16th birthday parties
Planning the perfect 16th birthday party
A 16th birthday party can be a little tricky to plan; most 16-year-olds are very mature and, at nearly 18, they’re not far away from becoming adults. The time for lolly bags and “Pass the Parcel” in the backyard has well-and-truly past.
Whether it’s for a sweet sixteen party or just a big birthday bash, the average teenager is likely to want a 16th birthday party that is fun, unique and largely free of parents.
Teenagers tend to be fairly independent – no more so than when they’re surrounded by their peers on one of their biggest days of the year. As 16, they’re feeling grown-up, and they generally want to be treated that way.
On the other hand, from a parent’s perspective, their 16-year-old is technically still a kid. Most parents will be anxious to ensure the birthday girl or boy and their friends have an enjoyable – but safe – time.
Take the time to talk to each other, discuss your concerns and come up with a solution that works for you both. Start by deciding on a location for the 16th birthday party; try choosing somewhere fun and unique that offers everything you need under one roof, including a room, music, food and activities. Holding the event at a dedicated party venue will work for you both – teens get the freedom they want and parents can relax knowing that everything is taken care of.
Within reason, the birthday boy or girl should be responsible for deciding who they invite to their 16th birthday party and – depending on budget – how many guests they have. Ultimately, the day should be about the guest of honour and their friends, and a little trust goes a long way.
Tip for teens: Be careful to check your privacy settings when using social networking sites to send out invitations – you don’t want thousands of strangers crashing your 16th birthday party!