Are Sweet 16s Too Much?

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Image courtesy of: http://www.birthdayexpress.com/p/29571/sweet-16-sparkle-tiara

Leah Emmerich, Editor

Sweet 16 season is upon us and raises the question: are these parties way too overdone or are they just a great way for teens to celebrate?

Year after year, girls fiercely prepare for what they consider to be “the biggest day of their life so far,” looking tirelessly for the right venue, the right DJ, and –don’t forget– the perfect dress. Thousands of dollars are spent, and hours upon hours are spent planning. All for what? A wedding? No! Of course not.

These girls are preparing to throw their very own super sweet 16.

Even though it may not seem like it, sweet 16s are stressful for everyone. The party goers have to worry about spending money on a gift, and after adding up all the parties they will attend, that’s a lot of moolah. Also, what outfit will they wear? The thought of repeating a dress or dress shirt is terrifying. And finally, how are they going to get to the party at all? This dilemma is especially hard if you have a group of friends with busy parents.

On the other hand, there are the girls who are trying to plan their own party. The desire to be the greatest sweet 16 everyone is going to attend is enough pressure. And then it’s her parents who knit their eyebrows at her every time she comes up with a new “extravagant” idea. But it’s clear that all she really wants is a really great day that’s going to be all about her. Also, when two parties wind up happening on the same day, it’s a battle between the two girls, trying to persuade as many people as they can to come to their party, not hers.

Basically, sweet 16s have become a competition, rather than just a day to celebrate.

These parties have evolved into festivals that are blown way too out of proportion and aren’t as fun as they’re made out to be. These parties should really be about dancing, and laughing, and just having a great time around all of the people you love. Not about worrying if some else’s party is going to be “better.” The real purpose behind a sweet 16 is to celebrate getting a year older. Sixteen is a huge year for a lot of people, with just starting drive, starting to look at colleges, and finally feeling a sense of independence from parents.

Sweet 16s have become too much, but they really don’t have to be. The next time you go to a sweet 16, make sure you look around and appreciate every aspect of it. Not only because a lot of time and money was sacrificed, but because this girl is so happy to be turning a year older, that she wanted to share the moment with all the people that she loves.