Every year, Hispanic girls across the world commemorate and honor the transition into adulthood by holding quinceañera celebrations. Quinceañeras, while derived from the Spanish word “quince,” meaning “fifteen,” and “anos,” meaning “years,” refers to the celebration that occurs on a girl’s fifteenth birthday. Historically, it was believed that 15 was the age a girl was prepared for marriage and ultimately became a woman.
Quinceañeras got their start many years ago in Latin American countries and have since grown popular in the U.S. Now seen as an event equivalent to the American tradition of a “sweet sixteen,” quinceañeras are a long-held tradition.
If you are about to embark on the exciting process of planning your quinceañera, the tips below will ensure you plan an event to remember for your family, friends, and community.
Quinceañera History and Traditions
The roots of the quinceañera celebration are thought to have stemmed from Spanish influence on preexisting ancient indigenous ceremonies after the Spanish attacked and invaded their land in the 1500s. Due to the European influence the Spanish brought over, quinceañeras were traditionally known as an event for the upper class, resembling the traditional debutante ball, but that is no longer the case. Although Quinceañera celebrations are extremely extravagant, they have been celebrated by people across all different socioeconomic classes since the 1960s.
What Happens at a Quinceañera
The quinceañera celebrations also have roots in Catholicism as girls will traditionally attend mass before their reception. Traditionally, quinceañeras are escorted by a court of seven girls, or damas, and seven boys, or chambelanes. The court, totaling 14 people, represents the last 14 years of the girl’s childhood she’s leaving behind as she welcomes womanhood. Similar to a wedding, the girls on the court traditionally wear matching gowns and the boys wear the same tuxedos.
The girl’s parents and godparents also traditionally attend the mass where the girl or her family members will read passages. The quinceañera then will typically renew baptism vows and commit herself to God and the Virgin Mary. At mass, the girl’s parents and godparents often shower her with gifts. Following the service, the priest blesses the quinceañera and the celebration may begin.
Gifts
Among the traditional gifts received by the quinceañera, one of the most significant is her last doll. Like many quinceañera traditions, the doll represents the quinceañera’s transition into womanhood. The doll is a symbolic representation of the end of the girl’s childhood as she gets more into adult responsibilities and interests. The doll is traditionally made of porcelain — although some Quinceañeras may choose other dolls — and wears a dress in the same fashion as the quinceañera. Later in the ceremony, it is common practice for the quinceañera to give the doll away to a younger girl.
Dancing
Historically, dancing is another aspect of the quinceañera celebration. The girl’s father will choose a song and have the first dance with his daughter to symbolize the importance of his role in her life. After the first dance, which is considered the quinceañera’s first public dance, her father will then hand her over to a male escort, the chambelan de honor. Quinceañeras will also traditionally perform the waltz with their court. Many girls spend months and months before their birthday practicing the dance, and some parents will even hire waltz instructors. As times change, though, some girls may opt to perform more modern dances and incorporate some waltz into them.
Food
Like any extravagant celebration, food is essential. Quinceañera celebrations typically feature traditional Hispanic foods, such as tamales, enchiladas, beans and rice — and lots of it. The girl’s family and neighbors are usually responsible for the food preparations, which generally result in a large feast. However, some today may instead choose to have the event catered. Like weddings, having an elaborate cake is also an important part of the quinceañera celebration tradition.
To symbolize the quinceañera’s transition from girl to woman, the ceremonial changing of shoes is a popular tradition. When a quinceañera first enters the reception, she will wear flats. As part of the shoe-changing ceremony before the first dance, her father takes off her flats and exchanges them for a pair of heels. Girls come to their quinceañera reception in flats but leave as women in heels.
Planning Your Party: How to Prepare
Given the rich history, numerous traditions, and great importance of quinceañera celebrations, planning every element of your party, including what to wear, is an exciting process. The below general timeline puts you on the right track to plan a memorable day for your quinceañera.
1. 12+ Months Before Your Quinceañera
Although starting to plan more than a year out may feel unnecessary to some, it’s important to give yourself plenty of time for the planning process. This time is crucial to cover some of the basics. Planning them now allows you to move forward efficiently in the coming months.
- Budget and designate sponsors: Quinceañera costs ultimately range from family to family, depending on your celebration wishes. In some cases, padrinos and madrinas — the godparents — will help. Godparents are usually members of the quinceañera’s family, close friends of the family or even church members, and they will sometimes sponsor specific items or elements of the celebration, such as the dress or venue rental.
- Set the date: Picking the party date early helps guests make sure there won’t be any scheduling conflicts. The earlier you know, the better.
- Book your venues: There are two main parts of the quinceañera celebration — the ceremony, usually held at a church, and the reception. Just like planning a wedding, you might want to book a church and a reception venue early to ensure your party has a place to be.
- Decide on transportation: Depending on your budget, you may want your quinceañera to travel in style on her big day. If so, be sure to book transportation — such as a limo — from the church to the reception.
- Book entertainment and vendors: One year out is also an excellent time to start looking into and booking a DJ or band and a photographer and videographer if your budget allows.
- Think about party theme and colors: Before purchasing any dresses or decorations, the quinceañera celebration needs to have a central theme and color scheme established. With a theme and color scheme, you can be sure things will match since you would already have an expectation and visualization for how things will look.
