Like on MTV’s My Super Sweet Sixteen, a teen’s first grand event as she enters adulthood can be quite formal and extravagant. Some sweet sixteen’s are like a weddings ranging from formal, semi-formal to casual. One thing is for sure, the evening has to be as unique as your daughter. She’ll want to match her personality as she expresses her new independence.
The party can range from modest parties at home with close family to large affairs with a hired DJ, floral arrangements, makeup, hair stylists, couture dresses and ballrooms.
If you want the best ideas, we’ve gathered the latest trends in invitations, favors and dresses here.
Favors:Favors can be as extravagant or simple as your little girl’s personality. Look for unique favors such as bracelets and necklaces with her name or emblem for all of her friends. Chocolate Godiva mini cakes are really popular right now and they truly make a statement for the teen that is all about brands, quality and taste. If budget is an issue, get your teen involved and have her design something from scratch. Sometimes, a handwritten note or creative inspiration is enough to make a huge statement at the party. Anything personalized works great such as personalized party bags, candy bars, buttons, and mints that can feature her name, a special unique design or colors and theme of her party.
Invitations: This is where your sweet sixteen can really get creative. Allow her to plan and research what type of design she thinks will fit within her theme and style. You don’t have to be expensive to create something magical. Jewels, crystals, ribbons and pictures of her can create a very personalized invitation. Planning her party will also help her to learn how to make decisions, stay within her budget, and give her a sense of individuality. If sky is the limit, there are some great specialty boutiques like our preferred vendor, Fairy Tale Affairs, to help you choose an invitation that will do more than make a statement – it will show her guests how unique she truly is and that this is a day to never forget.
The Dress: This is her time to be the center of attention – the heart-stopping belle of the ball so the dress can be one of the most important features of the evening. In her eyes, it has to be perfect. Get her to start clipping gowns and cocktail dresses from magazines or go to web sites to get a better understanding of her style. This year, designers are saying that Sweet Sixteen dresses should be flouncy and innocent, with cinched waists and short hems drawing everyone's gaze. If she wants an air of sophistication, she can shimmy into that full length ball gown and add a little formality to the event. Bright dresses are in bloom this year; the more color the more noticeable so let her have some fun and express herself. Most of all, remember that contrast is key. If her skin is pale, she can go for darker colors while those with a darker complexion can play up gold’s, whites, and silvers for top marks. Making a statement can be hard work but fun if you take into consideration her style and personality.
