How to Prepare for a Quinceanera
The "quinceanera" celebrates a Mexican or Mexican-American woman's fifteenth birthday and coming of age. This is a very important, significant ceremony, and it carries religious overtones, as the young woman is now viewed as a responsible adult member of the Roman Catholic church. Because of its significance to the young "quince" and her family, it is usually an elaborate affair, entailing the Mass, a Court of attendants, dresses, tuxedos, gifts for the young quince and a large reception and dinner/dance.
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Things You'll Need
- Date for the quinceanera Mass in your church
- Setting for the reception and dance (in the home or a rental hall/ballroom)
- White formal dress for the quince
- Religious medal with a saint on the front
- Crown
- Ring for the quince
- Flowers for the quince
- The court
- Food, beverages and finger foods for the dinner
- Table decorations and favors
- Band for the dinner/dance
Instructions
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Think about your daughter's special day well before it arrives. Because the quinceanera takes so long to plan and arrange, start this process while your daughter is 13, or at the least, 14 years old. Call your parish office and arrange a date and time for the quinceanera Mass, and plan the readings and any desired music.
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Look for your daughter's quinceanera dress, which you can buy already made or have custom-made. Sit down with her and decide who will compose her Court--relatives, cousins, friends. Call each person individually, and invite her to be a member of your daughter's Court.
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Meet with the Court members and decide on a color theme for the quinceanera. The Court's dresses will be made in this color; the young men's tuxedos will carry this color as well. Each Court member will be responsible for the cost of his attire, including shoes.
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Meet with your parish priest and discuss the Mass readings and the music you wish to have played at the Mass. If you want a particular choir, let him know this; accordingly, if you plan to hire a choir or music group, advise him of this.
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Decide on the menu for the dinner. Choose a specific entree, such as roast beef or Mexican food. Plan the remainder of the menu around the entree. Select a caterer if you wish to have the meal catered. If not, call relatives significant in your daughter's life and ask them to bring individual items--for instance, one relative can bring the meat; another can bring the bread; salad, dessert. If you plan to have finger foods, such as biscochos, prepare to have these made.
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Buy favors and table decorations for the dinner/dance. If you know someone who is particularly talented, you could ask her to make the favors and decorations.
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Decide if you are going to have a D.J. provide the music or if you will hire a band. Given the cultural nature of this celebration, a mariachi group would be very appropriate. Contact your local Arts Council or organization to find out which groups are available in your community.
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Make arrangements for your daughter's Court to decorate the church and hall (or your home) for the Mass and dance. Make sure you have sufficient favors, tables, chairs, tablecloths, candles, candy bowls, silver and china for the party.
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Hold the rehearsal the night before the quinceanera Mass and dance so everyone knows what will happen, their role in the event and where they need to be. If you wish, ask family members if their youngest children (2 to 3 years old) can participate as the Lucky Charms for the quinceanera. They will need appropriate clothing that matches the selected color theme.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have chosen Mexican food for your meal, make sure you arrange for appropriate quantities so you don't run out in the middle of the meal. Make sure you have proper storage for the food so it doesn't go bad and make the guests sick.
Keep in mind that if you rent a hall such as the Knights of Columbus, you will not be able to serve alcohol, especially since the event is for a young woman who is underage for drinking alcohol. Arrange for sufficient beverages, such as soda, ice tea and water.
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Comments
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..sounds almost like a wedding!
