Sweet Sixteen BD Celebration Ideas?

16 was a big one for me when I was that young, because it meant I could finally date and wear makeup! My mom threw me and my friends a Mary Kay party, and we all learned how to apply makeup correctly. Tons of girl time doing girly things. It was awesome.

See if a local salon offers any packages. Maybe the girls can all get their nails and hair done and then go back to your house for pizza? I overheard a conversation at my salon last time I was in and the hairdresser and her friend were going to the clients house to do this sort of thing on site. So, cash in their pockets and they can get in and out of there.

This will sound a little corny, but how about Bowling? Teens are ALWAYS up at the bowling ally by us. Look for a place that has Glo Bowl at night and music. You can probablly get pizza, pop & bowling for a decent price and this kids can be silly and all participate in something.

One last thing, whe I got home from school on my 16th b-day, my bedroom was filled (or so it seemed) with 16 large hellium ballons. My mom took the weights out of the blinds on the doorwall to keep the strings to the floor. It was cool and I still recall is almost 19 years (YIKES!!!) later!!

it doesn't have to be pricey or elaborate! Ask for her input, set a budget, & let her be a part of the process.

Personally, I am horrified at the extent that parents go with these parties. All that is needed is a family gathering....with or without friends.....her choice. Getting the actual driver's license & driving independently the 1st time is what it should be all about!

my daughter is turning 16 in June and I keep asking her what she wants and she doesn't have an idea yet. I also thought of the limo ride which have rented one in the past for a special church event and only charged 100.00 to take us to a restaurant and drop us off 30 minutes away. We dropped off a vehicle that morning at the restaurant so we would have transportation home. I think they gave us a special rate because we used them during the week and was for lunch and not during typical busy seasons.

My other idea is Pirates of the Carribbean is coming out the end of May and my daughter is a huge fan of pirates and Johnny Depp and know she will want to see the midnight showing when it comes out so thinking of having a sleepover with her friends and taking them to the midnight showing. Probably take them out to eat a few hours before the show starts.

We also have season passes to the amusement park and told her she could invite a few friends to go if she wants to do that.

My husband took his daughter and 3 of her best friends to the beach for an overnight where they went to the boardwalk, rode some fair rides, went to an underage dance club, ate too much pizza, and slept all the way home. They had a great time.

He rented a suite so they could have more room and he could have his own sleeping quarters.

For my stepson's 17th birthday, we rented tables at a pool hall (not your hole in the wall place) and they had unlimited games for 3 hours or something and we had them set out a spread of appetizers (chicken wings, chips, soda) to feed the kids. The kids could come and go for 3-4 hours, it was different, and we didn't have to clean up.

I would see if she wants a party or a outing w/ friends. If she wants a party, see specifically what she is looking for (or consult her best friends). If she wants an outing w/ friends, here are some ideas.

Have a girls day/weekend: Take them bowling or to the movies (something they would enjoy), let them stay over. Have a spa day for her and a few of her best friends...manicures, pedicures. Take them to breakfast or lunch.

I am a nonconformist and will go against the grain...I do not believe in these full blown out extravagent parties...Rediculous. I love some of the responses below and totally agree. The Mary Kay idea is fabulous.
When I turned 16 yep I had a party....In my parent's basement...We had pop, chips, pizza and cake...My dad called the radio for the DJ to wish us a happy birthday and we all jammed to some tunes and movies....A great time.

Is the party just for all girls or mixed company?

- nail salon/spa party
- rent the pool at your local rec center
- lock in at a rockclimbing facilities or healthclub
- rent a banquet hall & hire a dj w/ caterer
- teen party package at Strikz or Main Event
- Theme dinner
- six flags party

Some families and circles of friends have these huge elaborate gatherings. Unless you're wealthy and do all parties in an over-the-top way I think it's a bad idea. it's sets up expectations that are unrealistic for you teen. My duaghter's friends are all beginning to turn 16 in the months / year or two coming. What I've seen from some friends are as follows: 1)an all day beach party with BBQ, boating, waterskiing/tubing 2) big party in the back yard 3) dinner out with a handful of friends at a fancy restaurant, all dressed up 4) a night out in the city, dinner, "drinks" (non-alcholic obviously) in a fancy place where you can see the city skyline 5) evening dinner/cruise with a handful of firends, 6) spa day for a few friends.

My 14 yo daughter is undecided - we've floated ideas like bring a friend along on a special family vacation (we only take a special vacation every 5 or so years - this would be the "special" year we'd take a cruise or something) or bring a few friends to the city for a fancy restaurant dinner out, go to "top of the rock" - or an overnight at some hot beach spot (my daughter's b'day is in July) like the Hamptons or the Jersey shore (most of the Jersey short is NOT like the TV show).

Good luck - I'd be curious to see what you and your daughter decide!

What does SHE want?

We had a party at the country club with buffet dinner, DJ, prizes, etc.

Add in a limo to make it "red carpet". Limos are not that pricey.

If she is into smaller, limo and hotel stay (w/ parent chaperone) at a nice hotel.

My daughter will be 16 in May. I'm letting her decide what she wants to do, within reason. She's mentioned going out to a nice dinner with a few friends - sounds like a plan to me.