Debut's 18 Ideas

Having the “18s” has been a must for debut parties for years.

To have these 18s because it is a way of acknowledging the importance of the people in a debutante’s life.

Being part of the 18s is an honor because it means that the debutante feels that those people have contributed so much in her life. She feels that they have been part of what she is now and what she would become in the future and she would want to show that appreciation by giving credit where it is due.




The original 18s are 18 roses and 18 candles. As years passed, there came the addition of 18 treasures.

The 18 roses symbolizes the 18 men in your life who has made an impact in your life. They may be a family member like an uncle perhaps, your godfather, brother or cousin. The 18 roses are also given to guys close to you, close friend, friend or classmate. 18 roses are usually done with the following ways: Your 18s will wait in line for a dance with you or they may also circle you and go toward the center when it is their time to dance. You may also have a different song for every rose or have just one song.


The 18 candles symbolizes the women in your life who are close to you and who you look up to as a role model in your life, those ladies who have been there for you. It may be ora family member, sister, aunt, godmother or cousin or your BFF. It may also be your teacher, a new acquaintance, a new friend, a classmate. The 18 candles are usually called to the stage, light the candle, make a speech and then put the lighted candle on a candle stand near the cake.

The 18 treasures are also 18 gifts, the purpose of which is to symbolize gift giving during a birthday so the 18 treasures are given to well-wishers. The 18 treasures can be for male and females but they are more for people who are older. The criteria is that they should be able to give you something. It may not always be money but since they are already stable, have work, giving you a gift or cash is just a second thing. They are older and wiser so they may give you advise on your journey toward adulthood. They may not know everything but they know something and they will just be happy to share them with you. Remember what they will advise you because that is what is really valuable and that will be your treasure. Usually 18 treasures are also called to the stage to give a speech, give the gift and then make a toast in honor of the debutante.

So, in essence, there is at least three basic 18s. The 18 roses, 18 candles and 18 treasures. The other 18s are just additional and are vague in its meaning. Their names are tweaked in order to adhere to a theme. This article will deal with renaming 18s based on different themes.