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Planning a Sweet 16 comes with a lot of moving parts. You want the night to feel special, the food to be memorable, and the schedule to run smoothly from the entrance to the final dance. At The Waterfall, we help families plan Sweet 16 celebrations with the room, food, timeline, and support handled in one location. Here’s how we make it work.
Key Details Handled in One Place
A Sweet 16 needs more than a room and a dance floor. Our packages include catering, customized lighting, and cake, while you choose your photographer, DJ, and florist. Our event coordinators help guide the planning process so the night feels organized from start to finish.
Two Ballrooms Built for a Celebration Like This
We have two ballrooms, and each one brings something different. The Grand Ballroom accommodates up to 500 guests and features marble columns, crystal chandeliers, a marble dance floor, and lighting that can be adjusted for your event. The patio with our signature waterfall is included with the Grand Ballroom, which gives guests a natural flow between indoor and outdoor during cocktail hour.
The Cascade Ballroom is a little more intimate, accommodating up to 325 guests. Custom arched French doors, Tiffany accents, natural light, and a hand-carved oval marble dance floor make it a standout space. The adjacent manicured outdoor gardens work well for guests who want fresh air or a quieter moment away from the main floor.
Both ballrooms include their own private suite, which is where your daughter and her crew can get ready, freshen up, or simply take a breath before her grand entrance. Each ballroom has private restrooms, so your guests aren’t sharing space with another event.
The Food Is Something Your Guests Won’t Stop Talking About
Food is one of the details guests often remember most, and we give families plenty to work with. Our all-inclusive packages include a full cocktail hour with live culinary stations and more than 30 passed hors d’oeuvres, followed by a four-course gourmet dinner. Some of our most popular entrée selections include Chicken Oscar, consisting of chicken topped with jumbo lump crab meat and finished with a seafood cream sauce, Beef Short Ribs with roasted garlic and plum tomatoes, and Filet of Scottish Salmon with several preparation options.
The dessert displays are staffed and designed to be a moment in themselves. Think Belgian waffle and ice cream sundae stations, a chocolate fountain with fresh fruit and marshmallows, a cheesecake bar, a Viennese table, a milkshake and root beer float station, and an international coffee bar. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are available throughout, and we source ingredients locally whenever possible.
For adult guests, top-shelf open bar options are included. For younger guests, ask our team about alcohol free beverage options that fit the celebration.
What’s Included and What You Bring
Our Sweet 16 packages cover catering, customized lighting, and a handcrafted cake. You choose your photographer, DJ, and florist, and we coordinate from there. From the red carpet entrance to the final dance, our event coordinators work with you to make sure the timeline moves the way you envisioned it.
We also allow outside caterers for certain events, especially celebrations with specific cultural menus. Ask our team early so we can walk you through the process.
A Private Suite, a Signature Waterfall, and a Space That Photographs Well
The private suite is one of those details that parents appreciate the most on the actual night. It gives the birthday girl a place to gather herself before her entrance, store personal items, and take a break from being on. That extra room can make the night feel more organized for the guest of honor and the family.
The Grand Ballroom Patio, with its signature waterfall, is included in your booking and tends to be a natural gathering point during cocktail hour. It also photographs beautifully, which matters when everyone in the room has a phone in their hand.
Conclusion
Ready to plan a Sweet 16 in Delaware that feels organized, polished, and easy for your family to enjoy? Come tour The Waterfall, walk through both ballrooms, and see which space fits your guest count and celebration style.
Download our Sweet 16 and Quinceañera pricing guide to get a sense of what’s included, or call us directly at 302.792.2600 & Contact Us. We’re happy to walk you through both ballrooms and help you figure out which one fits your guest count and vision.
FAQs
Can we use the outdoor space during a Sweet 16?
Yes. The Patio with our signature waterfall is included with the Grand Ballroom booking. The Cascade Ballroom has adjacent manicured outdoor gardens as well, which work well for cocktail hour drinks or a quiet spot for guests.
Do you accommodate vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free guests?
Yes, those options are available throughout our packages, including at cocktail hour stations and during dinner service.
Can we bring in an outside caterer for cultural cuisine?
We work with families on outside catering arrangements, particularly for events that call for specific cultural menus like Indian cuisine. Contact us directly to discuss what your event needs.
How many guests can The Waterfall accommodate for a Sweet 16?
The Grand Ballroom accommodates up to 500 guests, and the Cascade Ballroom accommodates up to 325 guests. For larger celebrations, the full property can accommodate up to 800 guests. Contact our team so we can guide you based on your event size and setup.