Planning a Sweet 16? Consider these tips in your planning to help keep costs low, and enjoyment high!

ZACHARYS & AURA

East Meadow Shopping Center

   (516) 794-9770

Sweet 16 – the best year of a young girls’ life, and one of the most difficult for her parents! This milestone is marked with a birthday bash a girl will never forget. It could get rather pricy, especially with the lavish likes and lifestyles of teenage girls. Consider these catering tips in your planning to help keep costs low, and enjoyment high.

Create a budget before any party planning begins. Figure out a number you are comfortable spending and discuss this with your daughter. If everyone is on the same page from the beginning it will make it a smoother and more enjoyable experience.

Some people choose to host their daughters Sweet 16 in their home- which minimizes some costs but causes a lot of chaos and stress. Depending on your budget, choose a place outside your home so you don’t have to worry about taking care of anything – or cleaning up after! This gives you more time to focus on other things like arranging party favors and the catering menu. Also, most catering companies, like Zacharys and Aura Catering, will work with you to customize the party to fit your budget.

Once you have chosen your venue, it’s now time to pick the food! With a large group of teenagers, buffet style is typically suggested. These guests won’t mind giggling their way through the buffet line. The party will only last a few hours, so let them enjoy themselves! The more time they spend at the table, the less time they have for fun. They like dancing and being around each other, not sitting at a table waiting to order and then waiting again for their food to arrive.

Another great reason to choose buffet style is the variety offered. Typically teenagers are finicky eaters and their eating habits are irregular. Having a variety of food is fun and offers something for everyone. Guests also have the opportunity to eat as much or as little as they want without feeling embarrassed for eating too much, too little, or not liking what’s on their plate. This makes it relaxed and enjoyable for you and your guests.

Lastly, avoid alcohol altogether if possible. If you are having family members or adults, keep the amount of alcohol limited and in specific cups to monitor who is consuming it. You don’t want to be held responsible for underage drinking, or deal with the consequences or dangers that come along with it. Speak with your caterer to accommodate these requests. 

Zacharys and Aura Catering host the sweetest Sweet 16's! Party's feature glow cubes to lighten up the event and create a unique ambiance all the guests will remember! 

For more information on events at Zachary and Aura Catering venues, click HERE.