Looking for some ideas on how to throw an awesome sweet sixteen while staying in a budget? PDX Event is here to help!

Decide on a BUDGET

Although throwing a sweet sixteen for you kid should be special it should also not dramatically affect your bank account. Be wise and reasonable about how much you should spend on the party. As much as your sweet little soon to be 16 year old might want to up-show their friends it should not harm your carefully saved earnings. Sit down with your teenager and discuss how much you are willing to spend. If this is unsatisfactory to them then you might possibly suggest they contribute to the pot as well. Be straightforward with your kid and with yourself. By letting your kid in on how much you can spend helps to not let them have too high of expectations.

Although you have set a budget remember to be flexible. 95% of the time you will be spending 15% to 35% over it.

Create a GUEST LIST

Go over with your teen a guest list for the party. The size of the party can dramatically affect your budget, so be reasonable with your kid about who should be invited.

Pick a THEME

Talk with your teen about the possibility of having a themed sweet 16. Some kids may love the idea of a theme while others might shut it down. Picking a theme can either add to the budget or may things easier. If your teen wants everything all pink, it eliminates a lot of decisions down the road. However if your teen wants everything at the party monogrammed it can seriously rack up a bill. But make sure to talk it over with your soon to be sixteen year old.

Pick Out a VENUE!

Often time venues end up being the biggest expense of the party. Talk with your teen and see if they have any ideas in mind for where they want to have their super sweet 16.

Throwing a party at home, someone else’s home, or at a park will most likely be the cheapest route to go. However it is a sweet 16 party and there is no harm in calling around to local restaurants or venues to scope out pricing. Places like Inflatable Kingdom offer very reasonable rates for a great location. Its all about how much research you do. Check out reviews or drive around town and see if there is a location that sticks out to you.

Don’t Forget about ENTERTAINMENT

Entertainment is the key ingredient when throwing any sort of event. Call your local event planner to see what options are available for your teens special night.

There are tons of choices when it comes to the type of music you can get for the party. DJs are a standard choice when it comes to a sweet 16. The price varies with each DJ, but if you are looking to cut corners where possible you could ask a friend who is into music or one of your teen’s friends. It could save you a couple hundred bucks.

Live bands are also a great choice. Ask your teen what kind of music they would like to have at their party. They may have a local band in mind. Or look into a local cover band, they are also a great and entertaining option.

What to learn more about creating the best sweet sixteen party?

Give PDX Event a call at (503) 381-1754