Perfect Prom Resource

Planning a Sweet Sixteen Birthday Party

Aside from a wedding reception a Sweet Sixteen Birthday can be one of the biggest moments in your son or daughter’s life. Putting together an epic event like this can be overwhelming and frightening. This is why we’ve created this guideline to layout some proper steps in planning your Sweet 16. We’ll cover each aspect of your party and walk you through each area correctly.

1. Determine your Budget: The very first step of any party would be to set a realistic budget for your event. Setting a budget can often be rather difficult, especially when money is tight. Before setting any budget you should contact some of your local vendors and see what their average rates are. You may think party favors cost $40, but in reality they could turn out to cost $200. Many vendors usually have minimums; you should try to get this information up front.
2. Choose a venue: After you’ve set a realistic budget you’ll want to begin by looking at venues. There are tons of different locations where you can host your event. Often time parents will begin by looking at reception halls and banquet facilities, but will find these places can be more than their budget allows. You may also want to look into local facilities like recreation departments or VFW halls. These facilities tend to be much cheaper and you’re able to bring outside food and drinks. This will help save on the costs. You’ll always want to keep in mind that the venue where the party is held will dictate all the details of your party including the decorations and costs.
3. Select a Theme: Not everyone chooses to theme their Sweet Sixteen birthday party, but lately this is becoming more of a trend. There are several themes out there and we recommend doing a Google search on “Party Themes. Some of the more popular themes we’ve seen are masquerades, highlighter parties, pretty in pink, and of course the night club theme. Once you’ve selected a theme you’ll want to choose colors that complement the theme. Lighting can also be an important aspect of your Sweet Sixteen. It can turn your ugly VFW hall into an all out night club experience if done properly. Check with your local entertainment company and see if they can help you pick out Up lighting that will match the colors of your event. Your entertainment company may also be able to add your daughter’s name into a custom Monogram light. Lighting is often overlooked when planning a Sweet 16, but it can really make your party shine! (No Pun intended)
4. Choose Your Entertainment: The key to party success is often your entertainment. There are several different types of entertainment, but most people choose to use a mobile DJ route. You’ll want to choose your entertainment based on your son or daughters personality and style. As stated before, the entertainment can make or break your party. You’ll want to search for an entertainer with a high level of energy as that may be needed in the beginning of the night to get the party started. You’ll also want to choose an entertainer with some style and an up to date music library as the kids will demand it.
5. Choosing a Cake: Will you have a cake at your event? Will it be homemade, custom made, or store bought? You’ll want to choose a cake that fits into the theme of your Sweet Sixteen and of course you’ll want it to taste good!
6. Photography or Photo booths: Having a professional photographer is becoming quite a trend. Of course you’ll want to try to stick to your budget as photographers tend to be expensive. Not only will a photographer grab all the special memories that night, but they can make your son or daughter feel like a true celebrity. When choosing a photographer you’ll want to hire a professional and see if they’ve shot a Sweet Sixteen party before. You’ll also want to see what kind of style they shoot (traditional, photojournalistic, artistic, etc). Often times your DJ or entertainment company can provide you with photographer or referrals. Having party professionals who work well together will really make your event come together smoothly. Another option would be to rent a photo booth for the night. These can be a lot of fun for the kids and everyone will have a photo keepsake to take home from the event.
7. Grand Entrance: Often time people will choose to have a grand entrance for the birthday boy or girl. You’ll want to know how they will enter the room. Who will handle the introductions? Will there be music playing? Will you have a red carpet entrance? Will they come in by themselves or with a VIP or closes friend? Maybe a paparazzi entrance with pictures everywhere? This is when having a professional entertainment company will come in handy. They’ll be able to help you with planning the grand entrance and they may have some creative ways of doing this too.
8. Choosing an Outfit: Picking out that right outfit can crucial, especially for the girls. You’ll want to try to match the colors or theme of their event. Some even choose to do something brighter or completely different so that they’ll stand out from everyone and look their best.
9. Will there be an After party: So the official party is over and it’s time for the after party. This party may be for your son or daughter’s closest friends to hang out afterward. Often time people choose to get hotel rooms or have a sleepover back at the house with food, drinks, and a movie. Having a solid plan for after the party will make sure your day is complete.

