Tips on a Quinceanera

Blowout on Budget
# Quinceaneras are like the quinceanera girls who are being celebrated—vastly different. There can be over-the-top celebrations and those that are more down-to-earth and homey. Set a realistic budget and know that no matter what, you can make the quinceanera of your dreams happen. Many quinceanera girls shop savvy by hitting up dollar stores for adorable decorations and tableware. Depending on where you live, there may also be a Target or other budget-friendly store close by, offering a large selection of designer clothes, famous-name accessories, and more at low prices.
Plan Ahead
# The earlier you begin planning the quinceanera, the better for everyone. You’ll be more relaxed and able to really evaluate all your choices and options. Vendors (caterers, printers, musicians) will have more time to evaluate your needs and get back to you with a fair price. The pieces of the party will fit together more smoothly. Many websites provide quinceanera count-down checklists (see www.partyspot.com for an example) which you can use to make sure nothing falls through the cracks (they may even give you ideas you hadn’t thought of). If you race through the planning of the quinceanera, you’ll be too tired, stressed and nervous to actually enjoy it when it happens, and there’s no fun in that.
Design Online
# Quinceaneras call for many “paper products,” from invitations to printed napkins and banners to thank-you notes. Having these produced at a specialty shop can end up taking quite a bit of your party budget.

Consider using an online source such as www.prettyquinceanera.com for quinceanea dresses, which offers a wide range of designs, fonts, and even image upload. The sites often offer specials such as free shipping and buy one/get one offers. The quinceanera girl can put her special, creative mark on invitations, perhaps using her picture or a cartoon image of her entire court. Many of these websites ofter items such as printed pens and balloons, too, which can be used as party favors.
Dance
# After the main quinceanera ceremony comes the celebration. According to traditional quinceanera history, the very first dance belongs to the quinceanera girl and her father. These days, quinceanera families are bending the rules. Now it’s up to you to decide what kind of dancing you would like at your celebration. Should it start off with the court dancing together? Or a special dance with the quinceanera girl and her extended family? Does the quinceanera girl have a special favorite song? You get to decide. Also, considering that music can be a large portion of the expenses for the evening, look at local listings such as yellowpages.com or craigslist.com to locate musicians and DJs.
Gifts
# A quinceanera is a time of receiving and giving gifts. If you are attending a quinceanera, consider choosing a gift that will show the quinceanera girl just how much you care for her. Truly creative and thoughtful gifts are always more well-received than quickly storebought ones.

If she loves animals, consider buying tickets to the zoo—for you and her to go together. If she is a fan of a certain actor, purchase a few of his or her DVDs and include a note that you’d love to watch them together. The quinceanera girl also gives gifts to her court. Fun gift baskets filled with items from the dollar store can be made up to match the celebration’s theme. She can also design inexpensive T-shirts online with the court’s names, pictures, etc.