12 Month Quinceanera Planning List

1 Year Before:

• Select potential godparents (contributing sponsors).
• Plan on number of guests.
• Collect magazines and catalogs for ideas.
• Make a planning notebook.
• Choose theme and colors.
• Contact church priest (Determine parish requirements, book date).
• Ask for referrals for photographers, caterers, DJ’s, invitation printers, flower shops and bakeries.
• Research possible event sites for availability and security measures they offer.

11 Months Before:

• Discuss budget plans with potential godparents.
• Visit event sites.
• Meet with caterers for tasting.
• Select the invitation’s style.
• Decide whether you will purchase your dress or have it custom-made.

10 Months Before:

• Select your Quince court (the number in the court is your decision, 7 couples are recommended).
• Select and book the following:
• Bakery/cake.
• Caterer.
• Music provider (live band or DJ).
• Photographer and video.
• Florist.
• Reserve event hall.
• Verify that church is available on event date and reserve.
• Order invitations.
• Select fashion designer if the dress will be custom-made.
• If you decided instead to purchase your dress, begin your search.

9 Months Before:

• Visit fashion designer for formal dress selection.
• Meet with your Quince court to discuss their physical attire (after selecting yours).
• Select accessories.
• Select shoes.
• Purchase party favors and decorations (these can even be created by your family).

6 Months Before:

• Select and purchase “Last Doll”.
• Select and purchase the Bible.
• Reserve hotel rooms for guests.
• Reserve limousine.

3 Months Before:

• Pick up invitations.
• Arrange rehearsal with court.
• Hair and Makeup test-run.

2 Months Before:

• Send out invitations.
• Verify details with your service providers.
• DJ and song list.
• Hair and Makeup.
• Final fitting for gown.
• Remind guests who have not responded (in order to avoid unnecessary expenses).

1 Months Before:

• For a formal reception create seating chart.
• Write a speech or speeches (you may choose a poem for the church and a speech for the reception or vice-versa, or you may choose a song).
• Ask your father or date of honor to write your speech.
• Verify final details with:
• Florist
• Bakery
• Photographer
• Priest or Pastor

2 Weeks Before:

• Pick up gown.
• Perform hair and makeup test-runs.
• Avoid too many fatty foods, chocolates or other items that might keep your skin from looking its best.

1 Weeks Before:

• Get plenty of rest and relaxation so you will look radiant on the day of your Quinceañera.
• Verify that you are not missing anything from your planning list.

The Day:

• Eat a good breakfast
• Hair and makeup appointment(s)

The Day Before:

• Send out thank-you note
• Now it is time to Relax!

Please keep in mind that the timeline provided in this reference list is meant to accommodate most events, but your specific event may require more time to plan. It’s important to also consider the time of year and any important holidays that may impact vendor availability. For example, if you’re planning a Quinceañera for July or August, which is a common time for weddings, you may encounter a shortage of vendors for your chosen date. To avoid such issues, it’s best to tackle tasks that don’t depend on timing as early as possible. For instance, while a dress fitting must be done within weeks or days before your Quinceanera, you can book a venue or a photographer a year or more in advance. To plan your event wisely, seek help from friends and family members. Happy planning