Event Planning Tips for Quinceañeras / Sweet Sixteens:

 

 An event like this is more than just planning a great banquet, which includes a religious and symbolic cultural right of passage for a young lady, there are numerous details involved in the planning stages. One of the most important steps, after securing the church, is finding a place in which to host the reception party.

To further assist you in the initial planning stages for your event, we have provided you with a checklist of items to consider during this most special time.

• One to Two Years In Advance
  
• Nine Months In Advance
  
• Four Months In Advance
  
• Two Months In Advance
  
• One Month In Advance
  
• One week before
  
• The Day Of

One to Two Years In Advance:

• Set the date
  
• Book the event site (i.e. church, banquet facility, etc.)
  
• Book the priest/minister (if applicable)
  
• Determine your budget
  
• Choose a theme (this can be anything from a flower, a recent movie release or based on a hobby of the honoree) click here to see a list of themes.
  
• Choose the colors (see below).
  
• If financial resources allow it, hire an event coordinator who specializes in these types of events.
  
• Book the church and don't forget to book a rehearsal so you, your court and family can have a walk-through before the big day.
  
• Assemble a preliminary guest list. Decide on Sponsors and who is paying for what.
  
• Book the reception site (for a variety of event location options, click here).
  
• Book caterer, if reception location does not offer on site catering.
  
• Book the entertainment for the party: DJ, band and / or mariachis.
  
• Book transportation for the Quinceañera/Sweet 16, her court of honor and family from church to reception.
  
• Book photographer and/or videographer (be sure and check with the church on their policy about filming in the church).
  
• Research bakers and select cake for reception.

Nine Months In Advance

• Begin Planning Ceremony.
  
• Begin Planning Reception.
  
• Announce your event in the local newspaper.
  
• Order invitations.
  
• If you are having your dress made, line up a dressmaker.
  
• Hire a choreographer or dance instructor to help you with your waltz during the reception.
  
• Decide if you want a full or half Court of Honor and choose the members.
  
• Decide on rental equipment needed (if applicable) to reception: tent, chairs, tables, linens, dance floor, staging, etc.
  
• Secure rental equipment with local rental company.
  
• Choose attire of Court of Honor. Choose your Honor Escort.
  
• Purchase invitations.
  
• Purchase decorations.
  
• Purchase party favors.
  
• Meet with Priest or Minister to discuss the ceremony and your preferences.

Four Months In Advance:

• Finalize guest lists.
  
• Touch bases with all your vendors to go over details: photographers, florists, musicians, caterer, etc.

Two Months In Advance:

• Address invitations and announcements.
  
• Mail them 6-8 weeks prior to event.
  
• Make appointments for hair, makeup and nails.
  
• If you are not having a dress made, now is the time to purchase your dress. Send invitations.

One Month In Advance:

• Have a formal portrait done in gown.
  
• Purchase gifts for Court of Honor.
  
• Select the music for the main waltz with the Escort of Honor at the reception.
  
• Hire a choreographer to work with you on practicing this waltz.
  
• Have final alterations complete on dress (if necessary)

One week before:

• Contact guests who have not responded.
  
• Give final count to caterer and review final food, beverage and set up instructions.
  
• Give photographer and videographer a list of shots you would like included.
  
• Give all musicians the lists of music for the ceremony and reception.
  
• Make a list of all the items you need to take to the church (candles, gifts, rosary, Bible, anything pertinent to the ceremony itself).

The Day Of:

• Be sure you eat something prior to the ceremony. This will be a long day and it may be a while until you get to eat at the reception.
  
• Have hair, makeup and nails done.
  
• Have someone keep an emergency kit with an extra pair of panty hose, clear nail polish (for runs), band-aids, makeup, and a mini sewing kit.
  
• Take payments for vendors and bring extra cash for tipping as necessary.
  
• Get your checklist of items needed for the ceremony and reception and make sure you have everything before you leave.
  
• Relax and have fun! 

These tips were provided courtesy of :  

www.my15birthday.com