Sweet sixteen parties can vary from a casual family gathering to a formal event. Whether you choose one or the other, let us help you plan your event with a few of these sweet 16 party ideas. You only turn 16 once, so what are you waiting for? A few of our favorite ideas include:

Movie or Hollywood Theme. Transform your banquet venue into a Hollywood dream theater or after-party, complete with dance floor, tons of lighting, and delicious hors d’oeuvres. Play a movie on a projector or wall in the background for easy entertainment. Use old movie posters, director’s chair, and include a popcorn bar with an assortment of toppings to add a special touch your guests will love! Check out Versailles Ballroom, decked out in purple feathers and zebra print—fabulous!

Costume Party. Halloween doesn’t have to take place only once a month. A costume party is a fun option for teens who enjoy dressing up. Host a costume party with prizes for the most ‘scariest’, ‘cutest’, and ‘creative’ costumes.

Glow in the Dark. A glow in the dark party is an exciting way to amp up the energy of the party. Use lighted necklaces chained together to create easy decor, colored candles to make your tables glow, and provide a station with items like glow sticks and glow in the dark face paint for your guests to use and wear. Ask the venue event coordinator about the policy on UV-A black lights.

Masquerade Ball. Who doesn’t love a masquerade? Coordinate a crafting party by gathering a group of friends to create unique masks for the party. Make it a black tie event for an elegant sweet sixteen.

Carnival Party. Can you smell the cotton candy and funnel cake yet? If your banquet hall makes special catering requests, consider asking for some of your favorite carnival snacks. Add small carnival games like ring toss using recycled glass soda bottles in a box and empty tin cans and ball for guests to knock over to enjoy the atmosphere of being at a carnival.

Take the time to make this special event memorable by choosing an option best suited for the teen’s personality and needs. A flexible venue that can accommodate all of your needs and meets all of our banquet hall must-haves is a plus for a smooth event. For more tips and ideas for your next event, browse our blog to get inspired!