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Sweet 15 – Creating a Meaningful,
Beautiful, Festive Celebration
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A Quinceañera is the Hispanic tradition of celebrating a young girl’s coming of age – her 15th birthday. Party Idea Pros offers lots of basic planning advice, theme ideas, and recommended supplies, but up until now, we definitely slacked off in guidance on the most important aspect the quinceanera tradition – the ceremony. And as we learn more and more about this beautiful tradition, we realize that we need to develop some new celebration packages to fit the occasion. In the meantime, be sure to check out the following Party Idea Pros Quinceanera celebration theme packages and modify them with a few quinceanera specific touches.
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Quinceanera Theme Ideas
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Butterfly
Everything Sweet
Classic Elegance
Garden Delights
Happy Birthday
Hollywood
Orange (or any color) Outburst
Melodies of Life
Smiles!
Sparkling Nights
Tea Party
Winter Wonderland
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Coming Soon!
Colorful Zebra (Jungle)
Serene Seaside (Surf’s Up)
Princess Party (princess theme decor kits and invitations)
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The Quinceanera Tradition — A Quick Overview
photo source: Val McCormick Photography
The Meaning of a QUINCEANERA
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The Quinceañera tradition dates back more than 600 years to when the Aztec and Mayan cultures celebrated when a young girl became eligible to marry, have children, and take on the responsibilities of a woman in the community. Eventually, the tradition was influenced by the Spaniards, and a Catholic connection emerged. More recently, non-Catholic churches have also begun to offer religious ceremonies for Quinceañeras. While the religious ceremony is a vital part of the Quinceañera for many Latino families, today some choose to have a reception only.
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For those that celebrate in the church first, the ceremony comprises a very important part of the event. The church ceremony, and all of the preparation leading up to it, can provide a wonderful opportunity for the Quinceañera’s priest or minister to discuss with her the growing responsibilities she takes on as a woman of faith. The ceremony serves to remind her of her devotion to God, and it includes a rededication of her baptismal vows.
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Many of the traditional gifts presented to the quinceañera by her parents and her padrinos (Godparents) at her church ceremony are symbols of faith. The tiara placed on her head signifies her standing as a princess in the eyes of God. The quinceañera earrings remind her to listen to God’s word. The bracelet represents the unbroken nature of God’s love: it is unceasing. The scepter represents her acceptance of the responsibilities of being a woman. She also receives a patron saint medal, rosary, or quinceañera Bible to remind her of her foundation in faith. These items represent her tools for navigating through life as a woman of faith.
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(See below for more detailed explanations and product recommendations)
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So Who’s Who …
The Quinceanera (the 15 year old honoree)
The Parents
The Padrinos (the Godparents)
The Court of Honor (14 young people: her closest friends, siblings, and cousins)
- Dama (the young girls in the Court of Honor)
- Chambelan, Escorte, Galan (the young men in the Court of Honor)
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Attire
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Generally, quinceanera attire is formal. The Quinceanera often wears a white or pink cinderella style ball gown. The Damas, like bridesmaids, all wear identical dresses, usually a color complimenting the quinceanera’s dress. The Chambelanes rent tuxedos and wear ties or bow ties matching the damas’ dresses. More on dresses later!
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And now for the everything Quinceanera …
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The Bible
The Bible is an important gift for every quinceañera. It is the basis of the quinceañera’s faith and is a place for her to turn to for advice and companionship throughout her adult life.
Mis Quince Años Satin Bible – White
Mis Quince Años Heart-Shaped Kneeling Pillow
Mis Quince Años White Satin Photo Album
Mis Quince Años White Satin 5-piece Set
Each set includes a photo album, guestbook, Bible, and heart-shaped kneeling and tiara pillows
Quinceanera/Reina Valera Revision, 1960/Holy Bible Edicion (Spanish Edition)
Pocket Bible-RV 1909-Quinceanera (Spanish Edition)
Mis Quince Kneeling Pillow – Pink
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The Rosary
The Rosary is central in the Catholic faith, and is often presented on this occasion to assist the quinceañera with her prayers. In addition to or in place of the rosary, the quinceañera may receive a patron saint medal to wear as a reminder of the importance of her faith and religious tradition in her life.
