As mentioned, the celebration these popular parties are changing, or have changed over the years.
For instance, sweet sixteen use to consist of a slumber party (of course there is usually more laughing than slumber) with pizza and cake.
Now, sweet sixteen makes the birthday girl (or lady) a queen for a day with a day of shopping and a kind of royal ball (dance) at the plaza.
However, whichever celebration it is time for, it all starts a few weeks beforehand with Invitations.
Which invitation theme? Well, themes are not only card colors and special fonts.
Card backgrounds do not only have a few backgrounds.
For instance, if you use to choose "nature", you would only have an overhead view of a group of trees or a bed of flowers.
Now, you can choose which tree, as well as flowers, lakes, birds (all different breeds) whales, dolphins, all other marine life, and way much more.
The lists are endless.
Knowing the interests of the birthday PERSON will help a great deal with choosing your theme.
Age and friends may play a roll in this as well.
Of course, you can have a plain background with a design around the text you choose.
However, you can consult an online service where you can preview your creation before it is shipped to you, or have the service to mail them out for you.
You may want to get a thank you note designed also.
Many sites allow you to schedule the date to mail these notes, or have them shipped to you to hand out personally as the guests leave.
What kind of Party Accessories? We usually think of streamers, balloons, themed napkins, plates and cups, etc.
You will want to choose these carefully, especially for a child who is trying to grow up too quickly and does not want to be embarrassed in front of his or her friends.
If it is a surprise party, it will be hard to consult with the one having the birthday.
If you did the invitation design online with their theme helper, use that to come up with possible accessories as well as games, puzzles, items to raffle off, or other activities for the friends.
Remember, the invitations set the mood for the celebration.
Whether it is baby's first or your school age child's party with friends, or anywhere from sweet sixteen to over the hill.
Whatever the age and level, their friends should feel like they are being treated to a good time, not just feeling obligated to merely attend.