Sweet 16 represents a period in a teenager’s life when she inevitably shifts into young adulthood. Thought to have originated in the Victorian era, a debutante party as they were known, was a way to present a young woman, coming of age, to society in hopes of finding a suitable husband. Today, although celebrated by both young women and young men, sweet 16 party traditions such as the candle ceremony, father-daughter dance, passing of heirlooms and the shoe ceremony, are typically reserved for young women

Lighting 16 candles acknowledges the people who are most important to the birthday celebrant, such as parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. The ceremony involves choosing 16 people and saying something nice about each one as they approach to light a candle. Traditionally, the first candle represents the celebrant’s parents; the second candle, any siblings, or if there are none, the grandparents, aunt or uncle, an honorary aunt or uncle or even teacher. The third, fourth, fifth and sixth candle are for additional family members to light, the seventh to 16th candle is for friends, boyfriend or special friend. Alternatively, present the cake with all 16 candles burning, and the celebrant can choose to say a special thanks to those who made her day special, and if she chooses, light a 17th candle for good luck. Once all candles are burning, guests sing “happy birthday.”

A father and daughter dance is symbolic of the bond shared between a father and his “little girl.” There are two occasions for a father and daughter to share a dance; once at her sweet 16 party, when he presents her to society, and then again on her wedding day. Traditionally, the daughter reserves the first dance of the evening for her father, while family and friends gather to watch; additionally, the chosen song usually holds special meaning for both. If picking a special song seems daunting, scan the web or YouTube for father-daughter dance songs that stir up emotion. If you prefer songs that are not emotional, consider a song that your father really enjoys or one that you both really enjoy such as an old surf song, and have a little fun with your dance.

The shoe ceremony represents the transition from child to young woman, and is usually performed by father, grandfather, uncle or godfather. Typically, the celebrant wears flat shoes to her party. During the evening, the important male figure in her life approaches with high heels on a decorative pillow; he helps her remove her flat shoes and replaces them with the heels. Alternatively, the mother may place a tiara on the celebrant’s head. The act symbolizes the celebrant’s passage into womanhood. You can also borrow from the Hispanic Quinceanera ceremony, which celebrates a girl coming of age on her 15th birthday, and incorporate the tradition of passing down a favorite doll or toy to her young sister or cousin to symbolize the end of childhood things.