Whether you’re a traditionalist or you’re looking to throw a modern blowout party for your daughter’s quinceañera, odds are at some point you and everyone else will end up in a large banquet hall. Some call them quinceañera halls, but it’s basically a large hall that can accommodate you, the guest of honor and hundreds of their closest friends and family. 

But a hall is just a hall without the proper decor and arrangements to help guide the day’s festivities. 

That means in addition to the hall or venue itself, you’ll also need to think about decorations, seating charts and other important items. A bad decision here could threaten the feel of the event itself, and there are a lot of decisions to be made and an entire guest list to consider before you book that quinceañera hall and you start filling it with anything and everything you can think of.

Some venues are not much more than four walls and a large floor, meaning that if you want tables, a dance floor and a DJ, you’ll have to pick from their approved list of vendors or assemble your own team. Other venues may not be venues at all, such as with a quinceañera salon rental or some other fun experience before everyone heads over for the party. But unless you want to spend the day working when you could be interacting with your guests and soaking up the memories, you might be better off with a venue that packages everything together so you and your family can enjoy the day without worrying about all the little details.

Regardless of where you book, however, it’s the decor that really sets the stage, and the right placements and settings can elevate the ambiance and feel of just about any venue. Here are some basic things to keep in mind when thinking about decorating a quinceañera hall.

Round Table Decorating

Unlike rectangular tables that may be preferable inside restaurants and homes, large events really benefit from the elegance of round tables. Not only will everyone at your tables feel involved, it’s just easier to place round tables in a quinceañera hall without getting caught up in the geometry and straight lines of rectangular tables. Round tables are also great for holding beautiful centerpieces and squeezing in an extra chair in a pinch, and it makes it easier for guests to navigate from table to table without establishing unsightly aisles.

Other considerations for round tables includes arranging centerpieces in threes (to avoid awkward bunching), resisting the urge to bring in too much white (boring without color and accents), experimenting with non-standard plates and settings (to break up the feeling of too many circles) and utilizing strong patterns (such as floral designs, stripes or polka dots).

Rectangular Table Decorating

What is a quinceañera without round tables? Well, it might just be the ticket to a unique experience. While rectangular tables wouldn’t be your first choice inside a quinceañera hall, if you’re planning an outdoor quinceañera, a handful of long banquet tables can add an interesting little touch to the day’s festivities. But make sure you set up your tables at angles to prevent aisles from forming — straight lines might sound good, but in practice it might feel too much like a school cafeteria than a cause for celebration.

If you have your heart set on rectangular tables, make sure to introduce circles elsewhere, such as with the centerpieces and place settings. If nothing else, circular lights or paper lanterns can add a touch of elegance to any large room. Rectangular tables also benefit from bold colors, such as with chairs or plates, and you’ll also want to ensure that each table has an even number of settings and seats on each side. Another important consideration is floor-length linens, which can make a quinceañera hall look the part instead of coming off like some casual birthday party.

Balance Is the Key

For quinceañera halls that are vast and tall with high ceilings and ornamentation to match, you won’t want to bring in tiny tables and small centerpieces. They’ll look comically small and won’t stand out in such a large space, and you’ll probably want to bump up the size of your tables — or even go with longer, rectangular tables that can soak up some of the atmosphere. After all, you’ll want to balance the impressiveness of the hall with the festivities themselves.

If you have a gorgeous hall and subpar tables and chairs, you’ll have your work cut out for you. Vibrant linens and chair coverings can call more attention to where everyone is seated, and oversized centerpieces or table runners can also help elevate ho-hum seating. To make a real splash, try sparkles, chevron print or stripes, or go with bold colored napkins or seat covers to drum up interest.

Don’t Forget the Details

While it can be easy to get carried away on things like tables, silverware and linens, it’s important not to forget the details. Once everyone enters and grabs their seat, they’ll get a close-up look at the centerpieces, dishware and silverware, as well as the reception menu and party favors you’ve selected. Sure, not all quinceañeras will knock it out on these important details, but the memorable ones do. 

With the right approach, you’ll be communicating to your guests that this is an important and special occasion. Things like handwritten notes, DIY menus or even a schedule of the day’s festivities will tell your guests what to expect and make for more seamless transitions into each stage as the night unfolds. 

Table numbers may be a new trend, but quinceañera culture is quickly adopting this helpful tradition borrowed from weddings. Not only will it help your guests find the right table, but it’ll also allow you to organize seating based on your criteria, not the whims of guests as they arrive. By blocking pairings or groups that could instigate drama, you’re keeping more of the focus on the guest of honor.

Centerpieces Can Make or Break It All

It’s one of those quinceañera facts that every decorator knows — the table centerpiece can make or break the entire room’s decor. They can singlehandedly make it easier or more difficult for guests to communicate (via high or low centerpieces), or they can accent colors and other central elements of the overall theme. 

But centerpieces don’t have to be overly complicated or even expensive. Mason jars and cheaper flowers such as daisies and chrysanthemums won’t break the bank, and you could also decide to use more fillers such as dry branches or larger blooms to help keep costs down. All it takes is an interesting container and a few fresh flowers to add a touch of elegance and style to any table, though you’ll want to avoid smaller centerpieces on larger tables and vice versa. 

As for candles, make sure you go big. Smaller candles such as tea lights will make it seem like an evening dinner at the local restaurant, though you may want to stay away from open flames with a bunch of teenagers and siblings running around.

Let Occasions4.us Take Care of It All

If all this sounds like a lot of work, it’s because it is. We know that most families don’t have months to set aside to plan and decorate a quinceañera hall. But that’s where we come in. We’ve partnered with five fabulous venues in Nevada to bring you the best quinceañera experience your daughter and your family deserves. 

From the Legacy and Wildhorse in Henderson to the Spanish Trail Country Club in Las Vegas, the Aliante in North Las Vegas and Primm Valley at the California border, we’ll do it all from decor to catering to entertainment and more so you don’t have to lift a finger. Call us today to request a proposal before all the halls are taken!