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Sweet 16 & Milestone Birthday Parties: 6 Tips to Make Them Over-the-Top Fun

Milestone birthday celebrations are extra special. They often commemorate a significant life event, from Sweet 16 parties to the big 5-0. And if you’ve been charged with event planning one of these momentous occasions, you’ll want to make sure you get every detail right. Here are some insights and tips to ensure any social event you plan is over-the-top fun and memorable!

1. Choosing the Right New York City Venue

Should your milestone birthday party be outside? Or maybe you’d prefer not to contend with changes in the weather and find a remarkable space indoors. Take the time to meet with venues around the city. There are incredible spaces perfect for your event themes and designs. And check out some of the hottest rooftop spaces, too, with gorgeous skyline views. Here are some of the other aspects of your perfect-fit venue to consider:

  • Guest Capacity
  • Dance Floor or Stage
  • In-House Catering
  • Custom Bar Service
  • Lighting
  • Audiovisual Capabilities

2. Get Creative with Event Themes

Consider infusing your milestone birthday or Sweet 16 party with a unique theme for an added layer of fun. Yes, the celebration itself will center on the birthday and guest of honor. But you can introduce exciting event designs, activities, and extras in line with a great theme. Here are a few popular birthday event themes to help inspire your efforts.

  • Hawaiian Luau
  • Night at the Oscars
  • Decade Themes (Roaring 20s, etc.)
  • Circus and Big Top
  • Yellow Brick Road
  • Hollywood Movies
  • Casino Night
  • Mardi Gras

3. Make It Interactive

Look for ways to make your Sweet 16 or milestone birthday celebration interactive. Yes, there can be dancing. But consider other ways to get your guests involved in the party. For example, maybe you have side entertainment, interactive sandboxes for children, clowns, or magicians. Consider face painting or temporary tattoo stations. But also consider interactive food and beverage stations, too, like build-your-own dessert bars. And don’t forget the selfie stations and photo booths for added layers of fun.

4. Splurge On Entertainment

Don’t cut corners on entertainment. No matter what event you’re planning, if the entertainment isn’t brilliant, your guests won’t have a good time. From impressive DJs to live bands, there are a host of great performers in New York City to consider. Take the time to meet with these performers and make sure they’re able to keep your guests moving and shaking all night long.

5. Offer the Tastiest Food

Talk with your venue about any in-house catering they have. But also explore third-party catering options with other professionals, too. Choose menus that meet the needs and preferences of your party guests, including any vegan or gluten-free options. But also consider adding delectable morsels that align with your party themes. Keep the snacks coming all evening long so guests don’t go hungry. And you can get creative with your beverage options, too, including custom cocktails and hot cocoa bars.

6. Let EMRG Media Handle the Event Planning

When you’re ready to plan an over-the-top Sweet 16 or milestone birthday party, you really just need to make one call. Connect with EMRG Media and let our team of expert planners help you coordinate every detail. We’ll make sure it brings all the wow factor to make it brilliant!