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Parents should begin planning their daughter’s quinceañera 12 or 14 months in advance.

A quinceañera is basically a lavish celebration when a girl turns 15. It marks her transition from girlhood to womanhood. The girl dresses in a fancy gown, has a court, including a chambelan de honor (her escort), damas (ladies) and chambelanes (male escorts). The quinceañera girl will dance with her court and share a special dance with her father. Most quinceañera celebrations begin with a church or blessing ceremony, followed by a reception ceremony filled with plenty of dancing, food and gifts.

Along with planning your event, be sure to have your budget, including how much you’re willing to spend for each item, including the hall, dress, food and entertainment.

Here is a timeline and tips for planning your quinceañera:

 

Grab your calendar and circle a few dates near your daughter’s birthday. 

Call your church or others to find a date to have the church mass/blessing ceremony.

Next, call local halls. 

Find a day that matches both places and book them. 

Tip: Remember, for churches and halls, you are not only competing with fellow quinceañeras, but weddings and other celebrations. When choosing a hall, you should ask about its capacity, along with guest, table and chairs, a dance floor and a DJ/band area. 

 

Pick your entertainment: DJs, Mariachis or a band.

Make sure to have them perform for you before choosing and booking one. 

Tip: Always get everything in writing; get the agreement in a contract.

 

Get your photographer and videographer ready.

Tip: Be upfront with the photographer, and try to get the best deal possible with the money you have set aside for photos and video of the event. 

 

Eight months: 

Choose your florist, be sure to compare prices.

Tip: Real flowers are better than artificial.

 

Look for a cater and pick your menu.

Tip: Leave the cooking to professionals, so you know it’s prepared correctly.

 

Six months: 

Rentals including tables and chairs, linens and possibly, dinnerware.

Shop around, because sometimes businesses will give you a discount, if you buy more than one item from them.

Tip: Go for linen, glass looking plastic plates or glassware, instead of plastic table cloths and paper plates to add a feel of elegance.

 

Pick your padrinos, damas and chambelanes.

Pick your dress, dama dresses and chambelanes suits.

Start practicing your dance routine, call a professional, if needed.

 

Make sure all your things are in order — church, hall, etc.

 

Send out the invitations.

Keep your list to around 150 to 250 guests

 

Get you and your damas nails and eyebrows done.

 

Rehearsals

Decorating the church and hall

 

Get your and your damas hair and make-up done.

 

Happy Quinceañera!