10 Tips to Host A Sweet 16 Dance Party

You don’t want to make your sweet 16 dance party a flop do you? I didn’t think so. Follow this tips and take your party from boring to talk of the town worthy.

photo credit: RodrigoFavera

1.) Hire a DJ
This a must! You will have little success with just playing mixed cds or even just having satellite radio stations playing. A DJ makes the party upbeat and alive.

2.) The Guest List
Start with inviting as many guests as possible. Plan on 20-30% of your guests will be no-shows, so it is better to invite as many as feasible. Definitely mention that you have hired a professional DJ because that will entice teens to attend.

Follow-up with your guests to find out if any of them needs rides. It’s also important that the last school day before the party, the birthday girl/boy connects to confirm party attendance with each guest.

3.) Meet up with the DJ
Meet up no later than 2 weeks prior to the event. Teens may be rather anxious and afraid that their parents have chosen a cheesy DJ, so let your teen conduct the interview with the DJ and give his/her “ok” before you sign any contract.

4.) Choosing the Music
The key to finding a good DJ is to choose a DJ that will pay the music your teen enjoys and not just music the DJ has in his collection or likes to play. A good DJ will ask for a list of favorite songs and artists of your teen, that way he/she will know what type of hits and music to play.

5.) Dance Ice Breakers
Sometimes party guests can be apprehensive about shaking it on the dance floor. Discuss with your DJ his methods and techniques for getting people on the dance floor. Often this is done by a series of dance games. You may even want to hold dance contests with prizes. Be sure to discuss this with your DJ prior to the sweet sixteen party.

6.) Other Activities That Might Distract
other activities make a party fun and exciting, but if your goal is to have a dance party then you will want to illuminate other distractions that will inhibit teens from dancing. For example, don’t offer video games anywhere near the dance floor.

7.) Dance Area
If you are not renting out a restaurant, clubhouse or hall then you will need to plan a decent area to dance. If you plan for the dance area to be in your backyard but the patio area is too small then you will need to rent a dance floor which can be laid on any flat surface.

8.) Lighting Up The Dance Floor
Make sure your DJ has lighting effects that are enticing to your guests and not intimidating. A darker dancing area is more enticing versus bright lights.

9.) Designate “Party Assistants”
These special assistants are hand chosen by the birthday girl/boy. Make sure to choose out-going teens for this position since they will be called upon to demonstrate games or be the first on the floor to dance to help motivate others to join in.

You can make your party assistants stand out by wearing special party hats, tiaras, boas or whatever to go along with your theme.

10.) Chaperoning the party
Chaperons should be present at the dance party but should try and be out of direct sight. by remaining directly out of sight you will enable the teens to feel more comfortable which will lead to greater participation.

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