7 Tips for Planning an Epic Coming-of-Age Teen Party in Orlando
Updated June 5, 2025
It seems like just yesterday they were bundled up and sleeping in your arms.
Fast forward a dozen or so years. Now your child is approaching independence and has a big milestone on the horizon.
It’s time to throw a coming-of-age party, be it a sweet sixteen, high school graduation, Quinceañera, confirmation, or a Bar or Bat Mitzvah.
Planning a special occasion celebration can feel overwhelming, especially if you're throwing their coming-of-age party in Orlando where fun-filled options are endless.
But with a little prep and collaboration, party planning can be seamless.
Use these seven tips to smoothly plan an event that you, your teen, and your loved ones will cherish forever.
Key Takeaways
- 1. Pick Your Party Date Early and Wisely
- 2. Consider a Group Celebration
- 3. Make Sure You're on the Same Page about the Guest List
- 4. Set a Budget with your Teen
- 5. Plan your Party Activities
- 6. Make it a Weekend-Long Event
- 7. Choose the Right Venue for Your Coming of Age Party
1. Pick Your Party Date Early and Wisely
Chances are, many of your guests will be close in age to your child and may be planning coming-of-age parties of their own.
This is especially true for graduation parties, where your kid’s whole high school class will compete for a couple of dates in May or June.
Hosting later in the summer can be just as challenging. Your child’s friends may be away on vacation or camp, or could have a busy work schedule.
When reserving a venue, keep in mind that you may also be competing with weddings, which are typically booked months or years in advance.
All this to say, you should choose an event date as soon as possible.
After you and your teen check your calendars, reach out to important guests like your child’s best friend or grandparents and run the date by them.
Setting a date early can also help guests prioritize your child’s party before other events or invitations pop up.
2. Consider a Group Celebration
Your teen may be open to sharing their party with their BFF, cousin, or friend group.
Group parties can help families save money and alleviate the stress of competing for a party date.
Outgoing teens will love the chance to meet new people that their co-host invites.
It might also work out for teens who don’t enjoy the spotlight and may feel more comfortable sharing their big moment with someone close to them.
3. Make Sure You’re on the Same Page about the Guest List
Once you’ve chosen a date, it’s time to invite your guests.
It’s critical to drill down the guest list with your teen and figure out the most important guests to them.
Have open conversations about the party size to set clear expectations and to be on the same page. Emphasize whether you’ll prioritize inviting family or friends.
Families planning a Quinceañera should also decide whether they’ll have a Quinceañera court.
Begin drafting your guest list by including the people closest to your teen. When it comes to the invitations themselves, anything goes. You can go as casual as a text message or e-vite, splurge on custom-designed cards, or do something in between.
To keep all guests on the same page, include a small excerpt about how to dress and what to expect.
Bonus tip: Don’t forget the thank you cards! To make life easier, buy them around the same time you send out the invites. You can even choose ones that match the invitations.
4. Set a Budget with your Teen
Learning about finances is a big part of growing up.
Involving your teen in conversations surrounding the party budget is a great way to teach this fundamental lesson.
Discuss how much is available to spend on their coming-of-age party, and see if they’d like to contribute money.
Once you set an official budget, start researching the approximate cost of essentials like food and décor.
While you may have your own vision for the party, remember to get your teen’s input and gauge what they may like to splurge on.
Perhaps they have a hankering for a special dish, have their eye on an expressive outfit, or they may want intricate party decor to go with their theme.
By letting your teen advocate for their party vision and make it fit into the budget, you’ll help them understand their priorities and build their confidence.
5. Plan Your Party Activities
Once you’ve taken care of budgeting, the fun can really begin.
First, pencil in any cultural activities and mealtimes into your coming-of-age-party schedule.
Then, fill the rest of the day with games and other activities that your teen and their friends will love.
Depending on your child’s interests, activities could include:
- A DJ dance party or karaoke
- Show-stopping dancers and entertainment artists
- Photo booth with props
- A graffiti artist customizing sweatshirts or sneakers
- Sports-style arcade games
- A round of trivia inspired by your teen
Don’t rule out classic party games, either.
You can find ways to personalize them, like playing musical chairs with songs by your teen’s favorite band. Or, instead of pinning the tail on the donkey, have guests pin something related to your teen or the theme, like a graduation cap on a picture of them.
6. Make it a Weekend-Long Event
Your child has a lifetime of milestones ahead of them, but they only have one 13th birthday, one Sweet 16, and one high school graduation.
Make it an event to remember by celebrating all weekend long.
Depending on your budget and your teen’s interests, keep the fun going with a:
- Family day at the theme parks
- Day trip to a beach near Orlando
- Outing to Dezerland, the Main Event, or other indoor Orlando attractions
- Dinner, sporting event, concert, or play with your teen and a few close friends
7. Choose the Right Venue for your Coming-of-Age Party
When planning a coming-of-age party, location is key.
Choosing your venue will help you plan your budget and the size of your event. It may determine the food you serve, the activities you plan, and the décor you select.
And, when you choose a party venue with a dedicated planning team, you can take your teen’s vision even further.
Consider the following when picking your location:
- The cost of the venue and the amenities and services included in your site fee
- Catering options and their ability to accommodate dietary restrictions
- Distance from other event venues, like your home or place of worship
- Policies on birthday or ceremony candles
- Ease of parking
Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista is here to help you plan an unforgettable coming-of-age party.
Our Orlando hotel is home to Rosen Bella Vista Ballroom, an elegant and affordable event space with a talented team of event professionals.
Our spacious on-site ballroom features complimentary Wi-Fi and an audio hookup that makes it easy to play your teen’s favorite tunes.
Rosen Bella Vista’s catering team can help you plan a tasty and teen-approved meal. The venue also boasts gorgeous outdoor event spaces and ample free parking.
Hosting your party at a hotel has an added bonus: convenience for your out-of-town guests. We offer centrally located hotel rooms at an affordable price.
Let us help you plan your event today!
