Sweet 16 party themes vary widely.
The sweet 16 party is a popular tradition in the United States for girls to celebrate on their 16th birthday. The event celebrates and affirms the girl's coming of age. Though there are many different ways to throw a sweet 16 party, from a casual beach bash to a formal gala, there are certain traditional ceremonies that are performed at all sweet 16 receptions.
Candles Ceremony
In the Candles Ceremony, the birthday girl lights 17 candles in honor of special people in her life. The first candle is for her parents. The second candle is for siblings or grandparents. The third through sixth candles are for other family members. The seventh through fourteenth candles are for the birthday girl's friends. The fifteenth candle is reserved for the birthday girl's best friend. The sixteenth candle is for a close male friend or boyfriend. Some people include an optional seventeenth candle, which brings luck to the birthday girl. As the birthday girl lights each candle, she says the name of the person to whom candle is dedicated and shares something with her guests about why that person is important to her.
Birthday Toast
The Birthday Toast is generally given by the birthday girl's father, before the birthday girl opens her presents. Some fathers give a speech, while others recite a poem. The toasts typically reminisce on memories with the birthday girl and look ahead to the promising future that awaits her.
Shoe-Changing Ceremony
The Shoe-Changing Ceremony begins with the birthday girl sitting. Her father or grandfather brings her a pair of high heels on a pillow. Her father or grandfather then helps her change from the flats or slippers she is wearing into her new high heels. This ceremony symbolizes the birthday girl's transition into womanhood. The Shoe-Changing Ceremony is also seen at Quinceañera parties, traditional Hispanic parties for girls turning 15.
Tiara Ceremony
The Tiara Ceremony is similar to the Shoe-Changing Ceremony, but this time the mother or grandmother helps the birthday girl transition into womanhood. The mother brings the birthday girl a tiara and places it on her head. This ceremony is occasionally combined with the Shoe-Changing Ceremony.
Father-Daughter Dance
The Father-Daughter Dance is a tradition in which the birthday girl and her father dance to a prearranged song while the rest of the guests are off the dance floor. At the end of the song, the father brings his daughter to her friends and leaves the dance floor so that they can take over dancing. The Father-Daughter Dance is also prevalent at weddings.
Tags: birthday girl, Shoe-Changing Ceremony, Father-Daughter Dance, birthday girl father, birthday girl lights