“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” This doesn’t mean you don't want to relive the memories, right? Here's everything I miss most about sweet sixteens.
1. The Candle Ceremony
Done at most Sweet 16 celebrations, the candle ceremony proved to be the ultimate test of friendship. Traditionally, the birthday girl would pick 16 of her favorite friends and family members. They’d say a few words, thanking them for all that they’ve done for them, and then call them up to light one of the candles on their larger than life cake. In reality, the candle ceremony provided the perfect excuse to take some cute, but candid, pictures and let the sweet sixteen-er rattle off all the inside jokes themselves and this person shared. When invitations were distributed, it was always a huge deal to see who was special enough to be able to light a candle and share a laugh with the birthday girl. In the long run, friendships were broken over who was given a candle and who wasn’t. People were left out, making them wonder why their so called best friend didn’t nominate them as one of there many candle lighters. Even though the candle ceremony usually prompted tears, apologies, and explanations, one of my favorite parts of the night was listening and laughing along to the cheesy speeches read.
2. The Dress Code
Having a dress code at your sweet sixteen was more than common. Since the celebrations were usually held at hotels, banquet halls, or country clubs, semi-formal dress was usually required. That would mean hitting up the nearest Mandee’s or Forever 21 to buy something tight, sequined, and tacky. You weren’t doing it right if your mom didn’t make one comment on how you could pass for 25. If you weren’t one of the cherished VIPs, aka one of the lucky sixteen year olds who did get to light a candle, it was almost guaranteed you were instructed on the invitation to wear black. Since it was the simplest of colors, you had no problem sharing and swapping dresses with your BFFs. If you did happen to be one of the chosen ones, the birthday girl had you sport her favorite color, whether it was purple, pink, or blue. At least you could stand out from the crowd. But of course, the guest of honor was dressed the best. Usually their parents splurged on one of those pre-teen prom dresses you always eyed in Seventeen magazine. And if they were really lucky, they had two birthday dresses: one for their grand entrance and one for the dance floor. Speaking of dancing…
3. The Music
Who doesn't love a good throwback? Sweet sixteen’s always had the hottest music. Whether they chose to blast their ipod or hire a DJ, the best hits were playing loud and clear through the speakers. Clear the dance floor, because you and your friends were taking over, ultimately meaning pushing through all of the couples grinding and making out in the corner. Shimmying and swaying to the beat you couldn’t help but to squeal when your favorite song played: "The Cotton-Eye Joe." Don’t we all kind of miss getting down to the “Cha-Cha Slide?” Now, only if they played that at frat parties...
4. The Drama
What did a Sweet 16 consist of without the drama? Breakups, rumors, and sabotages all seemed to occur at the heightened event. "Did Tom really dump Allison at her own birthday party? Caroline told me that she saw Leah and Jess drinking in the bathroom. You saw Samantha dancing with Carly's boyfriend, right?" There was no escaping the fights and accusations that followed. To be honest, I don't think I've ever attended a sweet sixteen without seeing one person leave in tears. Controversially, drinking at sweet 16s was always another issue at hand. Often the birthday girl didn't want to participate in splashing vodka into her glass full of soda. Instead, she probably prayed that know one showed up too drunk that the adults at the celebration would want them kicked out. Usually a few too many guests hit their own parent's mini bar before making their way to the party, smuggling in hard liquor for the rest of their friends. The rest of the night, the sober monitors made sure everyone was okay and that no one cracked their head on the dance floor. Between unnecessary drama and intoxicated guests, partygoers pretty much assumed that some kind of commotion would occur. Usually, the chain of events was dramatic enough, giving everyone something to talk about at school the next week. That is, of course, until next week’s birthday bash.
5. The Unrealistic Expectations
After watching way too many episodes of MTV's "My Super Sweet Sixteen," I was convinced that I was going to get a brand new BMW on my big day, even though the legal age to just get your permit in New Jersey was 17. I also thought I was going to ride into my party on an elephant to Britney Spears', "Kill the Lights" but that's a whole other story. To my disappointment I didn't leave my party in a Barbie pink convertible decked out in Swarovski crystals like I wanted. My hired security, aka my dad's friends, had to kick out a few uninvited, and very intoxicated guests. I cried during my candle ceremony after swearing up and down that I wouldn't. My entrance was subpar, even though "Kill the Lights" still managed to play in the background. All in all, I did have a great sixteenth birthday filled with lots of laughs and good memories, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. Even though our lives now are consumed with bar crawls and house parties, sweet sixteens will always have a special place in my inner party lovers heart.
