.........Ten Checklist Must-Do's for a Sweet 16

As most of you know, I will be turning sixteen on Tuesday! Oh how time flies. You all might also know of my Sweet Sixteen party that I had on Friday. Boy, was it a ball! I really enjoyed myself, and I am extremely thankful for all who participated.

But how great of a blogger would I be if I didn't have some pointers or something to say about the whole party planning experience?

So here are Ten Checklist Must-Do's for a Sweet 16
(or any big party/event you are planning)

  1. Don't try to do it all on your own: When you're having a party, the excitement and anxiety builds up and your mind thinks it can tackle the whole planning deal by itself. If you've got a theme and food, then you don't need help right? wrong. Let someone help you! It'll take a load of stress off of your big day and give others the satisfaction of helping.
  2. Keep a Checklist on things bought/decided on: No one ever plans to walk in the store and find a totally awesome decor item that they weren't even looking for. To keep from the budget busting without you even knowing it, jot down everything that is bought, from balloons to hot dogs. Trust me, you will see how it helps soon enough.
    3. My Carnival/Circus Theme Sweet 16
  3. Choose a Place that YOU know fits the occasion: I can't stress this enough. During the planning time lapse, many people will offer their "kind advice" on what they think you should do and a lot of that advice will refer to the venue. However, no ones opinion is as important as yours. If you want to party it up outside, by all means do it. If you want a classic banquet hall to get jiggy in, book it! The night of your bash, when everyone is ooh-ing and ah-ing will be enough satisfaction.
  4. RSVP! RSVP! RSVP!: One of my biggest mistakes! "Whoever comes, comes. I don't need a number" Yes you do!! RSVP is a gift bestowed upon us by the party planning gods...use your gift! Knowing how many people will be attenting helps you know how much food to buy, what the dress code should be, and so much more. Even if the number isn't exact and you're off by a few people, you won't regret putting those four letters on that invite.
  5. Make Sure ALL Addresses are Correct Before Invites Go Out: I know you may have bought THE most fabulous invitations in the world, but don't put the babies in that mail box until you have checked and re-checked that every single address is correct with the right city, state, and zip code. You don't want any feelings hurt because of a mailing mishap. 
    6. 'Cirque Du Sierra' Gorgeous Cake
  6. If the Party is Private, Keep it Private: As my Grandma would say, "Don't let everybody and their momma into the party!" I believe she spoke it best. If you sent out invites to certain people who you have close knit relationships with, don't let that rowdy group of guys that you have never spoken to in your life crash the party. Extra people who you have no dealing with could cause trouble, and you don't want that on your day. Having the ones you love there will make the night more memorable. 
  7. It's OK to Feel a Little Stress the Day of the Bash: After all your planning is done and you are in party-prep mode, you will become frustrated when the flat-iron takes too long to heat up or when the dude in front of you is driving way too slowly. Just remember to take the time to breathe, and remember that everything will be fine. You've been planning this night for months and now everyone is waiting on you to kill it (in a good way ofcourse). So enjoy yourself!   
  8. Make Sure Everyone Knows What the Dress Code is: Don't just assume that because the theme is Carnival that everyone will know to dress casual. Tell them! If not, you could end up being the only one wearing jeans in a party where everyone else is sporting Versace' (hah! as if). You don't want anyone outdressing the Honoree, so save the confusion and make sure the dress code is understood.
  9. Don't Open the Gifts at the Party: I know what you're thinking, "Aren't you supposed to open gifts at the party?" It actually depends on the load of stuff you get. If the pile of gifts isn't that bad and won't take up too much party-time, then by all means open them. But if this is a milestone party, chances are the gifts will be plentiful. So save yourself some dance time and spare everyone by opening gifts the day after you boogie down.
  10. Send Thank You Notes Out Before Week is Over: Even though you'll probably still be psyched from post-party happiness, you have to do your duties. Truth is, you wouldn't be as happy if you didn't have a brand new cash stash, so thank the ones who helped you to get it. This not only shows people that you are grateful, but you'll also feel extremely accomplished.


So there it is!                     

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