As you can see planning a Super Sweet Sixteen birthday party can be a lot more work than you anticipated. Not everyone chooses to go as elaborate and detailed as others. The thing is there really is no right or wrong way to throw a party. The key is to try to be completely unique. With the help of this sweet sixteen planning guide, you’ll now have the building blocks to throw a one of a kind Sweet Sixteen.

Written by: Stevie Dee

For NJ & AZ Entertainment, UpLights, Decor, DJ's, & Disc Jockeys - New Jersey, New York, Arizona, California

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_779094_27.html

Prom Bids Prices!

We found this on a school website that cried broke and hired a cheap DJ Service for their Prom, they have an average of 600+ students attend their Prom & are charging $80 per person!  (which is a high prom Bid!) Now either the money from that bid is being embezzled or it is being dumped into a slush fund to buy coffee machines & couches for the teachers lounge .....either way that is unethical unless the students are aware that their Prom is a Fundraiser and agree to it!

They collected on average $48,000 pus dollars from Prom Bids (Plus Fundraiser Money!!) and can not afford an $900 - $2000 Disc Jockey Service!  Talk about absurd.  Since Prom is a Formal School Dance - if the DJ is horrible (which according to Twitter - all the Prom DJ's have sucked so far)  the the $50,000 Prom is a bust and ruined 600 seniors most memorable moments!

"The 2009 Prom will be held at ..... on Friday May 29th, from 6-11pm.  Prom Bids will be on sale during lunch in the cafeteria from Tuesday May 5th until Wednesday May 20th.  Prom Bids will be 80.00 per person and must be paid in full at time of purchase.  Please make checks out to ...... Class of 2009, Cash will also be accepted. "

This is Unacceptable!  We try and help Prom Committees make informed decisions with our tips pages - but Advisers constantly send them out to go and book vendors at predetermined prices, such as my friend had a back yard party and got a DJ for $200 or a friend of a friend had a Sweet 16 Disc Jockey for $400

What they don't understand is: that particular DJ fit that event - HOW you ask?

What the Teacher didn't know is that the backyard DJ - was basically a jukebox and played music for 30 people!   And the Sweet 16 DJ was another teenager who stole all the music, was uninsured and had speakers for a crowd of 65 guests!

A crowd like a prom of 500 or more people will need much more sound & director to keep the event flowing!  Also a Club DJ to read the Diverse Crowd and keep the event ever changing so that everyone leaves having a great time!

Please take it from us do your Vendor Research use our tips! and good luck!

Cher!

Email me for Vendor Reccomendations! Especially in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Arizona & California

Ideas for prom!

Great short prom article for Planning your prom! But they Forgot the one Major Issue Entertainment!! What is a Prom with out a Band or DJ? 

So check out their link but don't forget to check out our links about how to hire your entertainment! : http://www.catalogs.com/info/books-music-dvd/ideas-for-prom.html

Our Entertainment Article: http://www.perfectpromresource.com/2009/04/how-affordable-is-an-awesome-disc-jockey.html

Cher!

Prom Night Goes Up In Value During Hard Times

Read this article about how Prom is more important then ever for Prom Goers in these economic times.  Students are doing what ever they have to - to attend the 2009 Prom.

From our Feedback on Facebook & Twitter its a shame Prom Planners, Committees & Advisers fell short and ruined 1,000's of proms in 2009 by hiring cheap vendors, halls & DJ's.

Read Original Link here:  http://www.ypulse.com/prom-night-goes-up-in-value-during-hard-times 

Cher!

Interesting Prom Statistics Article - A Must Read!

AFTER THE PROM...

72% of all Prom Committees say they would have spent more time choosing their Prom Disc Jockey.

Almost 100% say they would have spent more of their budget on the entertainment, because a Prom is just a glorified School Dance!

During Prom planning, Committees say their highest priority is their decor, followed by the reception site  and caterer - reception entertainment is among the least of their priorities. Within one week after their reception, 78% of Prom Committees say they would have made the entertainment their highest priority!

When asked 81% of guests & Prom Goers say the thing they remember most about a their Prom is the Horrible DJ.

