• Consider planning a formal prom party for your teenager's sweet 16 birthday.couple dancing image by Vasiliy Koval from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
  
  The 16th birthday is an important milestone in many teenagers' lives, and some people commemorate it with a large sweet 16 party. If you are planning an upcoming sweet 16 party, consider having a formal prom theme. Many different creative and classy formal themes would be ideal for this type of event.
  
  

Under the Sea

• An "Under the Sea" theme incorporates sparking lights, mystery and a wide variety of exotic colors. According to Party 411, the invitations may have a fish, mermaid or treasure chest theme. Consider cutting wave patterns into blue card stock or adding shiny fish confetti if you make your own invitations. If you have a big budget to work with, consider renting the local aquarium event space or having your birthday prom at the nearby sea life park. Decorate the event space with different shades of blue and green wall panels, complete with balloons and sea life hanging from the ceiling. Rent a bubble machine or pass out bubbles to guests. Place a treasure chest with golden-wrapped chocolate coins and beads on the refreshments table. Serve marine-themed appetizers, such as coconut shrimp and sushi.
  
  

Black and White

• This theme is ideal for elegant teenagers who want a formal, grown-up party. Notify guests that they must wear only black and white to the event on simple, yet classic black-and-white-striped invitations. Decorate the event space with black tablecloths and white place settings. Add white flowers and white votive candles to each table, as well as the refreshment table. Decorate with black and white balloons and add accents in either silver or gold. Consider hiring a photographer to capture the sweet 16 moments in black and white film. Your served food can also fit the theme. This may include a black-and-white-chocolate fountain, Oreo cookies, finger sandwiches made on rye and white bread, and virgin black Russians or chocolate martinis.
  
  

Hollywood Red Carpet

• Teens who love Hollywood gossip and are into the latest trends may enjoy having a Hollywood-themed prom party. Use gossip magazine-inspired invitations, complete with a tabloid-style headline announcing the event. Decide if your guests should wear modern formal dresses or if a vintage Hollywood theme is your style. Rent a long red carpet for the entrance of the event and hire your own paparazzi to capture photos of the guests' arrival. Decorate the event venue with hanging silver stars and large, blown-up photos of the guest of honor. Serve virgin cosmopolitans and martinis, along with small hors d'oeuvres.