Most teenage girls want to have a sweet 16 party to celebrate such a special birthday. Unfortunately, television and celebrities have made it very difficult for families to live up to the glitz and glamor that teens see on television. If you are planning a sweet 16 party (which for some, is one of the special events of life) for your teen, use the following guide to learn a few simple swaps you can make to get some of the glitz and glamor without having to spend thousands of dollars to do so.

Swap a Photo Station for a Photo Booth

At many of the celebrity parties, there is a photo booth available where teenagers can go inside and get pictures taken together. These booths cost hundreds of dollars to rent and you also have to pay for the picture printing supplies separately. Instead, hang some dark fabric on a section of the wall and place a basket full of props next to that portion of the wall. Include funny hats, big glasses, and fake mustaches in the prop box for teens to use to create funny photos.

Have instant print cameras available for teens to use so they can take pictures of one another and have the pictures available for them to take with them as a favor when they leave the party.

Swap a Buffet for a Plated Meal

Many celebrities choose to have a huge, plated meal served to their guests at their party. It often consists of many courses and can be a little too formal for teenagers. Instead, have a caterer create a buffet from which the teens can choose what they want to eat. Have small, finger foods available so that the teens can walk around and mingle while they eat.

Swap Cupcakes for a Huge Birthday Cake

There is no need to spend thousands of dollars on a huge birthday cake. The cake often doesn't even get eaten at a teen's birthday party because they are too busy dancing and having fun with one another to actually sit down and enjoy a piece of birthday cake. You can still have everyone sing to your child and allow him or her to blow out candles though.

There is no need to go too over the top for your child's 16^th birthday party. He or she will be happy that you allowed them to spend time with their friends and have a day that was special and celebrated them.