A Quinceanera is more than just any other birthday party. It includes a religious and cultural right of passage for a young lady. There are tons of details that involve in the planning stages or a quinceanera. One of the most important steps, after securing the church is finding a place in which to host the reception party.

To further assist you in the planning of your quinceanera, here is a list of things to keep in mind during your planning.
 

One to Two Years In Advance:

• Set the date

• Book the event site (i.e. church, banquet facility, etc.)

• Book the priest/minister (if applicable)

• Determine your budget

• Choose a theme (this can be anything from a flower, a recent movie release or based on a hobby of the honoree).

• Choose the colors (see below).

• If financial resources allow it, hire an event coordinator who specializes in Quinceaneras.

• Book the church? don’t forget to book a rehearsal so you, your court, and your family can have a walk-through before the big day.

• Assemble a preliminary guest list. Decide on Sponsors? who is paying for what?

• Book the reception site (for a variety of event location options, click here).

• Book caterer, if reception location does not offer on-site catering.

• Book the entertainment for the party: DJ, band and/or mariachis.

• Book transportation for the quinceanera, her court of honor, and family from church to reception.

• Book photographer and/or videographer (be sure and check with the church on their policy about filming in the church).

• Research bakers and select cake for the reception.
   

Nine Months In Advance:

• Begin Planning Ceremony.

• Begin Planning Reception.

• Announce your Quinceanera in the local newspaper.

• Order invitations.

• If you are having your dress made, line up a dressmaker.

• Hire a choreographer or dance instructor to help you with your waltz during the reception.

• Decide if you want a full or half Court of Honor and choose the members.

• Decide on rental equipment needed (if applicable) to reception: tent, chairs, tables, linens, dance floor, staging, etc.

• Secure rental equipment with a local rental company.

• Choose attire of Court of Honor. Choose your Honor Escort.

• Purchase invitations.

• Purchase decorations.

• Purchase party favors.

• Meet with the Priest or Minister to discuss the ceremony and your preferences.
  Four Months In Advance:

• Finalize guest lists.

• Touch bases with all your vendors to go over details: photographers, florists, musicians, caterers, etc.
   

Two Months In Advance:

• Address invitations and announcements.

• Mail them 6-8 weeks prior to the event.

• Make appointments for hair, makeup, and nails.

• If you are not having a dress made, now is the time to purchase your dress. Send invitations.
  One week before:

• Contact guests who have not responded.

• Give final count to a caterer and review final food, beverage, and set up instructions.

• Give the photographer and videographer a list of shots you would like included.

• Give all musicians the lists of music for the ceremony and reception.

• Make a list of all the items you need to take to the church (candles, gifts, rosary, Bible, anything pertinent to the ceremony itself).
   

The Day Of:

• Be sure you eat something prior to the ceremony. This will be a long day and it may be a while until you get to eat at the reception.

• Have hair, makeup, and nails done.

• Have someone keep an emergency kit with an extra pair of pantyhose, clear nail polish (for runs), band-aids, makeup, and a mini sewing kit.

• Take payments for vendors and bring extra cash for tipping as necessary.

• Get your checklist of items needed for the ceremony and reception and make sure you have everything before you leave.

• Relax and have fun!