T.F.
The timing of your party can determine how much food you need.
Example: Last Dec, we had a blast for our 13yr old. Teens were there by 6pm so we had mini pizzas, chicken strips, chocolate fountain with different dipping foods, a make your own Sundae and fountain drinks. We had that much food because they were there at dinner time.
Now: fast forward to this week for the end of the year party. We are not starting til 7pm. From experience of the Dec party, the kiddos LOVED the make your own Sundae and fountain drinks. SO, we are only doing those 2 items since the party starts after the norm dinner time.
Do you plan to have the party at home or someplace else. DJ or lots of cd's and/or karoke machine for music? Pool? A lot of other locations have a minimum charge for food and per person.
Other themes could be luau, pizzas from Little Ceasar's are cheap, pick up sodas on special at the grocery/target. Make punch with orange/lime sherbet and orange soda. Is this a surprise party? The 16 yr old can help make things for decoration, foods.
We have a DJ and we also have several disposal cameras around for the kids to take lots of pictures. Oriental Trading has a lot of stuff for decorating and ideas that are reasonable.
Bottom line is what does your 16 yr old like? What does she want in a party? Work around those ideas.
A little other advice is RSVP's. They just don't happen very often. That is the hardest to plan. I am going through that one again now. I can't believe how disrespectful some people are about RSVP's.
PS regarding the Gaylord.....Great idea!!!! We did that at the Shops of Legacy Marriott in Plano (12 yr old) and it was a blast!! I had a suite, 6 girls slept in the bedroom area, had their own shower, etc. I had the living area with a sofa bed and bathroom/shower. We had dinner at Nicola's after swimming, primping, etc and then walked around the shops area, when we got back to the room, they watched movies and then VERY late we had snack from room service. The girls left by 10am the next am after donuts, milk and juice. The suite had a small fridge so that was helpful for keeping snacks.
Another thing we did was a limo party (10 and 11) yr old party). It is not as pricey as you might think. I spent about $300 on a limo for 3 hrs. We picked each girl up at her home in the limo, went riding around Plano, through mall parking lots, cinamark and popular places. Came home to pizza, movies and snacks sleepover.
I realize some people might think these have been over the top but in the end.....it HAS been worth it to our daughter. She does not need any material things and her parties are her interest. She likes to have a party and share with all of her friends. I don't see much wrong with her wanting to SHARE the fun with her friends. The last 4 yrs worth of parties have been far worth it in the long run. I love seeing my daughter AND her friends having fun in a safe environment.
TF