1 to 2 Years Before

• Sit down with your parents to determine the type of quinceañera you want to have. Big? Small? In your backyard or at a hall?
• Choose your padrinos. Will they be contributing financially?
• Plan your budget.
• Set the date and book a church—if you’re planning to have a religious ceremony. (Be sure to contact the priest to find out parish requirements.)
• Create a planning binder to fill with ideas, magazine clippings and important contact info.

12 Months Before

• Choose your theme. Do you have a favorite color or flower? Movie or hobby? Let it be your inspiration.
• Visit reception sites and book one.
• Draft a preliminary guest list.
• Meet with event planners if you’ve decided to hire one.

9 Months Before

• Book your caterer (if the reception hall doesn’t have one on site), florist, DJ and/or band, photographer and/or videographer.
• Select your court of honor. Be sure the girls and/or boys and their parents understand the cost and commitment before agreeing to participate. You may want to have your parents talk it over with their folks before you ask.
• Start shopping for your dress.

6 Months Before

• Choose and purchase invitations (and coordinating thank-you notes if you want them) and party favors.
• Create a rehearsal schedule or hire a dance instructor/choreographer to help with your waltzes and other dances. The number of sessions you’ll need may vary based on size of court and complexity of routine.
• Arrange and organize a rehearsal for you, your court and everyone involved in the ceremonies.

3 Months Before

• Order your dress—if you haven’t already.
• Choose your court’s attire. Let them know the cost and where they can order everything.
• Secure transportation to and from the church and reception site.
• Finalize your guest list.
• Select tiara, shoes and other accessories.
• Schedule hair and makeup appointments if you plan to have them done professionally. Note: It’s always a good idea to have a practice run before the big day.

2 Months Before

• Mail invitations and create an RSVP list.
• Order your cake for the reception.
• Select gifts for your padrinos and attendants.

1 Month Before

• Finish final alterations on your dress if necessary.
• Write and practice your thank-you speech.
• Prepare a program for the ceremony.

1 Week Before

• Call vendors (photographer, florist, etc.) and confirm details.
• Give caterer final head count.
• Prepare seating chart and place cards.
• Tuck payments for vendors in envelopes.
• Make an “emergency kit.” Be sure to include safety pins, a needle and thread, breath mints, blotting papers, Band-Aids, double-sided fabric tape, tissues, etc.
• Treat yourself to an at-home facial and deep-conditioning hair mask.
• Make a checklist of all the items you’ll need for the church and/or reception ceremonies (candles, bible, rosary, etc.).

The Big Day

• Be sure to eat before the ceremony, and don’t forget to drink plenty of water. It’s a busy, exciting day, and you need lots of energy to look and feel your best.
• Head to your beauty appointments. (Note: Skin treatments and waxing appointments should be scheduled for a few days in advance.)
• Go over your checklist and make sure you have everything.
• Take a deep breath and have fun! Your quince is finally here!