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Each Quinceañera service may vary from congregation to congregation, but most include similar essentials:

• The priest or minister welcomes everyone to the ceremony with a prayer to ask God`s blessing.

• Selected scripture readings from the Old and New Testaments are read based on the "theme" that the quinceañera, her family and the priest/minister have discussed prior to the ceremony. Often times, the court shares in the reading of these scriptures.

• The quinceañera and/or her court often renew their baptismal vows during the ceremony.

• A thanksgiving prayer or dedication is said by the quinceañera, offering her now more mature, adult life as a woman to God`s service.

• The quinceañera may light her baptismal candle during the ceremony.

• A change of shoes is sometimes brought: changing shoes from flats to heels signifies her passage into young womanhood.

• During a Protestant ceremony, a presentation of 15 red roses is made to the girl herself. In Catholic ceremonies, roses are presented to the altar of the Virgin Mary. In a traditional Mexican Catholic service, the roses are given to the girl by one of her sponsors and together they place them on the altar of the Virgin Mary.

• A blessing to the quinceañera is demonstrated in the presentation of five gifts from her family or sponsors:
1. A rosary or Bible and prayer book to keep the word of God in her life.
2. The crown, which designates her as a queen before God.
3. The cross and necklace or medal which declares her Christianity.
4. A ring or bracelet which signifies the unending circle of God`s love.
5. Earrings remind her to hear God`s word.

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 Quinceañeras.
• Book the church – don’t forget to book a rehearsal so you, your court and 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 quinceañera, 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 reception.
Nine Months In Advance
• Begin Planning Ceremony.
• Begin Planning Reception.
• Announce your Quinceañera 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 local rental company.
• Choose attire of Court of Honor. Choose your Honor Escort.
• Purchase invitations.
• Purchase decorations.
• Purchase party favors.
• Meet with 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, caterer, etc.
Two Months In Advance:
• Address invitations and announcements.
• Mail them 6-8 weeks prior to 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 Month In Advance:
• Have a formal quinceañera portrait done in quinceañera gown.
• Purchase gifts for Court of Honor.
• Select the music for the main waltz with the Escort of Honor at the reception.
• Hire a choreographer to work with you on practicing this waltz.
• Have final alterations complete on dress (if necessary)
One week before:
• Contact guests who have not responded.
• Give final count to caterer and review final food, beverage and set up instructions.
• Give 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 panty hose, 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!