Sweet 16 parties can be simple, yet still fun.
A sweet 16 birthday party is a rite of passage for every teenage girl. Some want big celebrations and others prefer to celebrate on a smaller scale, but a celebration of some sort is usually in order. Sweet 16 events could cost parents hundreds of dollars, but they don't have to. Much of what is needed for the party can be made or purchased cheaply.
Planning
BirthdayPartyIdeas.com suggests that you create a party plan before beginning to ready yourself for this type of party. This can help you decide what your daughter's desires are, and it can also help you budget. You will be able to plan the celebration right down to the last detail. It will also help you see where you can cut corners on costs. Once done, you and your daughter can begin preparing for the party.
Entertainment
Large celebrations may require a DJ or a band. If you can't find one or the other cheaply, it is perfectly acceptable to use your stereo and music CDs. Alternatively, your daughter can upload music on a laptop, which can be used in place of a radio. If the gathering is small, favorite movies on DVD may suffice.
Food and Necessities
You can save a significant amount of money by passing on a catering service. Purchase food on sale and with coupons whenever you can. Ask family and friends to each bring one thing to add to the menu. The cake is the item that will shine as far as food goes, so save in other areas.
Purchase tablecloths, napkins and other such items at dollar stores rather than at the more expensive party supply stores.
Decorations and Loot Bags
Many decorations can be made rather than purchased. Stars can be cut out of colored poster board and suspended from the ceiling. Banners can be made using a computer, as can small posters and other items. Centerpieces can be made using balloons and hand-picked flowers.
It may be cheaper to rent a helium machine than to purchase helium-filled balloons. It is worth looking into; however, your local dollar store may have a place where you can get these balloons cheaply.
Even teenagers enjoy loot bags. The bags can often be purchased at less than a dollar each, and filled with homemade sweets. They can also be filled with dollar-store items such as hair accessories.
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