Sweet Sixteens: Your Planning Timeline

We're not going to lie -- a Sweet Sixteen takes a lot of planning (and we mean a lot). Use this basic timeline to check up on your progress in the upcoming months. If you've got less time to plan, don't panic -- but do get started right away!

10 to 12 (or more) months before…

Start thinking about what kind of Sweet Sixteen you want to have -- colors, theme, location, everything!
Pick the date and time.
Start thinking about your guest list.
Start looking at party locations. It might seem early, but remember, you're competing against weddings and other parties, so these places book up fast. If you see one you love, go for it!
And of course, it's no fun, but start working on a budget.

6 to 8 months before…

If you are ordering a dress for your daughter (especially one that’ll require tailoring), start shopping now. Order as much in advance as possible to leave time for last-minute alterations.
Start thinking about what kind of food you'd like to have.
Decide on what kind of entertainment you want: A band or a DJ?
Start researching and booking Sweet Sixteen pros, like your photographer, band or DJ, etc.
Check out party-rental places if you need to rent anything for your child's Sweet Sixteen (like chairs and tables or a tent).

4 to 6 months before…

If you're getting custom-printed invitations, it's time to start shopping.
Having a custom-made cake? Start thinking about how you'd like it to look (and taste!), and check out the bakeries in your area.

3 months before…

Order your invites.
Order your cake.

2 months before…

Get those invitations in the mail.
If you are getting your daughter's hair professionally done, make that appointment now.

1 month before…

If you've ordered a dress, pick it up from the store and have final fittings done.
Make any last-minute adjustments with your Sweet Sixteen pros.

2 weeks before…

Take a peek at your RSVPs and call up any guests you're still waiting to hear from.
If you're having a professional photographer, talk to him/her about any must-take shots.

1 week before…

Give your site or your caterer the final head count so they know how many meals you'll need. Don’t forget to include your DJ, photographer, etc. -- they need to eat too!
Remind your location about any special needs your other Sweet Sixteen professionals might have (for example, if the DJ needs a table, where the band will be set up, etc.)
Having a dinner with assigned seats? Don’t forget to create your seating chart.
Call all of your Sweet Sixteen vendors and reconfirm all details: When they'll be arriving, what they'll be providing, etc. Make sure they have the phone number of someone reliable in case anything comes up close to party time.