Need budget Sweet 16 party ideas

[springandmac]

DD wants to have a Sweet 16 party with about 40 friends plus a DJ

Does anyone have any ideas for cheap snacks and drinks?

We're leaving 2 days after her b-day to go to Disney so this needs to be a low budget party.

 

[PrincessParty]

I have seen a lot of posts about a candy buffet. "Sweet 16" = candy. Might be fun.

 

[blanq]

Food for 40 teens + low budget = oxymoron.

I guess, I would keep it simple. Maybe just dessert, like cupcakes, or perhaps snacks (chips, etc). If you want to feed these teens an actual meal, there goes your budget. Although a spaghetti dinner might not be so bad.

My DS just turned 16, and lucky for me he did not want a party so I came out of it with my wallet intact.

 

[Kitzka]

can you give us an idea of what yuo mean by budget? or what your budget is? DJ's can certainly be a budget buster.

Lara

 

[KitKat_Tink]

instead of a dj have her make playlists on an ipod and hook that up to a stereo. Thats what ends up being done at most sweet 16s around here. The ones with djs end up too much like school dances and not enough like birthday parties.

 

[HSMndLKfan92]

For my Sweet Sixteen, I made my own dessert, I think the night before. I'm not much of a cake person, so I made cupcakes instead.

I also made a playlist on my ipod.

As for food, I believe some of it was catered.

 

[Trish Bessette]

Like others said if your thinking of a DJ that will be costly right there. If it is going to be going on during dinner time you really do have to serve something so I'm thinking pizza would be the cheapest? Add chips and soda. Birthday cake...

My DD is turning Sweet 16 in October I've rented two rooms at a brand new luxury resort and she is only having her 4 closest friends to spend the night. They will swim and all go to the spa. I'm having a limo bring the girls up to the resort where I will meet them as I want to go up ahead and set up the rooms.

I got the cutest gifts online for the girls that are coming...Sweet 16 candy bars personalized, sweet 16 candles, sweet 16 key chains, I got pink lei's and neon pink glowing sunglasses for them to wear at the resort. Then they have neon margarhita glasses that I'm filling with punch and they glow different colors She also has a Sweet 16 pillow in the shape of a purse that the girls can all sign during the sleepover. Plus a few small tins that I have personalized Sweet 16 stickers on that I will fill with candy.

I'll decorate the room with Sweet 16 decorations plus I'm having a cute 2 tiered cake made. My friend is doing it free plus making goodie bags for all the girls with things like caramel/chocolate apples, dipped pretzel rods, etc

That's all I'm doing because DH and I are buying her a car instead of a big party

 

[Kitzka]

When i turned 16 my parents gave me a choice: Big party or used but reliable car and gas money for 3 months. I chose the car and the night of my 16th birthday mom and dad took I and 2 freinds out to a nice dinner.

most of my freinds chose the party route but when the dust settled who were people asking for rides to school and to the parties? that's right! Me!

I plan to offer the same option to my DD. we'll see what seh picks.

As for budget ideas-for food i woudl think stocking up on chips and snack from bjs, etc and ordering pizza or subs. You may want to look into a local pizza place. if you tell them that yuo will be placing a large order for 10 pies, (40 kids average 2 slices per kid, 8 slices per pie=10 pies) and other things they may give you a break on the price.

Lara

 

[semo233]

Like others said if your thinking of a DJ that will be costly right there. If it is going to be going on during dinner time you really do have to serve something so I'm thinking pizza would be the cheapest? Add chips and soda. Birthday cake...

My DD is turning Sweet 16 in October I've rented two rooms at a brand new luxury resort and she is only having her 4 closest friends to spend the night. They will swim and all go to the spa. I'm having a limo bring the girls up to the resort where I will meet them as I want to go up ahead and set up the rooms.

I got the cutest gifts online for the girls that are coming...Sweet 16 candy bars personalized, sweet 16 candles, sweet 16 key chains, I got pink lei's and neon pink glowing sunglasses for them to wear at the resort. Then they have neon margarhita glasses that I'm filling with punch and they glow different colors She also has a Sweet 16 pillow in the shape of a purse that the girls can all sign during the sleepover. Plus a few small tins that I have personalized Sweet 16 stickers on that I will fill with candy.

I'll decorate the room with Sweet 16 decorations plus I'm having a cute 2 tiered cake made. My friend is doing it free plus making goodie bags for all the girls with things like caramel/chocolate apples, dipped pretzel rods, etc

That's all I'm doing because DH and I are buying her a car instead of a big party

Sounds like an expensive and "big" party to me!!!! You are very generous!!

 

[JBurke]

Like others said if your thinking of a DJ that will be costly right there. If it is going to be going on during dinner time you really do have to serve something so I'm thinking pizza would be the cheapest? Add chips and soda. Birthday cake...

My DD is turning Sweet 16 in October I've rented two rooms at a brand new luxury resort and she is only having her 4 closest friends to spend the night. They will swim and all go to the spa. I'm having a limo bring the girls up to the resort where I will meet them as I want to go up ahead and set up the rooms.

I got the cutest gifts online for the girls that are coming...Sweet 16 candy bars personalized, sweet 16 candles, sweet 16 key chains, I got pink lei's and neon pink glowing sunglasses for them to wear at the resort. Then they have neon margarhita glasses that I'm filling with punch and they glow different colors She also has a Sweet 16 pillow in the shape of a purse that the girls can all sign during the sleepover. Plus a few small tins that I have personalized Sweet 16 stickers on that I will fill with candy.

I'll decorate the room with Sweet 16 decorations plus I'm having a cute 2 tiered cake made. My friend is doing it free plus making goodie bags for all the girls with things like caramel/chocolate apples, dipped pretzel rods, etc

That's all I'm doing because DH and I are buying her a car instead of a big party

YIKES! That's all you are doing? That party sounds like a lot to me. Plus a car? What a lucky 16 year old. My daughter is 16 next month. No car for her. We are looking to a budget party as well- $500 to $800.
Love some budget ideas.

 

[barbnbrian]

More ideas please! I'm already thinking about my DD's Sweet 16 next June! She wants a party - I'm thinking about an "Under the Sea" theme. Any ideas for that one?