65% of all Advisers that chose a band to entertain at their Prom, said, if they had it to do over again, they would have chosen a disc jockey.

Don't Get Stuck with the Cheesy Wedding DJ for your Prom, hire a Prom ONLY Disc Jockey!

For Quality Prom Club DJs Click Here!

95% of 2009 Prom Goers Commented on Twitter That Prom Sucked OR Prom was OK But the DJ Sucked.  Or the Prom was ruined by the DJ!  That is Unfortunate & due to hiring DJ that are All Occasions DJ - NOT Prom ONLY DJS!!!  Do your research!

72% of all Prom Committees say they would have spent more time choosing their Prom Disc Jockey.

Almost 100% say they would have spent more of their budget on the entertainment, because a Prom is just a glorified School Dance!

During Prom planning, Committees say their highest priority is their decor, followed by the reception site  and caterer - reception entertainment is among the least of their priorities. Within one week after their reception, 78% of Prom Committees say they would have made the entertainment their highest priority!

When asked 81% of guests & Prom Goers say the thing they remember most about a their Prom is the Horrible DJ.

65% of all Advisers that chose a band to entertain at their Prom, said, if they had it to do over again, they would have chosen a disc jockey.

Don't Get Stuck with the Cheesy Wedding DJ for your Prom, hire a Prom ONLY Disc Jockey!

For Quality Prom Club DJs Click Here!

95% of 2009 Prom Goers Commented on Twitter That Prom Sucked OR Prom was OK But the DJ Sucked.  Or the Prom was ruined by the DJ!  That is Unfortunate & due to hiring DJ that are All Occasions DJ - NOT Prom ONLY DJS!!!  Do your research!

New prom rules stir controversy

Prom is supposed to be a time of enjoyment and is considered one of the most exciting and anticipated events of many teenagers’ high school career. Teens have been preparing for this dance for as long as they can remember; picking out the perfect dress, planning how they will do their hair, and, of course, deciding whom they will go with. However, this year many teens’ idea of a “perfect” prom was shattered by some new rules concerning dancing that, according to administrators, are meant to give the dance a safe and enjoyable atmosphere. While some see the rules as outrageous, others do not think these rules will make any difference on their prom experience at all.

In the past there were no formally enforced rules. However, after inappropriate dancing and apparel were continually seen by administrators and parents, many of them believed that the dance floor was in direct need of some new rules and enforcement. Walkersville High School was the first school in the area to adopt new dance guidelines and Middletown High School’s administration followed their lead.

“As teachers and as administrators, we appreciate having these rules in place; we believe kids can still have fun and follow the new rules,” said MHS Assistant Principal Jenny Bartkus.

The rules were distributed to seniors during the senior meeting on April 15. They included such guidelines as the requirement of a photo ID to enter the dance. Other rules that were quick to receive criticism from students regarded sexually explicit dancing such as “grinding,” “freaking,” or “sandwiching.”

”We might as well throw in some ’40s swing music and poodle skirts and we’ll be good to go,” said MHS junior Shannon Sweeney.

Students reacted in various ways, but many feel that the music of today encourages such behaviors and the rules will not stop what is going to happen.

MHS senior Shae Beckner said, “We think of it as the norm; it’s how we dance.”

            Many of the ladies feel some concern about the limits on dresses and clothing.

            The guidelines only restrict the donning of hats, muscle shirts, “booty” dresses, midriff shirts or dresses sporting a plunging neckline. Even so, some girls wonder if they will be given trouble over dresses with open backs, or even sleeveless designs.

MHS senior Hannah Darr confessed a slight unease over the reaction dance chaperones may have about a hole cut in the side of her dress. Although the hole is meant to be fashionable, Darr said, she expects administration “will probably take it too far.”

Another rule that caused confusion was the regulation about not bringing guests in grades K-8 or adults older than 20. Many took this rule the wrong way.

            “I think it’s insulting that they think I would bring anyone in kindergarten to the dance,” said MHS junior Matt Wein.

            Despite some limitations on what is acceptable at this year’s prom, most students feel that the rules really won’t make much of a difference. Some students feel that for the most part, the rules are acceptable and not designed to take away from the dance but, instead, to ensure a smooth, safe experience for everyone.

