They’re attached to their phone – and in particular, social media.  It’s no wonder in this new era of the internet at our fingertips.  They can see who is doing what, where, and with whom.  And it all looks…perfect.

So it’s not a surprise that if they have a birthday coming up, they secretly (or not so secretly!) want an Instagram or Pinterest worthy party.  

So how do you plan just that?

Check out our ideas!

Following are 5 tips we have to planning the perfect teen party suitable for those fabulous picture posts – and if you need more don’t hesitate to call us.  We have plenty of ideas in our back pockets!

In so many ways, selecting the right surroundings is key to creating the perfect scene.  And, this is an important decision when it comes to budgeting for your teen’s party as well.

Some creative locations that can be designed and decorated to fit the theme can be:

– your backyard

– your dining room

– a private house rental

– a local empty warehouse or art gallery

– a hotel or restaurant private room

If you aren’t as much up for decorating and would like the location to do that for you, consider:

– a private table on the beach or on a farm

– local botanical gardens

– a theme park restaurant

– an activity location

Whatever you choose, keep in mind what will need to be done to create the look of the event – knowing how much time and budget you are able to put into it will make a big difference when it comes time for the party.

Whether you have a large or small budget, creative food and beverage can make a big impact – and can make for amazing pictures!

Even though there will be no alcoholic drinks, setting up a bar with specialty non-alcoholic drinks can be chic and memorable.  We love everything from lemonades infused with lavender and mint swirled with a polka dot straw to virgin daiquiris with initialed umbrellas.   

And an inexpensive drink can be made extra special in the glass it is served in so think martini glasses, mason jars, and hollowed-out coconuts for Instagram worthy toasts! 

Now when it comes to food, keep it simple.  And that doesn’t mean skimping on the amount of food so kids leave hungry.  It simply means selecting how the meal will be served, choosing a main WOW, and leaving the rest to be easy and comforting.

Some of our favorites are:

– afternoon tea with scones, tea sandwiches, and desserts

– a barbecue with a creative hamburger (beef, turkey, and plant burgers) topping bar

– an Italian dinner served family style

– a dessert only party with a flambé bar

– a make your own party (think gourmet pizzas, salads, and cupcakes)

Many teens love taking pictures of unique food so think of one or two dishes that would serve as the WOW!

Sure, a DJ is fun and if the budget allows, should definitely be considered for a large party.  But when it comes to entertainment, you don’t have to be limited to just music.

While tunes play from your speakers, think outside the box with such options as:

– a backyard set-up of teen/adult slip ’n slides, water balloons, and water guns for a playful afternoon

– a photo booth with fun props or a portrait artist

– an outdoor movie screen in the yard with blankets and pillows or in the pool with floats

– arcade games delivered to your location

– group surf or paddle board lessons

– a guitarist playing cover songs

– a chef leading a make your own class

– a private yoga teacher

There are endless options to offer some sort of activity or entertainment for your teen and his/her guests.   And the more creative, the better!

When it comes to planning your teen’s birthday or special party, it can be overwhelming to think about how to outdo the expectations.  This is why we always encourage doing something meaningful.  Something that isn’t wrapped up in the amount of money you spend or the extravagance of it all, but about what it means to the teen, his or her friends, your family, and the world.

Some recommendations we have are:

– including a community service project with the party such as putting together care packages for ill kids, those in the military, the elderly, or animals.

– writing a wish letter to the birthday teen, saved in a box to be read 5 or 10 years from now

– place cards set at the table with one reason why this person is so special to the birthday teen

– wishes wrote to the world that are then burned in a bonfire to signify the wish going out into the world

– a toast to the teen from parents, best friends, and/or siblings

We think the most special posts are the ones that have the most meaning.

Want to ensure your teen’s party is everything they’ve been dreaming of?  Our best recommendation is to hire professionals.

Take the work off of yourself so you can enjoy the day with your son or daughter and hire someone to help.  Think event planner, entertainment, caterer, and/or venue.  And don’t forget – a professional photographer for an hour or two can provide your teen with spectacular social media photos so they can actually enjoy their own party and not have to worry about capturing it all on their phone!

Are you planning your teen’s party in Orlando or Central Florida?  Do you need some ideas to fit within your budget and need advice on how to do that while making the biggest impact?

That’s our specialty!

We work with many families in planning sweet sixteen parties, quinceaneras, bar/bat mitzvahs, and other special celebrations.  Call us at (407) 365-4729 or email us at michele@michelebutlerevents.com for just the right amount of help in planning a party they will never forget.