Sweet Sixteen Party: Celebrating the Self-Conscious Teen
Sweet sixteens are trickier than debutant balls, and a lot more anxiety-ridden than a 12-year old’s party. Here are some reasons why:
1. Sixteeners are very self conscious – They want everything to be perfect, including their clothes and the friends they will invite to attend. On top of the acne problems is the peer pressure-related stress that comes with planning an awesome party (everything has to be perfect, mom!)
2. Sixteeners will never be satisfied – There’s always someone else who got ice sculptures or the most amazing Tiffany blue dress. The challenge is to “top that”.
3. They’re in between being ladies and being kids – Dealing with a sixteener’s tantrum can be quite traumatic. Of course, while her mom’s having her nails done, the party planner has to take charge of appeasing her and assuring her that everything’s going to be fine!
Here’s one thing you should remember when you’re planning a Sweet Sixteen party for a very special daughter:
The little lady IS your client, not her mom or her dad. Regardless of who’s paying, you have to satisfy the celebrant, even if she does throw sharp looks and remarks your way when things don’t go “just perfect”.
Parents normally insist on including their kids in party decisions, but if they seem to take charge and make the decisions on their own, it’s your job to remind them that their daughter should have a say.