Boyfriends, high heels, makeup, late nights out, and many other things you’ve long awaited are now possible. You’re turning 15, and the young girl’s life is now waiting for you. So, you better start it on the right foot by hosting a prime birthday party, a quinceanera!
A reasonable 15-years-old young lady can handle her birthday on her own; we trust you. But to ensure everything goes exactly like you dream and leave no chance for a mistake, we will provide you with some guidance on planning a quinceanera successfully and stress-free.
Here’s everything you need to know on how to plan a quinceanera:
Are quinceañeras similar to a Sweet 16?
Because there are many similarities between quinceaneras and sweet 16 birthday parties, everyone has been and still is mixing them up. But the truth is, they’re alike in some aspects and different in many others.
What is a Quinceanera?
The quinceanera has Latin roots and a religious component. It’s a tradition that dates back to the 1500s and involves celebrating a girl’s 15s birthday as the first step into her transmission from a cute little girl to a young grown-up lady. The quinceanera has many traditions, including change of shoes, Waltz dance, glamorous dress, an outstanding tiara, etc.
What is a sweet 16-birthday party?
On the other hand, a sweet 16 birthday party has basically started in the US and spread to other different countries. It has no religious components or involves any special traditions. But it revolves around the same idea of celebrating a girl’s adolescence and maturity.
What ceremonies are involved with a quinceañera?
The pre-quinceanera ceremonies are very much similar to a wedding but without a partner. Just like a couple go to a church for blessings, exchanges rings, and love vows, and become religiously and officially married, a young girl should also visit a church for blessings and faith.
A quinceanera will go to a church to renew her baptismal promises and do a reading in front of her court, which usually includes damas, chambelanes, and family. Once the church part ends, the real fun starts, and the party officially kicks off in the quinceanera venue.
But to make that happen the right way, preparing a good quinceanera checklist is needed.
Your quinceanera checklist
1. Book the venue
The first thing you should write off your quinceanera checklist is the venue, as it’s your party’s cornerstone, and once you book it, the rest of the planning phases will go smoothly.
The place where you will celebrate your womanhood should be somewhere very special, a place that reflects your vibes and matches the image of the perfect quinceanera you have in mind. So, lease up the most comfortable pair of sneakers you have, and get ready for the long venue chasing.
Take our word on this; quinceanera banquet halls are a great option for planning a quinceanera to remember, as there will be extensive spaces to host as many guests as you want, a good dancefloor, and a full staff ready to serve your quinceanera food and organize everything regarding your quinceanera order of events.
Keep your party’s budget, headcount, and theme in mind, and establish a quinceanera list of questions to ask any probable venue.
Have a tiny budget? Here’s everything you need to know about planning a quinceanera on a budget.
2. Source the dress
Well, we know you’ve been eagerly waiting for this part of your quinceanera checklist. And actually, we see your point; how would a girl not feel thrilled to be treated as a bride even without getting married?
Dresses are all girls’ obsession; we always want to put on the most elegant, eye-catching dress to be the center of attention. But your dress must be extra outstanding when you’re the party’s girl and the center of attention already.
The stores have many dresses in different colors, garments, and designs. So, if you don’t have a specific dress vision in mind, you will be scratching your head constantly. So, know your budget, body type, and skin tone to scale down your options and know where to look and which dresses to try on.
Remember, you’re the party’s butterfly. So, you will greet guests, dance, and follow your quinceanera order of events. And a chance to take a break or have a sit isn’t a grace that the party’s girl will enjoy. That’s why your dress must be as comfortable as possible, so you can enjoy your day to the fullest without feeling stiff or uneasy.
More on what is a quinceanera dress and our best picks here.
3. Secure the flowers and décor
What is a quinceanera without special decorations and your favorite flower picks? Absolutely nothing. Now that you know your quinceanera venue and dress, you can easily arrange the decorations and colors. But before deciding on anything or arranging with any venue decorator, ask yourself, “what is the quinceanera theme I want to pursue?”
The most popular themes in 2022 are masquerade ball, Disney princess, winter wonderland, Arabian night, etc. Once the theme is figured out, you can carry on with the rest of the decorations on the right track.
What do you need for a quinceanera decoration?
Incorporate some backdrop decorations that go with your dress and the party’s theme, so you and your friends can take memorable pictures in front of it. Balloons, in addition, are budget-friendly and go with very much all quinceanera’s themes; they have a significant impact and could be arranged and incorporated with different decoration items harmoniously.
4. Design the menu
The quinceanera’s food is a VIP guest in your party and must be picked carefully. You can go traditionally and serve one of the special Latin plates, including Picadillo, Mole, Arroz con Leche, or Pan de Polvo.
Or, you can set your own quinceanera list of food selections. It’s up to your budget at the end of the day; if it’s small, some hors d’oeuvres and a tasty cake can do the trick. However, if you have a generous budget and want to go big on your quinceanera food, you can go for the buffet serving style and supply it with all kinds of foods you and your guests enjoy.
But remember that the cake is an non negotiable dessert and decoration item to include on your quinceanera checklist, no matter which serving style or food selections you choose.
5. Music and dancing
Quinceanera’s traditions are many, and the Waltz dance tradition is one of the most outstanding. You, young lady, should have your first dance with your first love, your father. An emotional song about the father would have a very intimate effect and shed some of the guests’ tears.
After this sentimental part, a fun binge becomes necessary. Play the songs you and your friends most enjoy, and get this party started! However, don’t get intimidated by the Waltz dance traditions and its strict move rules, as many girls are canceling this part and hosting modern quinceaneras. So, don’t worry, you and your gang can make the greatest stupid dance moves you’re used to all through the night.
Conclusion
This birthday party will be a milestone in your life, so you better put some real-time planning to ensure it’s a memorable and outstanding stage in your life. We hope everything we put together on what you need for a quinceanera and how to plan a quinceanera to remember was helpful.
