1. When I turned 16, I knew I wanted a Sweet 16 party. My parents were nice enough to let me
take the reins and plan it myself. This began my love for event planning! I found the venue,
designed the food and beverage menu, spoke with different vendors for the DJ and decor, all
while following a strict budget. I began with a theme (pink and green beach themed), and
centered the birthday bash around this idea, from the invitations to the linens. Some “wow”
features were my sign-in board, which was a handmade, wooden surfboard with my name on it,
and my centerpieces, which had wooden flip-flop photo frames that featured pictures of my
friends and I. The flip-flops stood next to a tin pink or green pail that had sand, shells, and a
candle in it. I had a great time and I know my guests (friends and family) did as well.