By: Lisa Corleto, 10th Grade, Deer Park H.S., Deer Park, NY
TeenNewsNet Columnist 

    Turning sixteen, the time in your life where you can throw this huge party, learn to drive and watch your parent’s hair the most amazing shade of gray!

    It’s a known law that the party is ultra-crucial. A Sweet 16 consists of the girl (a.k.a., the party princess, the star, etc), the dress, the shoes, the guests, the place, the hand outs, and the DJ. I had a personal experience in planning a Sweet 16 for myself, so I know how stressful it can be. My sweet 16 (January 12, 2008) went smoothly. Therefore, I hope I can help you girls plan a stress free event too.

    A key part in planning your "special day" is how much time you plan ahead. You should start at least 6 months in advance. That’s right, 6 months. Set the date; gather the names and addresses of those you want to invite, pick the place, pick the time, and get the DJ. Most importantly, set a budget (the budget for my party was $6,000). This way, you can keep the spending at bay and your parent’s don’t have a heart attack!

    If you think that 6 months prior is too early, well…you’re wrong. I know so. Timing is an important part. Procrastinating on a Sweet 16 is a major no-no which could lead to a mental breakdown for both yourself and your parents. Our parents nag us enough, why cause a scenario where they’re on your back even more?

    When getting your DJ, I recommend requesting of him/her to not MC too much. The less they MC the more music they play, the more dance time you get. It just leads to a better time. Who wants to hear some guy that doesn’t even know you go on and on, making up things about how great you are. Let’s face the facts, it’s annoying! Make sure your DJ gives out the "handouts" like glowing necklaces or the light up stars. You would definitely be surprised as to how much fun it adds. Different DJ’s have different prices for hand outs and sometimes, this can cost a lot extra. My DJ cost $700 and his throw-a- ways (handouts) added $125.

    The music is KEY. You must have great dance music! It might not be what you like (that’s what happened with me. Lets face it, you really cannot dance to Punk Rock music) but you still have a great time. I know it’s kind of odd, but request the DJ to play the Cha-Cha-Slide, the Cotton Eyed Joe, and other "group dance music". It gets everybody up and dancing, so you don’t have to worry about going up to everyone and pulling them onto the dance floor. It’s your day, why should you have to worry about other people?!

    Ok, you picked the dress, the DJ, but what about the hall? Most people book a place based on their taste and the amount of guests they will invite. My Sweet 16 was on the smaller side (about 75 people attended), but it was a blast. It was held at a local Knights of Columbus, which cost $500 and another $2800 for food ($2500) and security ($300). Other people prefer those fancier places that are humungous. You know the kind…the one where there’s a chandelier and every wall is a mirror, etc. I say search for the best deal. Same goes with the invites. My saying is "the simpler, the better.

    Speaking of invites, (which mine cost about $200) when should you mail them? Typically, invitations should go out 2 months before the affair, especially if your party is around a holiday. This is because holiday-time is a very hectic time and people forget. In the invitation remember to set the RSVP about 3 weeks before the affair. This way, if someone does forget, you have time to ask them if they’re coming.

Lisa's Budget:   

    Finally, selecting the dress and the shoes? I recommend getting the dress a month or so ahead of time. Do not wait! I bought a simple gown (that cost about $200 and it was a Calvin Klein!). I think it would be logical that it’s easier to dance in a simple gown, then in a big poof-y monstrosity. It’s really what you like. This is your day, not mine. Don’t you think it would be easier to dance and have a good time in a dress that’s not eating you alive? Also, when getting the dress, do not jump to get the first dress you put on. Ok, you like it, but there might be something better. Now, for the shoes (which cost me about $100) -- make sure you select a pair which you are somewhat comfortable in. If not, you can always take them off! Most of your friends will be doing it too, so don’t worry! Want to get a good laugh in? Start doing the Cotton-eyed Joe or something in the heels you try on. It’s always the kid’s reactions that are the best. Well, actually, kids and old people.

    Is there anything else? Well, again it depends on your budget and how gray your parent’s hair has become. I, personally, had a photographer and a balloon-decorator come, which together cost a total of $1900. Towards the end, you usually hand out favors, like chocolate or a little trinket. My favors were chocolate bars which had the same design as my invitation and they cost $250. If you do not follow my advice, you will see the hairs turn gray on your parents head right before your eyes! I

    I hope you take some of my pointers and remember the key thing is not to procrastinate!

    How much did you pay or are you budgeting for your Sweet 16?  Do you think Lisa spent too much?  Let us know: