A sweet 16 party is a milestone in any young woman’s life.  It’s her chance to shine and share her happiness with friends and family.  As you look to make the memories she’ll have for a lifetime, here are 8 ideas that can turn a party into a happening.

1. Start With A Fabulous Invite

Send out glossy, nightclub-style invitations and RSVP cards customized with your photos, high-quality artwork and your style and theme. As guests receive these eye-catching requests for their presence, the excitement for the big day begins to build.

2. Light It Up

Event lighting can go from drab to fabulous with today’s options that include nightclub dance floor lighting, 3D laser shows and laser animation, room color changing, LED wall uplighting, themed lighting and under table lighting.

3. Open A Lounge For Chilling

Rent lounge furniture and lounge décor that suits teens’ tastes and can give them a place to hang in between the music and food.  Couches, ottomans, benches, circle sectional couches and light-up lounge furniture create an oasis where conversations won’t stop.

4. Rock It With A Killer DJ

Make sure your DJ is on top of the music, one of the most crucial components of any Sweet 16 party.  Depending on your guests’ tastes, the DJ should be updating their music daily and offer the latest selections in Dance, Reggae, Ethnic music, R&B and Pop categories.  The DJ should also meet with you and carefully evaluate exactly what type of music you want.  You might want both a DJ and a separate MC  or a one man DJ/MC. In either case, an event company should be able to supply both.

5. Enhance and Preserve The Day Digitally

While it seems a given, having the right type of photography and videography can make or break how you preserve party memories. Photo printing stations at the event let guests take home their memories in a custom frame with the birthday girl’s name. Many event companies will also showcase photos or videos onscreen throughout the party, which is always a popular attention-grabber.

6. Customize a Sign-In Board

Friends and family can sign a board that you customize with photos and / or artwork that the guest of honor has as a keepsake for years to come.

7. Don’t Leave Out The Special Touches

One-of-a-kind feather centerpieces, velvet ropes and dramatic drapery pieces can help add a little extra ambience to your event.

8. They Want Their MTV

Screens can showcase MTV music videos throughout the event and even synch them to the DJ’s music.