A young woman’s Quinceañera is one of the most significant events in her life for many reasons. It’s not just her fifteenth birthday, but it’s a rite of passage from adolescence to adulthood. It’s a coming-of-age celebration that has been an important part of many traditions for centuries. For some, it’s a time to confirm one’s religious beliefs, for others it’s just a big party that everyone looks forward to. No matter how you celebrate it, or what it means to you, you only have one Quinceañera — so it needs to be memorable! Something as simple as taking dance lessons could make the difference between a great night and an exceptional one.
As you prepare for your Quinceañera, there are so many things to think about and it can seem overwhelming. Don’t let the planning process take all the fun out of it. The following are a few tips to help you get started on planning the perfect day.
Plan Ahead
It probably goes without saying, but having a detailed plan and staying organized are some of the most important steps in having the perfect Quinceañera. Planning a Quinceañera is a lot like planning a wedding, and you need to have a way to maintain your sanity, and make sure nothing is forgotten! There are so many things that need to be decided and completed in advance — reserving a location, putting together a guest list, sending out invitations, booking the entertainment, booking the church, buying your dress, and the list goes on! Creating a checklist of each thing you need to get done, along with a deadline, will help ensure your day is everything you want it to be. How disappointing would it be if you waited until the last minute to reserve the venue and then discovered the only day it was available is 10 months out, on a Tuesday? It’s not uncommon to start planning one or even two years in advance of your Quinceañera, so try to get started as soon as possible!
Set a Budget
With all that goes into a Quinceañera, it’s easy for the budget to spiral out of control. Providing an entire evening of food and entertainment for a hundred or even several hundred of your closest friends and family is very expensive! Make sure you discuss in advance who will be paying for what and how much you have to work with. Since almost no one has an unlimited budget, you’ll need to determine which things are most important to you, and where you can save a few dollars. A couple of ways that you can save money is to have a friend or family member take pictures, serve appetizers instead of having a full sit-down dinner, and play your own music on rented speakers instead of hiring a DJ. With a little creativity you’ll find plenty of ways to save some money without compromising on the overall look and feel of your big day.
Rehearse your Speech
At some point during your ceremony, you’ll want to address your guests and give your Quinceañera speech. Even if you’re outgoing and have no trouble speaking to a group, professing your gratitude to hundreds of people can be nerve-wracking. What if you forget what to say? What if you fumble over your words? Do you say “um” or “so” too much? The best way to sound like a professional speaker (or at least not forget what you’re going to say) is to practice, practice, practice! Write your speech ahead of time. Practice it in front of the mirror, or record yourself to hear how it sounds. With a little time and dedication, you’ll be able to give a flawless speech at the time when it’s most important.
Dance Lessons
With all that you have to do, why should you consider taking dance lessons? Chances are, dancing is going to be a huge part of your Quinceañera festivities. And maybe you’re comfortable dancing around your room, but are you ready to be the spotlight of attention, performing formal, choreographed dances in front of all of your friends and family?
There are many different kinds of dances that can be part of a Quinceañera, with the most common being court dances, surprise dances, and a father-daughter dance. The type of music can also differ depending on your preference. Do you want to follow a more traditional theme and do the waltz, or do you want your dances choreographed to more modern music? Whichever you choose, taking dance lessons with your court (and possibly your father or other family members) is important to make sure everything goes smoothly on your special night.
Keep in mind that lessons aren’t just for fancy, choreographed dances. Maybe you aren’t the most graceful dancer, or you want to know how to do certain popular types. This is the perfect time to take a few dance lessons so you can feel excited and confident about dancing at your party instead of worrying about it. Just a little bit of confidence can make all the difference and take some of the stress out of what should be one of the best nights of your life.
Enjoy the Night!
By far the most important thing to remember for your Quinceañera is to relax and have fun. The time leading up to it will be demanding and stressful, but when your night arrives you should embrace the fun, excitement, and love that surrounds you. Remember, this is your night! Try not to worry about what is or isn’t happening according to plan. No matter how diligent you’ve been about making sure everything is perfect, you can expect the unexpected to happen. Just enjoy the moment and stay focused on what really matters — you, your friends and family, and what this ceremony means to you.
If you’re currently planning a Quinceañera, call Modern Ballroom Dance Studio to help with choreographed dances for you and your court. We can also help with the Presentation, Father-Daughter dance, a surprise dance, or even provide you with one-on-one lessons to gain a little more confidence on the dance floor. Remember, your Quinceañera only happens once, so make it a night to remember!