QUINCEANERA PLANNING TIMELINE

Planning a Quinceanera can be hard work! We hope to ease the Quinceanera planning process by helping you in every way we can. Here's a list of things to get started on 1 to 2 years before the Quinceanera. Here is a useful list that will help you in the intricate task of planning a quinceanera! Print a list of what you should do one year before the quinceanera until the very special day!

 

1 to 2 Years Before Your Quinceanera:

• Determine your budget.

• Set the date for your Quinceanera.

• Book the church. (Don't forget to book a rehearsal so that the quinceanera, her court of honor and her family can have a walk-through before the big day.)

• Book the priest/minister. (if applicable.)

• Book the reception site.

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

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

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

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

• Research bakers and select cake for reception.

• Determine your party theme or style. (This can be annything from a flower, a recent movie, or based on a hobby of the honoree.)

• Choose the main colors.

• Put together a preliminary guest list.

• Decide on sponsors/padrinos. (Who is paying for what? )

• Make a list of potential escort, damas, and chambelanes.

Nine Months Before the Quinceanera:

• Begin shopping for your Quinceanera dress and accessories.

• Decide on your honor escort and court of honor.

• Choose and order the damas dresses and accessories.

• Choose and order the chambelanes formal wear.

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

• Book rental services need for the reception such as tent, chairs, tables, etc.

• Meet with ceremony officiant to discuss the quinceanera ceremony and your prefences.

Six Months Before the Quinceanera:

• Choose and order Quinceanera Invitations.

• Purchase decorations for the Quinceanera celebration.

• Decide on and order quinceanera party favors .

• Draft ceremony and reception outline.

• Reserve hotel rooms for out of state guests.

• If needed, find who will do alterations on your quinceanera dress.

Three Months Before the Quinceanera:

• Finalize guest list.

• Start addressing all quinceanera invitations.

• Touch bases with all vendors such as the photographer, florists, and musicians to go over any details.

• If you have not ordered your quinceanera dress, make sure to do so as soon as possible!

Two Months Before the Quinceanera:

• Begin mailing quinceanera invitations. 

• Make appointments for hair, makeup, and nails.

• Start preparing your speech to thank your family and guests.

• Choose and prepare programs. (Optional)

One Month Before the Quinceanera: 

• Have a formal Quinceanera picture taken with your quinceanera dress. 

• Purchase gifts for court of honor. 

• Select the music for the main waltz during the reception.

• Finish any final alterations needed on the quinceanera dress.

One Week Before the Quinceanera:

• Contact guests who have not responded. 

• Confirm guest total with caterer and review final food and beverage selections.

• Prepare reception seating chart and/or placecards. 

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

• Give musicians a list of music for the reception.

• Make a list of all the items your need to take to the church. (candles, gifts, rosary, bible, etc..)

The Day of the Quinceanera:

• Decorate ceremony and reception sites. (if neccessary)

• Have hair, makeup, and nails done.

• Prepare reception seating chart and/or placecards.

• Make sure to eat a healthy breakfast prior to the ceremony.?It might be a while before you eat again at the reception.

• Have someone keep an emergency kit with an extra pair of pantyhose, band-aids, makeup, and mini sewing kit.

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

• Relax and have fun! It's your party!