By Chris Mellides
Sweet Sixteens are a long-held tradition that focus on celebrating young women as they reach a special milestone and begin the transition into their adult selves.
Celebrated as a night of reverence and reflection, this momentous occasion marks a significant stage in the life of all Sweet Sixteen princesses. Joined by family and friends, the event is usually accented with catered food, drink, dancing, gifts and live entertainment. Sweet Sixteen parties are also highlighted with speeches from loved ones that mark the importance of this momentous occasion.
Parents and guardians are instrumental to the success of any Sweet Sixteen party and there are a number of details that need ironing out to ensure that the occasion runs as smoothly as possible.
Some things to keep in mind are:
Choosing the Right Venue
This coming-of-age event should be scheduled at the appropriate venue in advance and should follow the 16th birthday of that special daughter, granddaughter or niece in your life.
There are a number of venues exclusive to Long Island that would be perfect for any Sweet Sixteen celebration.
With a trusty staff offering incomparable service, the Watermill is located in Smithtown and features a number of banquet halls and ballrooms complete with the perfect décor and ambience that is perfect for any Sweet Sixteen event.
Located in St. James, Flowerfield has all of the amenities and key characteristics to make any Sweet Sixteen one to remember. The grounds of the property are serene and inviting and are complete with orchards, vineyards and reflecting pools. A long winding driveway leads to the 6,000 square foot grand ballroom, which is perfect for hosting the celebration.
The Beach Club Estate is a vibrant lakeside location that is perfect for mid-sized gatherings and has a rich history that dates back to more than 30 years ago. The staff there focus their attention on one event at a time to offer personalized and attentive service. Additionally, the venue offers event planning through its Events Unlimited program, which takes out all of the guesswork associated with finding photographers, DJs, and customizing and sending invitations.
Sending Out Invitations
After preparing a guest list that’s in accordance with the maximum capacity of the venue you’ve selected, it’s time to send out some Sweet Sixteen invitations. This step is crucial since it can make a big difference in turnout. Invitations should be sent out a few weeks beforehand so that guests can clear their schedules and make the necessary arrangements leading up to the celebration.
Selecting the Right Limo Service
Most teenagers have never stepped foot in a limousine, so what better way to make the birthday girl and a handful of her closest friends feel special then by renting a stretch limousine so that she and her besties can arrive to the venue in style.
Here are just a few of the limousine services available on the Island.
No matter where you're going and how you want to get there, they will furnish you with a ride that is elegant, comfortable, and luxurious the whole way through. With such a vast selection of premium vehicles and a level of courtesy and professionalism to match, M&V Limousines of Commack is sure to make any occasion even more special!
Based in central Long Island, Camelot Limos is the premier limousine rental company. Camelot Limos is an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating and a fleet of vehicles ranging from classic and luxury cars, to the more Sweet Sixteen appropriate stretch and sprinter limos.
Located in Syosset, Ultimate Class Limousine offers a relaxing, stress-free ride and is perfect for getting the birthday girl and her closest friends to the Sweet Sixteen event. All of the company’s drivers are fully licensed, certified and insured. Ride in style and with confidence.
Finding the Right Entertainment
The go-to for any successful Sweet Sixteen is the right DJ. This individual must be able to keep the party going by playing contemporary music that’s tailored specifically to the liking of the many teenagers who are there to join in on the fun. It’s important that the DJ knows all of the current hits and is able to take requests as they come.
Hiring the Right Photographer
While it’s true that hiring a professional photographer can be expensive, it’s still an excellent way of capturing those special moments of that magical evening. Let those memories live on in a collection of photos that have been shot and edited well and that will ultimately last a lifetime.
With any Sweet Sixteen, it’s easy to get bogged down in the details but with some early planning and finesse it’s sure to be a night to remember!