Your daughter’s quinceanera will be one of the most memorable days of her life, and in many Hispanic cultures, signifies and recognizes her entry into womanhood. The coming of age event that coincides with her 15th birthday is often recognized as the first time that she is officially granted permission to wear makeup and heels, and oftentimes, have a date. Quinceaneras are rooted in Latin culture, but are performed all over the world. Regardless of where the celebrations are set, the quinceanera is rich with traditions and core values that you should consider in order to make the big day all that it should be!

The Ceremony
The ceremony is traditionally the first part of the quinceanera and is usually a Catholic mass, with the reception following shortly after. Accompanied by her family, her court, and her godparents, the quinceanera enters the church and the mass begins. She will choose readings and renew her Baptismal vows.

The Gown
Traditionally, the quinceanera wears a ballgown, along with many accessories, like sashes, tieras, and high heels. The color of the grown will typically decide the color theme for the rest of the party, her family’s attire, as well as her court’s attire. The gown symbolizes an “adult dress” and is supposed to be extremely lavish– it is her birthday and arrival into womanhood after all!

The Court
The quinceanera gets to invite her closest friends to be a part of her special day as a member of her Court of Honor, similar to a bridal party at a wedding. The members of her court are called “damas” (the girls) and “chambelanes” (the boys); they are oftentimes with the quinceanera through the entirety of the day until her other guests have left. Additionally, the court’s outfits and dresses are typically matched with the dress of the quinceanera, and it is typical that the court and their friend will perform a choreographed waltz together at the celebration.

The Father-Daughter Dance
In addition to the court, the father-daughter dance is another similarity between a wedding reception and a quinceanera. This dance is one of the most memorable and emotional parts of the celebration, as it represents that the father is the first man in the quinceanera’s life. The song can be any song that holds deep meaning for the father and his daughter. The father-daughter dance is usually followed by the court’s choreographed waltz.

The Changing of Shoes
An important symbol of the transition into adulthood that will take place during the reception is the changing of shoes. This is usually performed by the father or another male relative, who changes the quinceaneras shoes from flats to high heels.

The Last Doll
The presentation of the last doll is a special moment that sees the quinceanera transition into adulthood as she offers the doll to a younger girl who has not yet turned fifteen. This tradition shows that the quinceanera is leaving behind toys to take on new adult roles, interests, and responsibilities, and become more independent.

All of these traditions hold great meaning and symbolism for your daughter’s transition and arrival into adulthood. A lot of time and energy will go into planning your daughter’s quinceanera, and it’s important to keep all of these traditions in mind in order to make the day everything that it should be!

Let Occasions4.us take care of it all!

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

From the Legacy Golf Club and Wildhorse Golf Club in Henderson to the Spanish Trail Country Club in Las Vegas, the Aliante Golf Club in North Las Vegas and Primm Valley Golf Club 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!