12-month Step-by-Step Quinceanera Planning List

Your 12-month Quinceañera planning list

12 Months 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 (for such services it is usually best to work with someone you were referred to)
• 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 style of invitation’ 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 entire 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/makeup test-run

2 Months Before

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

1 Month 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/makeup test-runs
• Avoid too many fatty foods, chocolates or other items that might keep your skin from looking its best

1 Week 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

Day of the Celebration

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

Day after Celebration

• Send out thank-you note