How To: Throw A Sophisticated Sweet 16th Party

Posted April 6, 2021

Teenagers can be very picky when it comes to, well, pretty much anything, so check out our advice on how to give them a party that is definitely not cringe-worthy!

Sweet 16th Party Colour Palette

If your teen is on social media, they will be keen to have an Insta-worthy set up for their party so they can share it with their followers.

Keep the palette simple and elegant with white as your base colour then adding touches of rose gold and blush pink. Having less colours helps to make sure the attention stays on the star of the party; the birthday girl!

Keep reading for some ideas for Sweet 16th decorations, tableware, food, and activites!

Sweet 16th Party Decorations

Set up a gorgeous backdrop with flowing white fabric curtains, along with a few tinsel style curtains in white or rose gold. Add a metallic rose gold banner as well to announce the party.

If your party is outdoors and you have trees around, hang some white and pink puff balls or paper lanterns from them. Floral arragements on tables or an arch also add a lovely look to your outdoor decorations.

Balloon garlands are popular at the moment, and aren't quite as hard to put together as they look! Simply inflate some white, rose gold, blush pink, and clear balloons up with air, varying the sizes for an interesting look. Then attach them to a balloon tape, which is just a plastic strip with holes, and hang it over the party table or as part of the backdrop.

Crystal clear balloons filled with helium and placed around the room on balloon weights create a whimsical atmosphere and don't forget to grab some large helium number balloons in a "1" and a "6" because they are perfect for photos!

Sweet 16th Party Tableware

Firstly, cover your tables with white tablecloths in fabric or go with paper ones for an eco-friendly option.

Your table settings for your party will look graceful with rose gold trim plates, or use white crockery and place them on round patterned placemats.

Place an eyecatching centrepiece on the table and scatter sparkling gems around that catch the light and give that extra "Wow!" factor.

If you have a long table where everyone is sitting, a rose gold table runner will look stunning.

Sweet 16th Party Food

A great option for food that is also aesthetically pleasing is a high tea style banquet.

You can pop miniature versions of savoury and sweet treats onto pretty stands and place them along your table for your guests to help themselves.

Find a selection of delicate tea cups to add to each persons place setting and ornate teapots for the tea.

Sweet 16th Party Activities

Your daughter will want to remember this day forever, so make sure you provide plenty of ways for memories to be made!

Have some signature frames placed around the party with photos of the birthday girl so her friends can write messages on them.

Set up a large pin board and provide Polaroid cameras so her guests can take photos throughout the party and add them to the board as they go.

Use an LED light peg garland and hang pictures of your now 16 year old from each year since they were born to show how much they have grown (hint: have tissues ready for yourself because seeing them so little again is guaranteed to get you teary!).