Blake Kritzberg

Tips For a Hollywood-Themed Sweet 16 That Won't Break the Bank

So, there's a recession on. But it's hard to marshal that bit of info when your teen comes to you with her puppy-dog eyes and a reminder that her sweet 16's nearly here.

She wants to go Hollywood, she says -- an extremely popular party theme. (Never mind those world-weary types who sniff that it's been done. Hollywood theme sweet 16s will be over when the world gets tired of watching goddesses sashay down the red carpet on Oscar night in couture and borrowed jewels, which is to say, never.)

So, if you say yes, does this automatically mean you need to tap the 401(k) or downsize the BMW to a '94 hatchback? Absolutely not. You can pull off a party that thrills the diva near to your heart and never once have to turn to Top Ramen for dinner that month. Here's how.

Food: Self-Cater, But Go Mini.

Parents worry that the Hollywood theme calls for uber-swanky food (should you break out the caviar?). But the truth is, it's all in the presentation: stay small. If you can hire just one or two people for a few hours -- or even coerce siblings -- into passing hors d'oeuvres and drinks from trays, your guests will be tickled pink.

But go easy on yourself: hit up a wholesale club. Stock up on pizza and sausage rolls, mini quiche, meatballs -- things you just heat up on trays. Also load up on tortillas, cream cheese and lunch meat: roll together, slice into rounds and secure with toothpicks, and you have a big crowd pleaser. (Don't bother with too much raw broccoli.) Pour something sparkly and sweet into plastic champagne or martini glasses served from trays, and you've got happy teens.

Decorations: Bargain-Hunt Online.

The ace in the hole with these popular themes? You've got tons of props to choose from, and the price is right. Prom sites sell spectacular cardboard Hollywood sets for really reasonable prices. And once you've got a focal point, it doesn't take much to fill out the edges. Gold and black balloons are brilliant for this theme: just get latex so they'll last throughout the night. They'll fill up the corners of your room, or make impressive centerpieces when tied into "bouquets."

Then, when you shop around, everything from megaphones and clapboards to film reels and kitsch plastic Ocars can be found for under $6 each. That's a pretty cheap way to dress up tables.

Scale: Don't Pad the List.

An exclusive guest list not only cuts down on food and beverage costs, it allows you to style a more intimate party that's easier on the bank account. Ask a hundred guys and gals, and you'll pretty much need a dance hall ... and a $100-an-hour DJ with a four-hour minimum.

But if it's mainly her BFFs, you can fill the evening with a screening of 16 Candles and fun party games that will fuel the giggles for hours, and be every bit as memorable as the mega-party -- if not more.

Fashion: Get Your Guests in on the Act.

Your party will automatically hit higher heights if your guests show up dressing the part. They'll get to flaunt their coolest frocks and shoes; all you need to do is hand out inexpensive feather boas and oversized sunglasses to conjure up a VIP lounge. Be sure to have your digital camera charged and ready, and a photo printer if you've got one. Then, provide some clapboard-style photo frames for keepsakes. Your best-dressed guests can slide in their favorite head shots, and go home knowing their stylist hit the mark.

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