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Blue Hand Enameled Limited Edition Silver Tone Rosary
Purple Hand Enameled Limited Edition Silver Tone Rosary
Purple Hand Enameled Limited Edition Silver Tone Rosary
White Hand Enameled Limited Edition Gold Tone Rosary
Sterling Silver Freshwater Cultured Pearl Rosary – 22 Inch
Sterling Silver Green Bead Rosary 18
14K Pearl Rosary Necklace – 17
14k Rose Gold Saint Christopher Medal Charm
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The Bracelet and The Ring
The Bracelet is a symbol of God’s unending love. The parents or the padrinos may present a bracelet to the quinceañera. While the bracelet may be of any style. Many popular choices include something with a charm, a Christian Symbol, a simple bangle, or a special quinceañera bracelet with a “15″ charm or symbol.
The Ring serves much the same purpose as the bracelet, it symbolizes God’s unending love. The quinceañera may receive one or both of these items and sometimes the ring and bracelet will be part of a matching set.
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Quince Anos Shy Heart Ring
Quinceanera 15 Means Love 14K GEP Ring
14K Yellow Gold Teen Quinceanera Ring
Quinceanera Golden Flower 14K GEP Ring
Sweet 15 (Quinceanera) in Open Heart, 14K Gold Charm
Quinceanera Dancing Hearts Bracelet
14K Yellow Gold Sweet 15 Heart Charm
14K Two Tone Gold Sweet 15 Flower Charm
Tiffany Inspired Quinceanera Bracelet
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The Tiara
The Tiara (or corona) symbolizes that the quinceañera is a princess in the eyes of God. The tiara usually replaces a simple headpiece that the quinceañera wears into the ceremony. She may receive her corona at the church ceremony, or during the reception. Your priest or minister can help you determine which events should occur in the church ceremony, and which are reserved for the reception.
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Nested Hearts Quinceaneras 15 Silver Tiara
Quinceanera Birthday 15 Rhinestone Hearts Tiara
Queen of Hearts Rhinestone and Silver Tiara 2.5
Quinceanera Tiara
Quinceanera Diamond Caress Sweet 15 CombTiara
Princess Bride Tiara
Tiara Bag
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The Scepter
The scepter represents the quinceanera’s acceptance of the responsibilities of being a woman.
Quinceanera Princess Xitlalla Silver Scepter
Quinceanera Cinderella Ball Silver Scepter
Quinceanera 15 Forever Silver Scepter
Quinceanera Fleur De Lis Silver Scepter
Quinceanera Regal Princess Silver Scepter
Quinceanera Silver Fleur De Heart Silver Scepter
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The Last Doll (Muneca)
The last doll is another traditional symbol that embodies a great deal of meaning. The last doll, or ultima muñeca, represents the leaving behind of her childhood and the toys of a young girl, in exchange for more grown-up responsibilities and interests. The last doll can be given by the padrinos or the parents.
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Mis Quince Años Doll with “15″ Arch
Princess Quinceanera 14in Porcelain Doll White
Princess Quinceanera 14in Porcelain Doll Pink
Princesa Quinceanera Porcelain Doll 14
Princess Quinceanera 14in Porcelain Doll Red
Princess Quinceanera 14in Porcelain Doll Purple/lilac
Princess Quinceanera in Pwaxh Dress with White Roses
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The Earrings
The earrings serve to remind the young woman to keep her ears tuned to the word of God. They may be presented by the padrinos or the parents. If presented at the church ceremony, the priest or minister will bless them along with the other gifts. The earrings can be in any style and are usually something very special for the young woman.
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Quinceanera Crystal Hearts Earrings 14KT GEP
Garden Theme Sterling Silver Diamond Flower Earring
White Gold Diamond Butterfly Earrings
ROYAL DUCHESS DIAMOND EARRINGS
Swing & Sway Olive Hues Chandelier Earrings
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The Waltz
The Quinceanera Waltz
courtesy of Uniquely Quince
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This is a dance that is practiced for months before the official Quinceañera celebration. It begins with a special dance between the Quinceañera and her father to music that she has chosen with her parents. When the father-daughter dance is complete, the Quinceañera dances with her Chambelán escort. At the conclusion of this dance, all of the Chambelán and Damas join in and dance a choreographed piece. This is one of the highlights of the event so it is necessary that it be performed well. Music like “A Ritmo de Bals” and “Sobre las Olas” is traditionally used, but the Quinceañera and her parents may select other music.
