The Lemon Plans

Sweet 16 party planner

A Sweet 16 party planner for the venue, the DJ, the photo booth and the 16-candle ceremony, with the guest list, a floor plan of the room and a checklist that counts down to the night.

  • 16-candle ceremony on the checklist
  • Photo booth and balloon wall on the plan
  • Besties seated together
Event Planner App with the Sweet 16 sample: floor plan, guest list by family and seating checks
The Sweet 16 sample in the Event Planner App. The demo opens on it, with nothing to install.

A sweet 16 budget split to start from

For a $7,500 budget and about 80 guests. It's the default split in the app; change any % to fit your family.

Food, venue and the DJ are most of a Sweet 16 budget. A photo booth or a balloon wall gives the biggest wow for the money.

  • Venue22%$1,650
  • Food & Drinks25%$1,875
  • DJ & Entertainment12%$900
  • Decorations & Balloons10%$750
  • Photography & Photo booth10%$750
  • Outfit, Hair & Makeup8%$600
  • Cake & Desserts4%$300
  • Invitations2%$150
  • Favors & Party bags3%$225
  • Candle ceremony & Extras2%$150
  • Other & Buffer2%$150

Sweet 16 checklist by deadline

In the app, each task gets a date counted back from your party.

  • 4–6 months

    • Set the budget
    • Pick the date and theme
    • Book the venue
    • Start the guest list
  • 3 months

    • Book the DJ
    • Book a photographer or photo booth
    • Choose the outfit (and a second look)
    • Order invitations
  • 6–8 weeks

    • Send invitations
    • Order the cake
    • Plan the 16-candle ceremony
    • Book hair & makeup
    • Order decorations and balloons
  • 1 month

    • Final guest count
    • Plan the playlist
    • Buy favors and party bags
    • Seating chart
  • 1 week

    • Confirm every vendor
    • Pay final balances
    • Write the candle list (who lights each one)
  • After the party

    • Send thank-you notes
    • Share the photos

Sweet 16 planning tips

What makes the biggest difference, from parents and hosts who've done it.

  • Write the candle list early.Sixteen people, one line about each. Print it for the DJ.
  • Book the DJ before the venue's own.Ask what the venue includes before you book extras.
  • Plan a second look.Many birthday girls change for the dance part of the night: add it to the outfit budget.
  • Count RSVPs by group.Friends from school, the team and family fill tables differently.

Everything in one app

Budget by category, vendors with deposits and due dates, guests and families, a floor plan with drag-and-drop seating and Auto-seat, a gift list and a countdown checklist. Light or dark, offline, no subscription.

Sweet 16 planner questions

How far ahead should I plan a Sweet 16?

Four to six months is enough for most parties; book the venue and DJ first.

How much does a Sweet 16 cost?

Many parties land between $2,000 and $10,000. Venue, food and the DJ are most of it.

What is the candle-lighting ceremony?

Sixteen candles, each lit by someone special with a short dedication. It's on the checklist with a reminder to write the list.

Is there a subscription?

No. You pay once and keep the app. It's one file that opens in your browser on a computer, with no account.

Does it work on my phone?

It's made for computers right now.