Food & Party Planning Ideas
La Quinceanera
La Quinceanera is an ancient Mexican tradition that celebrates a girls fifteenth birthday, and signifies passage into womanhood. The tradition began 400 years ago with the indigenous people of Latin America. At that time, fifteen year old girls were taken from their families to prepare for womanhood by learning about the history and traditions of her people. The return of the girl to the community was cause for a great celebration because of her new found knowledge and understanding of what womanhood entailed. In today's society, girls attend Bible and catechism classes where they discuss religion, family, and adulthood in preparation for their big day. The special occasion is marked by a Misa de accion de gracias (Thanksgiving mass) and a lavish reception. The celebration is said to have the grandeur of a wedding, and is planned anywhere from three months to a year before the festivities. Wilton Enterprises would like to provide you with a guide on how to plan a Quinceanera party.
The extensive planning of La Quinceanera begins by securing a church for the mass. This is an important step because the church service is the one common thread among all Quinceaneras that signifies a rededication to a Christian life. It is a way for the young girl to give thanks for the gift of life. Along with securing the church, you want to make sure to secure a reception hall or restaurant for the party that will follow. The next step would be to order the invitations and prepare a guest list consisting of the family and friends that you want to share your special day. An important thing to remember is to invite only your closest relatives to the church because it is more of a family event. All of the other guests will join the festivities at the party following the service. Wilton can help you keep your guest seating simple at the reception with our Silver Double Heart PlaceCards.
Another important step in preparation for La Quinceanera is to ask the padrinos and madrinas (godparents) and the seven chambelanes and seven damas (attendants) to participate in your special day. The attendants that are chosen are usually the girl's cousins or close friends and they are there to symbolize a year in the life of the honoree. The godparents contribute by providing symbolic gifts (a birthstone ring, a medal with the image of her patron saint, a rosary, a Bible, a headpiece, and a flower bouquet) and by paying for some of the expenses. Wilton can simplify things for the padrinos and madrinas by providing headpieces, such as the Rhinestone Heart Tiara, and the White Rose Bouquets.
The next step is probably the one that the Quinceanera enjoys the most, picking out her dress. Traditionally the dress is either white or pale pink, however some girls do choose other pale pastel colors. At this point in the planning, it is ideal to also choose the dresses that the damas will be wearing. The dresses worn for La Quinceanera have more of a ball gown style with the focus on the white or pastel colors.
An additional factor to consider while planning is the type of music for the reception. You have the options of a DJ, a band, or both. The traditional styles of music that are played at a Quinceanera are cumbia, raucous banda, and salsa. While on the issue of music, make sure to pick out a waltz for the father-daughter dance. Also, make sure that you have planned a dance for the honoree and her attendants (also traditionally a waltz) to perform at the reception. This should be chosen and prepared a couple of weeks before the actual party.
Once the music and dances are chosen, the next step would be to pick a menu and cake for all of your hungry guests. Foods that are usually eaten at a Quinceanera are mole, picadillo, arroz, cabrito, and pan de polvo. Of course, the menu selections will be dependent on what the restaurant or reception hall offers. Your multi-tiered Quinceanera cake is something Wilton Enterprises can definitely help with. Our Heart Pan Set will allow you to create a beautiful three or four tiered cake that will leave all of your guests mesmerized. The beautiful cake can be topped with Wilton's La Quinceanera Figurine to complete your multi-tiered cake.
Lastly, you need to consider the option of party favors. Although they are not mandatory, party favors are a nice way to thank your guests for participating in your special day. Wilton offers you many party favor ideas. Our Heart Tab Favor Boxes or our Heart Silver Favor Boxes filled with our Pillow Mint Candies or our Jordan Almond Candies would be a perfect gift for your guests. We also have our Porcelain Favor Frames, which can also be used as place card holders for your guests. Whatever favor you choose, it should coincide with the theme of your party.
Wilton Enterprises understands the importance of La Quinceanera as a monumental turning point in a Latino girl's life. This how-to guide was developed to help you in planning this joyous occasion.
