Happy May readers! So – I’m sorry I’m so late with this post…but let’s get started recapping the planning and execution of the joint Sweet 16 party that I was independently in charge of planning and executing. It took place last last weekend, on Saturday, April 21st at Studio 3 in Newport, RI from 6-9:30pm. When I was first approached about doing the party, one of the guests of honor, Mari, asked if we could do something like a DayGlow party (like those crazy raves where they throw around neon paint). I assured her that finding a venue within the budget that would allow underage kids in bulk and paint would probably not happen. So I put my thinking cap on and came up with some alternative ideas that ultimately pleased the two Sweet 16-ers. The theme was dubbed “Neon/Blacklight/Rave/Nightclub” and below I will go into detail on exactly what I put together for the two teens (Alex & Mari).
The first thing on the agenda was to choose a venue. After calling multiple obvious choices in Providence and Newport (with no luck…), we scheduled an appointment to see Studio 3 in Newport, RI. It’s a popular club/bar on the night scene in Newport – but was the perfect size (max of 175 people) and they were willing to not only rent out to us – but also to remove all alcohol from the bars to keep it safe and clean for the underage guests. Not only did they give us a great deal, but they threw in an awesome DJ as well, DJ Nook. Once we had the venue solidified, I went to work brainstorming ideas for decor. To keep things within the budget, we agreed upon ordering neon spandex fabric for decor & favors, glow sticks/bracelets/necklaces for decor & favors, UV-Reactive paint for decor, Black Lights, and UV-Reactive balloons. EVERYTHING was neon right down to the bins for favors and bowls for snacks. See photos below for details!
The Dance Room before and after shot
The Cake Area before and after shot
The Lounge Area before and after shot
The above shots are examples of before and after the decoration process. The dance room donned sheets splattered with Fluorescent UV-Reactive paint, UV-Reactive balloons, and clumps of neon-colored fabrics throughout the room. The bar and cake tables were accented with glass cups filled with neon-colored fabric and various colored glow sticks (which were cracked and glowing 15 minutes prior to the start of the party). The Lounge Area was decorated with long strips of the neon spandex fabric and the glowstick centerpieces.
The Event Setup Process: neon buckets of decor, the birthday girls helping with setup, the food bar being put out, the cake table before reveal!
Setup turned out to be a breeze because not only did my friend Becca come to help – but both families of the birthday girls showed up to lend a hand in the process. It was great to work with a group so willing to help out – setup only took about two hours, AMAZING!
UV-Reactive Fluorescent Paint splattered on black&white sheets, UV-Reactive Balloons in neon colors, a neon splattered cake, and neon-colored spandex fabric.
I splatter-painted the sheets myself with UV-Reactive Fluorescent paint from WildFire Lighting & Visual Effects and spent hours cutting the spools of spandex fabric into 2.5″x3′ strips. The cake was a 10″ round with vanilla cake and chocolate filling and came from Scrumptions Bakery in East Greenwich, RI. They did an amazing job of matching the ideas that I had mentioned to them and shown examples of. I’d highly recommend them to anyone looking for a fun cake!
Next came the time to party! Here are some shots of the party while everyone was gettin’ down:
The Dance Room crowd, decor and dancing + the beautiful Birthday Girls, Alex&Mari!
After a good amount of snacking, socializing and dancing – it was time to reveal the cake and cut it! The DJ announced it over the microphone and a crowd gathered around the Cake Area. Alex & Mari blew out the candles and cut the cake and then everyone was invited to come and eat the cupcakes!
The Cupcakes (Black/White Frosting with Neon Rainbow Sprinkles), The Cake, The Birthday girls with their cake!
CUPCAKES, Aerial shot of the Cake Area, Glowing Cake Table, Birthday Girls cutting the cake.
The cleanup process was super easy! We had to be out by 9:45 and the workers were coming in at 9:30 to begin setup for their club to open that night. Everyone chipped in and untied fabric, cut balloons down and picked up trash. We were finished cleaning up within 30 minutes and everyone was pleased with the final product! Below is some of the feedback I received post-event:
“Dear Ali, We could never have done this without you!! You have made this Sweet Sixteen for Alex and Mari so special, memorable, cool and awesome! Thanks ever so much for all your fabulous work – you have made this a night to remember!” ~Peg, Deb & Lynn
“You’re the best!” ~ Deb
“You are awesome! Thanks a ton!” ~Lynn
“The party could not have been better! We could not have done it without you – truly – at least not with your sense of style, organization, and smooth execution.” ~Peg
Everyone was so pleased with the turnout of the event, including the parents, guests and birthday girls! It was so much fun and definitely some great experience to add to my resume – and the fun books! Have you ever planned an event for underage kids? Share your experiences in the comments section!
Happy Planning,
A