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The dance symbolizes the transfer of the young lady from childhood to adulthood. After the dance, she has the freedom to dance with other young men.
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Quinceanera Shoes
The quinceañera begins her ceremony in flat heels, symbolic of her childhood. Usually during the reception, her father will kneel at her feet as she sits in a special chair. He will remove the low heeled shoes of her childhood and replace them with her first high heeled shoes. It is typically from this point forward that she is allowed to wear high heeled shoes.
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Here are a few of the shoes recommended by MisQuinceMag.com. Just click on the shoe!
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Atlantis zzz Flash(Dyeable) zzz Scarlet zzzz Serenity zzz Maureen zzzz Jessica
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Hayden z Cinderella Shoe zClear Sandals zD’Orsay Pumps zStrappy Clear Heals
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Quinceanera Dresses
I have to admit, choosing the dress is my favorite aspect of the whole planning process.
Here are a few of the dresses recommended by MisQuinceMag.com. Just click on the dress!
Bright Quinceanera Dresses
Mary’s #4270 zzzz Mori Lee #86069 zz Alyce Designs # 6387
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Mori Lee #7064 zzzzzzzAllure Q122 zzzzzz Allure Q129 zzz Allure Q140
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White Quinceanera Dresses …
Mary’s # 4180 zzzzzzzzz Allure Q124
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Mori Lee #86065 z Mon Cheri PR 1833 zz Cheri PR1835
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Pretty in Pink …
Mori Lee #86067 zzz Mori Lee #86064 zzzMori Lee 86071 zzzMori Lee 86061
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For even more options, House of Brides has an extensive collection of Quinceanera dresses.
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The Invitations
Choosing your invitation is the equivalent of the title of a paper … it sets the tone for the entire party! Party Idea Pros’ celebration theme packages each have beautiful invitations suggestions, absolutely appropriate for any Quinceanera celebration. However, if you prefer invitations specifically designed for Quinceaneras, here are a few of our favorites.
Princess in Purple
Dress in Gold Accents
Pink Quince Anos
Beauty with Butterflies
Ceremony Quinceanera Invitations
Quinceanera Queen
Twinkling Tiara
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Don’t Forget the Stamp
Quinceañera for the 15th birthday
Quinceañera Pink Rose stamp
Quince Princess Stamp
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Especially Quinceanera
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Fairy Tale Quinceanera
“Enchanted Carriage” Favor Boxes
Tiara Place Card Holders
Royal Tea Lights
Fairy Tale Carriage Candle
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Add some fairy dust sparkle to your tables with these diamond tea light holders.
Diamond Shaped Tea Light Holders
“Forever Diamond” Candle Centerpiece
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Quinceanera Gifts
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Quinceanera Cake Tops
Swarovski Accent Number Cake Toppers
(Substitute the number 15 for the number 16)
Swarovski Crystal Monogram Cake Toppers
Swarovski Crystal Heart Cake Toppers
Mis Quince Años Cake Topper Doll
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Mis Quince Paper Goods
For a more casual celebration…
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If you are hosting a huge bash (i.e. your entire town is invited) paper goods might be your easiest option. But convenience doesn’t have to be tacky — this buttercup floral and butterfly pattern is the perfect mixture of chic and elegance. In fact, create your entire theme around these pieces from your invitation to your dress. I love it!
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Mis Quince Banquet Plate 18 pc
Mis Quince Dessert Plates 18 pc
Mis Quince Luncheon Napkins 36 pc
Mis Quince Party Beverage Napkins 36 pc
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Mis Quince 3-D Favor Box Party Centerpiece 20 pc
Mis Quince Memory Booklet 1 pc
Mis Quince Favor Bags 8 pc
Mis Quince Party Shoe Shaped Treat Boxes 8 pc
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Mis Quince Party Photo Display Centerpiece 1 pc
Mis Quince Tissue Garland 1 pc
Mis Quince Party Invitations 10 pc
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Make the Night Last a Year
Don’t let this memorable ceremony and celebration fade away with the morning sun. The next day, when all is still fresh, log onto Shutterfly.com to create photo books, memory calendars, and even photo thank you notes.
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Party Hearty!
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