A sweet 16 party is an important event in a young lady's life and deserves a special, memorable cake to mark the milestone. Whether her party is as casual as a backyard barbecue or as lavish as a formal wedding, the cake should reflect the special young woman at the center of the celebration and make her sweet 16 even sweeter. Does this Spark an idea?
The Birthday Girl's Wishes
A sweet 16 party marks a young girl's passage into womanhood, and her cake should reflect her maturing tastes. The birthday girl's input is important; use her favorite flavors and colors and let her personality shine through. A sophisticated young woman may want a formal, elegant cake similar to a wedding cake, while a fun-loving jokester may prefer a whimsical cake in bright colors.
Match the Party Theme
If the party has a theme, the cake should match. Use pale pink with lots of flowers and edible glitter for a princess-themed or garden party, beach balls and dolphins for a beach or pool party, or a modern cosmopolitan design for a formal party. For a Hawaiian luau, consider a volcano-shaped cake, or try a masquerade ball mask cake for a masquerade party.
Novelty Cakes
Let the birthday girl's style show in her sweet 16 cake. Many bakeries can produce cakes in novelty shapes, like a purse-shaped cake for the shopaholic, a car-shaped cake for the new driver, or a high heel-shaped cake for the young lady who can never have enough shoes. Novelty cake pans can be purchased at cake supply stores or online and come in many shapes and sizes, including characters, animals, flowers or hearts for a special homemade cake.
Photo Cakes
A sweet 16 birthday is also a time for nostalgia and creating memories. Many bakeries can now scan an edible photo of your young lady onto a sheet cake. Use a recent photo, a baby picture or a photo depicting a beloved childhood memory like a vacation or a favorite Halloween costume.
Cupcakes
Cupcakes are also a favorite at sweet 16 parties. Consider purchasing a cupcake tree, usually made of wire, or tiered platters for a stylish presentation. Decorate cupcakes with different colored icings, candies, icing flowers or themed decorations. For a casual party, set out an assortment of cupcakes, icings and decorations, and let guests create their own mini masterpieces.
Don't Forget the Guys
While boys don't usually celebrate a "sweet 16," a 16th birthday is still an important milestone in a young man's life. The same principles apply when decorating a young man's 16th-birthday cake, but use masculine or neutral colors, such as blue, yellow or green, and replace frilly, feminine decorations with balloons, sports-related items or other decorations that reflect his personality and interests.
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