            “Regardless of the rules on the sheet and all of the rumors, I trust our prom committee to pull through and make it an enjoyable dance for all of us,” said MHS junior Brooke Ritter.

            The administration is confident that these rules will have no effect on who attends the dance.

“The rules won’t have any impact (initially), but when they see we are serious about it, they will back off,” said Bartkus.

            Some believe that the rules will actually encourage students to break them.

“I feel that making a long list of rules just beads on students to want to break them,“ said MHS junior Kyler Swillley.

            However, for those who decide to break the rules, the administration said there will be consequences. Students caught violating the rules will be removed from the dance and their parents will be called, according to Bartkus. This could potentially lead to a suspension and/or expulsion, according to the sheet that was distributed and signed by everyone planning to attend the dance. Some students were surprised that an entire sheet dedicated to stating the rules of the dance was printed and handed out.

            “I understand where they’re coming from, but making a paper and passing it out was a little much,” said Beckner. She later added that she thought printing the rules on the back of the ticket would have been enough.

            While the new rules might appear annoying to many students, the adminstration said that the guidelines are meant for the best.

Bartkus said that the guidelines might cause the number of people going to the dance to dwindle, but soon enough, no one will see the regulations as a drawback.

“The rules will work, over time,” said Bartkus. “It will take time for it to become a part of the culture.”

by: Casey Film  

We Tried to leave comments & just link back but it would not accept comments, so here is our View:

Its hard to change things like this!   Schools let it get this far and did not care until the parents were on their backs... so who is to blame the teens?

The Popularity of Prom will Diminish and the whole tradition will be ruined, its unfortunate, but we see this trend due to the lack of budget put into the DJs hired, and the enforcement of new rules.

Prom is a Dance just like all the others, except the attire is more formal and maybe you get dinner.  

Besides that its a Dance Hire a good DJ  - and let the students have their 4 hours of safe fun...

Cher!

Prom for Pennies (Just For Fun)

Prom for Pennies   Apr 29, 2009  

 

When Wall Street spontaneously imploded like our father’s head when we told him you could barely see the dent on his car, we knew we were in trouble. When President Obama decided to spend five hundred kajillion dollars on an economic bailout, things looked grim. When our cousin with a PhD couldn’t get a job at Six Flags, we realized the situation was dire.

But when we heard some teens are having to forgo that ancient rite of passage known as the senior prom because the cost is too high, SparkNotes declared a national emergency. What is this, The Grapes of Wrath?

You can’t miss prom. The love, the laughter, the tears, and the tulle are just too critical to becoming a highly functioning adult. So in an effort to make that national pastime affordable for teens on a tight budget, SparkNotes humbly offers a few cost-saving prom ideas:

• Pull a Scarlet O’Hara and make your own prom dress from curtains. Not as handy on the Singer as Andie Walsh? See if a seamstress can replicate your dream dress for less than it would cost to buy it off the rack.
• Ask the people at the limo service if they have a means of conveyance that’s a little less flashy (and expensive) than the stretch Hummer. Some prom-goers are nixing the limo altogether in favor of the family car or school bus.
• Select your accessories wisely. No need for a tiara if you make a quick stop by Burger King.
• You don’t have to go out for an uber-fancy dinner before prom. Host a potluck at your house or negotiate a prom prix fixe at a mid-priced restaurant. And there’s always Nanerpus.
• Two words: duct tape.
• Defray costs by getting an official sponsor. (Use your new lifetime supply for refreshments.)
• Replace the expensive band or cheesy DJ with an iPod DJ station and let your classmates control the night’s soundtrack. One downside: that death metal kid.  (This is actually A BAD Idea and will ruin your Prom!)
• Make your own corsage and boutonniere from the garden. Be sure to remove any ants, bees, roots, and dirt before pinning to your date.
• She’s no Sally Mann, but your mom would be more than happy to replace the expensive professional photographer. (Another Bad Idea)

What are you and your schools doing to make prom more affordable?

 

Posted in Life , Today by Kathryn_Williams |

 I thought this was Funny!

Cher