Every single birthday is just as important, but your sixteenth birthday is the one that steals the show! Turning sixteen means that you are “coming of age” or in the “transition stage” from being a young girl to becoming a young woman. So, to appreciate and honour this transition, you must have an exceptional sweet sixteen birthday party! Don't you think so?

Nowadays, it has become a trend to host themed parties. One of the popular themed parties amongst young girls is a fairytale themed birthday. It gives young girls an opportunity, even if it's for only one day, to dress up in a beautiful gown, wear dangly earrings, put on heels and last but not least wear a beautiful tiara. For one day, you not only get to look like a princess but also feel like one too!

Hosting a fairytale themed party means that, everything must be up to the mark. To achieve this fairytale party, one must undertake extensive planning in order to ensure that each and every detail is spot on. Here are some steps which can be followed in order to have a perfect party.

Step 1 - The Theme.

Think about what theme you want to do. Do you want a general fairytale theme wherein anyone could dress up as any princess? Or do you want to be a specific princess and have your entire party revolve around that? These are some important things you should consider as they are the crux of your party.

Step 2 - The Guest List.

Make sure you strategically plan a guest list. Don't invite too many people for it could get chaotic in managing so many guests at once, but don't invite a small number of people either. Keep the guest list moderate and simple. Invite only those people who you actually correspond with on a daily basis like your family and very close friends.

Step 3 - The Invitations.

The invitation is a key aspect as it will give your guests an insight about what the party is really all about. While choosing the invitations, make sure they're not too vibrant, flashy, sparkly or in-your-face! The invitation should suit your party theme as well as your personality. Go for elegant, chic, and simple colours like lilac, deep maroon, or even pastels. Personalise your invitations so as to give them your own taste. But while doing all these things, ensure that the invitation is large enough to include all the necessary information- the date, venue, time, RSVP and a dress code (if there is one).

Remember that the invitation should capture your guest’s attention and not scare them away!

Step 4 - The Venue.

Go for venue hunting first. Don't be under a false impression that you will easily get your desired venue if you book on time. You're not the only one having a birthday! Depending upon the guest list, decide how big you want your venue to be. Also, the venue should be able to incorporate your overall theme and do justice to it. Decide if you want a castle backdrop or if you want a huge ballroom that has a staircase attached to it. Make sure the venue looks like royalty! Your venue will be the main attraction. So, choose it well!

Step 5 - The Music.

Music is the heart of the party! Now, while you're having a fairytale themed party, you have to include soft, melodious music to which you can dance to. But that doesn't mean you can't have some lively and funky music! Decide whether you want to play music on a stereo or if you want a live DJ who can play the music and even mix some tunes. You can also create your own mixed tape and play it. Remember that the music will determine how many people actually get out on the dance floor.

Step 6 - Decorations/Party Favors.

One of the most important factors in any party are the decorations. The decorations provide every single person in attendance with visual detail. Decorations like vines, twigs, lanterns can give you a fairytale feel. Also, a fog machine or haze machine if used can create an aura of mystery or a feeling of the unknown. Decide if you want to use centrepieces at the tables. Forego the traditional bright lights and use dim lights or candles which give a softer glow. Don't use the traditional decorations like balloons or streamers because it would end up giving your party a childish look.  Decide if you want to give your guests a small party favor like goodie bags or handmade chocolates which they can remember the occasion by. Just remember that the decorations must be elegant and fit for a sixteen years old and not clichéd.

Step 7 - The food.

If there's one thing that your guests will certainly remember from your party, it is the food and the quality of it. Be very critical and smart while choosing what goes on the menu. Don't overload the menu with sweets or too many appetizers. Build a menu that is simple yet filling. Go for one appetizer, a small salad, a main dish (either vegetarian or non-veg depending upon your taste), a dessert, but not one that would outshine the cake. While choosing the drinks, keep in mind the age of your guests. Have a small selection of alcoholic drinks for the adults, but not too many. A simple wine or champagne would do. For the teens, go for fruity mocktails, punch or even concoctions. Skip the soda.

Choose food that can be eaten without using too much of your hands as it might ruin those fancy clothes! So, choose smart, healthy and simple food.

Step 8 - The Cake.

Choose a cake which fits your fairytale theme. Have a three tier cake with each tier a different flavour. Or go for a cake shaped as the number “16”. Stick to basic flavours like chocolate, vanilla or even red velvet. Do not have carrot or pumpkin cake; you may love it, but a majority of your guests may not appreciate such flavours. Use simple and subtle flavours for the cake.

Step 9 - The Special Dance.

What is a fairytale themed party without a special dance? Decide if you want your special dance to be with your Dad, brother, cousin or friend. I encourage you to have a special dance with your Dad as it would really give your Dad a chance to treat and pamper you like a princess. Don't forget to dance with every single person that you invite. You are a princess after all, so why not dance through the night!

Step 10 - Choosing the Proper Dress.

Since you're having a fairytale themed party, you've got to invest in the proper formal dress or ball gown. Go for a dress that suits your taste. While going dress shopping, ask the stylist which dress she would recommend as that's what they're there for! Avoid too much lace, frill or even too long dresses (lengthwise) as they may get in your way while dancing. Also, you may have a desire to go for a deep neck or even revealing dress, but remember that elegance is not in showing skin.

Step 11 - Make-Up and Shoes.

Now that you've got the dress, you have to choose the proper shoes. Depending upon your comfort, choose whether you want to wear flats, kitten heels, wedges or stilettos. You have to keep in mind that you will probably be dancing through most of your party, so choose the footwear in which you can comfortably dance in. Don't try to wear stilettos if you can hardly walk in them! We don't want an injured birthday girl!

Make-up is what will give you the feel of being royalty if it is done right. Invest in a makeup professional. It will save time and the job would be done perfectly. Also, a makeup artist will know exactly what type of makeup would suit you without turning you into a barbie doll! She will be like your fairy godmother if you allow her to be. With a wave of her makeup brush, she will transform you into a real life princess. So, forego doing your own make-up and for once invest in a make-up artist. Every girl needs a fairy godmother once in while! So, why not for your sixteenth birthday? 

By following these simple steps, you can definitely get the desired fairytale themed party. You only turn sixteen once, so go for whatever makes you happy for the sky is the limit!

And just remember that good food, great friends and family are the key elements which will make your party a hit! Here's to hoping that all you young ladies have a magical sweet sixteen!