If you’re planning an upcoming Sweet 16 party, one of the very first things you’ll need to decide on is the theme. The reason for deciding a Sweet 16 theme early on is because it will help determine many other part of the planning, such as décor, colors, food, and the party venue.
So how do you find your perfect Sweet 16 theme?
Sweet 16 themes usually come from the birthday girl’s favorite movie/book/band, a dream destination, her hobby, or colors that she likes.
The options are truly endless, but here are some classic Sweet 16 themes to get your wheels turning.
Black And White Masquerade
Black and white is associated with chic maturity, therefore many young ladies love it. And what’s more elegant than a masquerade? The black and white element can be used countless ways for décor, and guests can dress up in the very best black and white attire. They can also either be encouraged to bring their own mask, or they can be given one by the birthday girl herself. Either way, a Sweet 16 masquerade theme is always a blast.
Image: celebrationsmadesimple.com
Carnival/Circus
When it comes to Sweet 16 themes, this one may very well be the most fun. There are so many opportunities for attire/costumes, food, and décor. Attire can be anything from “sideshow” to circus acts and animals. Décor can be a big top, and food can be hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, and funnel cakes. You can even book some great roaming entertainment (tarot card readers, acrobats, magicians, etc.) to astonish and impress your guests.
Image: shindigz.com
Tiffany’s
With so many girls loving jewelry, it’s no wonder that Tiffany’s is a constant Sweet 16 theme. Tiffany’s also represents the height of sophistication and style for many teenage girls, and its trademark blue package topped with a white bow creates a lot of room for décor inspiration. Tiffany-blue cakes, balloons, streamers, banners, etc. are all excellent ideas.
Image: catchmyparty.com
Pajama/Slumber Party
While no one will actually be sleeping, they can certainly come dressed for it! Definitely one of the most comfortable Sweet 16 themes, a pajama party means that guest arrive wearing their favorite PJ’s, ready to eat, dance, and have a great time. Catering can include slumber party favorites such as popcorn, candy, ice cream, cookies, and pizza. Décor can be things like large bean bags or pillows placed around, cut-out stars, and stuffed animals. Activities can include things like a nail-painting station, a “tell your secrets” booth, and board games.
Image: catchmyparty.com
Hollywood
An ever-popular Sweet 16 theme is “Hollywood”. This theme is very fun because your guests can dress up as their favorite movie stars and celebrities, and the décor is always a lot of fun. You can incorporate a red carpet and book “paparazzi” to fight over taking your pictures and interviewers to ask questions. Utilize spotlights, cut-out stars, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the Hollywood sign. Catering can include popcorn (to represent movies), donuts (to represent Randy’s), tacos (to represent Trejo’s), and hot dogs (to represent Pink’s).
Image: stumpsparty.com
Paris
Say “bonjour” to one of the most popular Sweet 16 themes of all time. Many teenage girls dream of visiting (or re-visiting Paris — a dreamy, romantic destination. It makes a beautiful Sweet 16 theme because it offers so many great opportunities for décor (think Eiffel Tower, stripes, hanging Christmas lights, gold, a café scene) as well as opportunities for delicious catering: brightly-colored macarons, charcuterie plates, crêpes, croissants, crème brûlée, éclairs, and “champagne” (sparkling juice).
Image: blog.partydelights.co.uk
Candyland
For a truly SWEET 16 theme, “Candyland” is always fun — especially if the birthday girl has a sweet tooth. You can incorporate a milk-and-cookie bar and/or a candy bag station, and the ideas for décor are exciting because they’re sure to be eye-popping and colorful. You can set up Candyland board games around as well, sparkly balloons, and plenty of glitter and stripes.
Image: catchmyparty.com
Be As Unique As You Want!
These are just some broad ideas to get your creativity flowing on Sweet 16 themes, but remember: it’s your party, so get as specific as you want! If you’re really into Wes Anderson movies, have a Royal Tenenbaums Sweet 16. If you love cupcakes, have a cupcake theme. If you love Miley Cyrus, have a Miley themed party. Just be true to you, and have a fantastic time.
Now What?
Once you’ve chosen your Sweet 16 theme, it’s time to finish planning. Be sure to go with some fun Sweet 16 games (limbo, karaoke, a scavenger hunt, Twister); plan a fabulous menu, and choose the perfect Sweet 16 decorations to go with your theme. And be sure to select the perfect party venue where you can invite all your guests to dance the night away! Contact us at Olympia if you think our banquet hall is a good match! Good luck!
