of celebrating a girl’s sixteenth birthday. Sweet sixteen parties are now expected to be major unforgettable extravaganzas with each one being better than the last. Although the average family cannot afford an MTV-worthy event, many spare little expense to make their princess happy.
Here are a few suggestions for planning a fabulous event without spending your daughter’s college fund in the process:
- Start planning at least 6 months in advance. Rushed decisions usually equal poor spending choices. Allow yourself time to find the best deals so there are no regrets later.
- Be upfront and open with your child about the party budget. Be clear and specific. She will be able to tailor her ideas to the established spending limits.
- Expect the venue and the menu to consume 50% of your established budget. This is a great starting point.
- Your teenager should be very involved in the planning process. Ask her for her ideas and opinions. After all, it is her party and her friends probably like the same things she does.
- Consider hiring a DJ instead of a live band. Most teenagers are not interested in hearing a cover version of their favorites. They want to hear Justin Timberlake bring sexy back, not Joe Slick and the Slicksters.
- If your budget won’t allow for a professional photographer, consider renting a photo booth or buying disposable digital cameras for a fun alternative.
- No business should even attempt to go into a contract with a minor. To make any written agreement legally binding, a parent or responsible adult must sign on the dotted line.
- Make it clear to the venue, the hired professionals, and your daughter’s friends that this party will be chaperoned. Your daughter may ask you to become a fly on the wall, but be present and ready to handle multiple situations.
In the Philadelphia area, country clubs are popular venues for Sweet 16 parties because they include the facility rental with the price of food and beverages. They also offer free parking, convenient pick up and drop off points, and exclusivity from the general public.
To add in a little bonding time during the planning period, pick up a copy of “Sixteen Candles” and watch it with your daughter. After watching the embarrassing moments this girl’s family puts her through, your daughter will probably think you are one of the coolest parents ever.