- Research cakes for your party: A quinceañera’s cake could be like a wedding cake. Research the bakeries in your area and compare costs for a cake to serve on the day of the event.
- Start planning your court: Just as brides appoint bridesmaids, quinceañera create their court. While a quinceañera might traditionally have seven damas and seven chambelanes, there is no specific number of each she must have — it’s up to her.
2. Nine Months Before
Now that you’ve established a budget, a venue, and a theme, you can start planning more specifics.
- Start the search for the perfect dress and accessories: Finding a dress you’re absolutely in love with can take some time, so start shopping months in advance. Having a list of styles and colors you like can help you narrow down what you’re looking for, and find something you genuinely feel comfortable and confident in.
- Notify the court and escort of honor: After selecting the court and escort of honor, notify them so you can confirm everyone can participate in the big day.
- Order dresses and formal wear for damas and chambelanes: Just like bridesmaids in a wedding, damas wear the same dresses and chambelanes wear the same formal wear. Often, a quinceañera celebration’s budget will include the cost of the court’s outfits, but sometimes the court may be asked to order and contribute to them. This responsibility must be communicated and established between the quinceañera and her court.
- Practice your waltz: The waltz is an iconic part of any quinceañera celebration. Since the quinceañera and her court perform the waltz, practice so everyone can step to the same beat.
- Make an invitation list: Making a numerical list can help you plan for the number of people you want to have and make sure you account for all your guests.
3. Six Months Before
Your party is just half a year away. Use this time to order anything you may need — shipping can sometimes take longer than expected — and finalize anything you haven’t yet from the list above.
- Order decorations and party favors: Since your celebration already has a theme and color scheme, decorations and favors can complement your event space.
- Design and purchase invitations: If it’s in your budget, you may opt to design and personalize invitations to the party. Six months out is an ideal time to get invitations purchased to prepare for sending.
- Create an outline for the ceremony and reception: Make sure the locations and vendors all understand what is needed on the day of the even. Communicate the order of the day and what your ceremonial events will involve with these stakeholders in writing and confirm any parts those vendors will be responsible for. This planning lessens the chance of something major going awry on the day of the party.
- Make sure your outfit is ready to go: By now, the quinceañera should have her dress and accessories picked out and be ready to stun her guests.
4. Three Months Before
Use this time to invite friends and family and start thinking about some finishing touches.
- Send out invites: Make sure you give guests enough notice to RSVP.
- Practice your hair and makeup or book appointments to get them done professionally: Since the event signifies the big transition into womanhood, the guest of honor should feel like her best, confident self. Practicing her hair and makeup is a great way to get ready for the event so everything goes perfectly the day of. If your budget allows, a professional hairstylist and makeup artist could be an option.
5. One Month Before
Make sure you’re getting some final numbers during this time and preparing anything else you may need the day of.
- Finalize guest count and reach out to those who haven’t RSVP’d: Get the final headcount to adjust any arrangements, such as food and seating charts.
- Get professional photos taken in your dress: Getting professional photos taken of the guest of honor in her dress commemorates the occasion and celebrates her by putting them on display at her reception.
- Buy gifts for your court: To thank your court for being part of the celebration, a quinceañera could purchase presents for them to give out on the day of the event.
6. When Your Party Is a Few Days Away
The day you’ve been waiting for is practically here. Use this time to scrutinize every detail to ensure a smooth-running party, but also take some time before the big event to simply relax. With the partying you’re going to do the next day, you’re going to need it.
- Decorate: Put the finishing touches on everything.
- Organize the things you need for your ceremony and reception: Avoid scrambling around the house on the day of the party. Prepare your necessities and have them ready to take with you.
- Rest up: Get a good night’s sleep to enjoy the day ahead.
- Celebrate! Have fun and party!
What to Wear to a Quinceañera Celebration
Whether you’re a guest, a member of the court or the quinceañera attending the celebration, you should look your best. Here’s how.
1. For the Quinceañera
The quinceañera is the star of the show, so it only makes sense that she has the biggest, most elaborate dress. Many girls today opt for more colorful dresses in traditional ballgown style — with full skirts, often made of silk, satin and tulle. A petticoat or crinoline is also sometimes added for a special Cinderella effect. To complete your look, you can usually wear a tiara and some gloves.
2. For the Court
If you’re a member of a quinceañera’s court, you don’t have to stress about what to wear. The quinceañera typically selects her damas’ dresses and formal wear for her chambelanes. For damas, this means matching floor-length dresses that complement the quinceañera’s ballgown. Chambelanes wear tuxedos with bow ties and cummerbunds that complement the damas’ dresses and the ballgown.
3. For the Guests
If you’re attending a quinceañera celebration as a guest, keep things formal. Any wedding-appropriate attire would also work for a quinceañera celebration. Male guests should opt for a suit and tie with some leather dress shoes. Women should lean toward long gowns or cocktail dresses with some nice shoes. Dress should be formal, but also not flashy or take any attention away from the guest of honor. All eyes should be on the quinceañera.
Ready for Your Quinceañera? Find Your Dream Dress Today
The perfect quinceañera celebration starts with the dress of your dreams, and it’s best to start the search sooner than later.
If you’re looking for the perfect dress for your special day, visit Alexandra’s Boutique and browse our quinceañera dress selection today. We offer an array of dresses in various styles and colors to accommodate everyone’s preferences.