Aaah, the 16th birthday is quite a milestone in a teenager's life.  What better way to celebrate it, then with a Sweet 16 bash!  Here are some great ideas and a helpful checklist to assist with planning a party to remember.

Checklist for a SWEET 16 Party:

1. Determine number of guests to invite.

2. Choose a theme

3. Choose a party location (home, banquet hall, etc.)

4. Choose a party menu (scroll down for some examples with recipes)

5. Purchase invitations and mail out at least 2 weeks prior

6. Purchase decorations and party favors

7. Choose party attire

8. Schedule appointment for salon for morning of party for hair/makeup

9. Order birthday cake and catering if applicable.

10. Ask friends and family to help with decorating and set up

11. Create a party tunes for cd player or ipod.

12. Salon for hair and makeup

13. PARTY!

Other great tips and ideas:

• try a theme: luau, bowling, fiesta, pool party, a pyschedelic 60's bash, or even a Mardi Gras theme!

• Serve non-alcoholic cocktails garnished with cherries, orange slices, and the like

• Hand out feather boas and tiaras to girlfriends as party favors

• Create party music for your ipod using itunes.com or hire a dj

• Set out disposable cameras for tabletops for great candid shots for your scrapbook!

• Hire a professional to teach party guests a particular dance, ie: Bollywood Indian, Salsa, Belly Dancing, Hula Dancing, etc..

• Hire a fortune teller, Caricature artist, or even a henna tattoo artist...

• Order a cake using an image from when the guest of honor was a small tot.

• Serve fingerfood, such as, chocolate covered strawberries, seven layer taco dip, potstickers, mini pizzas.

• Have a blender handy for making up non alcoholic drinks and smoothies, garnish with mini umbrellas and fruit.

• Don't forget your camera!  What a fun scrapbook it will make!

For more great Sweet 16 party ideas, party supplies, and unique party favors, visit It's A Party-ful Life !.