top of page

The Crystal Ballroom Charlotte

Planning a Sweet 16


Sweet 16

Her Sweet 16 deserves a special celebration. Making this occasion perfect is just a few tips away. Keep reading to discover how to make her sweet 16 party an unforgettable fairy tale.


Choosing a Sweet 16 Theme


There is no shortage of inspiration on social media, which is why it is always a good place to begin. Not every sweet 16 party has a theme, but if yours does, it will make the experience more memorable. Planners recommend that you develop a theme with the birthday girl to keep the tone in tune with her personality and vision. You might envision a ballgown, but her ideas about fashion might differ. There needs to be a compromise between her vision and yours. You should always support her ideas, while guiding her decisions. The color palette and décor will be the most influential for the theme. The cake is an opportunity to get creative with sculptured cake art. Games and events should match the theme. Creating a theme is a fun and meaningful process.


Sweet 16 Party Entertainment


Every Sweet 16 party has entertainment. The most common forms of entertainment are a DJ and photobooth. You might consider a magician or a caricature artist. The entertainment is usually one of the most memorable experiences. Choose the entertainment that matches the vibe. A live band can provide a completely different experience than a DJ. They both might play the same music, but the delivery is not comparable. The decision will come down to the type of experience you want to create.


Planning the Catering


It is never recommended that you risk the catering to a decision that is based only upon cost, but cost will be a factor. If you are lucky enough to have a chef in the family, it could save a lot in the budget. If you are shopping for your catering, negotiate and customize your packages to receive the most savings. Haggling can go far. Drop-off catering is less expensive. This type of catering works with the banquet staff at your venue to deliver a buffet-style event. If you desire full-service catering with plated meals and table service, it will cost more. Most Sweet 16 parties serve a buffet.

Sweet 16

Sweet 16 Party Cake


The Sweet 16 party cake should be an epic masterpiece on display. It should convey the theme and create the wow in the room. Some planners recommend using dummy tiers for the illusion of a larger cake. Since the cake is such a central piece to the entire Sweet 16 party, skimping on the cake is not recommended. This masterpiece will be confectionery perfection on a pedestal.


Planning Photography and Videography


Photography and videography are the most important investments you can make in her Sweet 16 party. Flowers wither and cake crumbles, but the images you capture are a keepsake that lasts. Every planner recommends that you think about the investment in your photography. Choose a photographer that has a balance of talent and personality, rather than basing the decision solely on the cost. Style is probably the number one determining factor when it comes to choosing an artist. And you should choose an artist you absolutely love.

Sweet 16

Crystal Ballroom Charlotte


Crystal Ballroom Charlotte is a luxurious all-inclusive event venue with an in-house design team and relationships with local vendors to make her Sweet 16 party the fairy tale it should be. This elegant venue includes all of the furnishings, décor, floral arrangements and staff services to make her birthday wishes come true. Bring imagination to the designers at Crystal Ballroom and begin planning. Contact an event advisor for a complimentary VIP tour and customization consultation.

crystal-ballroom-st-augustine-wedding-ve

We invite you to discover the
Crystal Ballroom difference found in the unparalleled elegance and uniqueness written into the design of each of our venues. The themes are as limitless as your imagination.

bottom of page