Need Help with a NJ Sweet Sixteen

[Minnesota!]

That is just too wild! Seems really over the top! I hope you all enjoy it!!

 

[Big Dude]

Just to chime in, I'm a disc jockey in New Jersey and I cannot tell you the number of sweet 16 parties I have performed at. They range from small gatherings in a local firehouse or VFW to parties that rival an elegant wedding reception. Casual dress to formal eveningware. Buffet style hors'douvers to sit down 7 course culinary spectacles. It's all a matter of taste. Have a wonderful time planning and I hope your daughter has an absolute blast.

Adam aka Big Dude

 

[Miss Jasmine]

I would just offer her the money instead of throwing the party and save myself all that trouble.

In latin cultures it is 15 that is the big party. I went to one that rivaled a wedding and I am sure cost just as much.

Me, I never had a fancy party and I didn't miss it. I didn't have a big wedding either (in fact there was like 12 people there). So I guess I am just a small scale kinda person.

Have fun planning!!! I'm sure it will be a memorable experience.

 

[lizzie64]

Hi there Big Dude,

Thanks for your .02. It's good to hear from someone else who is familiar with Sweet Sixteens. I know of lots of them and of lots of parents who are planning them too.

Miss Jasmine - you are correct about 15 in latin cultures. The quinceanera is a huge festivity with the birthday girl having a gown and a court of friends in gowns as well.

Being of cuban descent but raised here, we opted for a sweet 16 for me. We are big party people. We had about 200 people at our wedding, and at my son's christening we had about 55 as well. I'm thrilled to do the party for her.

I love to party plan.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

I wish I was more of a party person. I just like to hide in the corner.

Keep us updated as it progresses. I can't wait to see where you pick and of course her dress!!!

 

[lizzie64]

Originally posted by Miss Jasmine
I wish I was more of a party person. I just like to hide in the corner.

Keep us updated as it progresses. I can't wait to see where you pick and of course her dress!!!

Oh I will Jas,

and the dress, well I think she mentioned Vera Wang - nah just kidding. She did surprise me though. She's looking at princess gowns with spaghetti straps and a big tulle poofy skirt. I thought she'd go for a more fitted look.

 

[Patricia]

I was just as shocked as some of you with the whole Sweet 16 thing. Where I was raised, just one county from where I am now, they were unheard of. Then I moved up to where there are more people from NY and Long Island. My daughter asked for a full fledged bang up party, complete with the formal attire. I was a wreck at the thought of the $$ and the effort.
It was the best thing I have ever done. SHe and I had more fun with the planning, the kids had such a great time at the party, the family all came together and celebrated her life and her joys... just like a wedding with no hassles. It was the most memorable night of her life and she still talks about it and wants to do it again. SHe is now going to be a senior and is planning her college experience and the idea that we had this to enjoy is a comfort to me. Have a wonderful time!!!
I can't wait to do it for my 13 year old.. the boys really get gyped though!

 

[lizzie64]

Patricia, I know what you mean about the boys. DD 15 is a twin. She has a twin Brother. I feel so bad with all this planning and nothing is for him. But, DH will plan a boys weekend golf trip with some of his friends so he is happy with that.

 

[Tiggeroo]

when I grew up in philly everybody had sweet sixteen's. My mother and her sister had sugar cube corsages. She thought I was going to do the same thing for my dd, but here in south jersey nobody does it. We had a slightly bigger birthday party, and my mother got my dd a sugar cube corsage.
When my family was bigger we had a hall for first b'day, christenings, 16th b'day, showers, etc...
I think the sweet sixteens and other big parties might also be ethnic. We are an Irish Catholic family. And when you get closer to NYC you get a higher concentration of ethnic groups who tend to do the bigger family things. There was just a program on the local talk radio station where people are predominantly from N. Jersey. Even though people from all over the state were calling in it was the N. Jersey folks who had NY roots who were doing the parties.
My sons turn 16 in a few weeks. I was trying to think of something special to do for them.

 

[Lynn CC]

My DS is having his 16th birthday party with 12 friends this Friday. He's having a catered pool party. Since we live on the Cape it will be a clambake, with a side of pizza!
I hope it doesn't thunderstorm like the forcast predicts.

Sounds like your 16 year old is having quite a time, have fun!

 

[lizzie64]

Originally posted by Lynn CC
My DS is having his 16th birthday party with 12 friends this Friday. He's having a catered pool party. Since we live on the Cape it will be a clambake, with a side of pizza!
I hope it doesn't thunderstorm like the forcast predicts.

Sounds like your 16 year old is having quite a time, have fun!

Hey Lynn - good luck hope you have great weather. Sounds like an awesome menu