Christians have the gift of
taking something secular and transforming it into something sacred. A Sweet 16 can be one of those moments. Teens rely upon moments of Grace when they
are faced with difficult moments and by creating a Sacred Sweet 16, you can
give your daughter that moment that lasts a lifetime.
A Sweet 16 is an event that
gathers family and friends around to love and support the teen in time of
transition. The heart of the Sweet 16 is
what I refer to as the “Traditional
Formalities.” It is what transforms a
party with teenagers into a life giving experience.
The
Traditional Formalities are as follows:
- · Pre-Event Affirmation
- · Grand Entrance
- · Father-Daughter Dance
- · Candle Lighting
Pre-Event
Affirmations: The guests arrive approximately 30-45 minutes before
the guest of honor arrives. A message
board or the chalkboard is setup near the entrance. The guests are given an opportunity to write
a positive message. The affirmation
board/chalkboard is removed before the Guest of Honor arrives and she reads the
affirmation after her last guests has left
Grand Entrance: The Guest of Honor arrives with the applause of her
friends. Two single line are formed with
the girl walking down the center. Her friends cheer her on as she makes her
Grand Entrance.
It communicates to the guest
of honor that she has the love and support of her family and friends. The guests welcome the guests of honor as she
enters the room. The teen years are
difficult. It is essential for young
women to know that she has the love and support of her family/friends.
Father/Daughter Dance: Some relationships
between the Father and Daughter can become a little strained. The Father/Daughter dance is a great
opportunity for them to work together to create something beautiful. The dance is performed for all their family
and friends. It is important for a girl
to know that she has the love and support of her father. It is important to remember, we are talking
about the Father figure in the girls’ life.
This can be her biological father, but it could also be a Step Father,
an Uncle, or a Grand Father.
Sixteen Candles: A Christian
needs to have a heart of gratitude.
She/he acknowledges that they got where they are with the help and
guidance of family and friends. The
candle lighting experience where the Guest of Honor publically acknowledge
those who have been there for her. The
formality incudes her taking 16 candles and as she lights each candle, she
acknowledges a person, (Family/friends)
who have been there to support her.
High Energy Ending: The event ends with a high-energy dance. Then the guest of Honor thanks her guests for
coming. There might be a thank you gift
for attending.
A Sweet 16 is an intentional event to promote
Christian values. It is accomplishes through the community
supporting the teen through the transitional moment. She has the opportunity to dance with her
father and to acknowledge the people who have helped her on her journey. It is the gathering of the community in the
name of Jesus to support her.
“Preach the Gospel at all
times, and if necessary use words”
St. Francis of Assisi.
Jeremy Stafford is the
Entertainment Expert in teens. He has served
12 year in youth ministry. He is the owner of 1st Dance
Entertainment and Phoenix Sweet 16 DJ.
He can be reached at jstafford@1stdanceentertainment.com
