Father-Daughter Dance

• A father-daughter dance is when a father recognizes that his daughter is becoming a woman.Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
  
  Also a staple at weddings, a father-daughter dance at sweet 16 events symbolizes that a girl is growing up and ready to become independent. It is also a way for a father to formally acknowledge that his little girl is becoming a woman. Girls should either select a song that has historical significance to her and her father or choose sentimentally appropriate songs such as Billy Joel’s “Just the Way you Are” or “Unforgettable," sung by Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole.
  
  

Shoe Exchange

• Exchanging flat shoes with high heels is another sweet 16 tradition.Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images
  
  A girl goes into her sweet 16 party wearing flat shoes. At some point during the party, her father leads her to a chair, slips the flat shoes off and replaces them with high heels. For a princess-style touch, you can have the shoes brought in on a satin pillow. This tradition signifies that a girl is becoming mature.
  
  

Candle-Lighting Ceremony

• Family and friends light candles at sweet 16 parties.Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  A candle-lighting ceremony is a way to include family and friends. Either set out 16 votive candles or 16 tapers. Let the girl light the first one as a way of signifying that it is not only her birthday, but that she is taking a step towards adulthood. Have a brother, sister or grandparents (if she’s an only child) light the second candle and let remaining family members light candles 3 to 6. Close friends should light candles 7 through 14, leaving the 15th candle for the girl’s best friend. A boyfriend or very close male friend lights the 16th candle. While lighting the candles, people should tell stories about the birthday girl.
  
  

Tiara Tradition

• When exchanging shoes, a father often also puts a tiara on the birthday girl's head.Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  This ritual involves a father placing a tiara on his daughter’s head. This both asserts that she is princess for the day and that she is growing up and becoming a woman. The tiara is brought in on a fancy silk or satin pillow and is often presented to the girl when her flat shoes are being replaced with high heels.
  
  

Sweet 16 Toast

• When cutting the cake, a father or another close family member gives a toast about the birthday girl. In this toast, the family member should share poignant memories or offer tidbits of advice and wisdom. When the father is done, other guests should each have a turn to share memories or well-wishes for the future.