Planning a Quinceanera is a difficult task, like planning a wedding.
During peak wedding and prom season, it can be hard to find available venues, DJs, and limos. To help make the process as stress-free as possible, Imperial Limousine, with experience in many Quinceaneras in New Jersey, has created a guide for planning a Quinceanera in NJ.
To ensure the smoothest planning experience, it's recommended to start 1-2 years before the planned date. However, if time is limited, this guide still offers trusted vendor options to expedite the process.
Getting Started with your Quinceanera planning
Before planning a Quinceanera, crucial initial steps include setting a budget and selecting a date, which will impact most of your later decisions.
Deciding on a party theme and color scheme are also important at this stage. With these details established, you can proceed to search for a suitable event space.
Choose Event Space
To start planning a Quinceanera, one of the initial steps is to secure event spaces such as the church and reception site as early as possible to have more options and availability
Booking A Church
Many people typically book their own church for their Quinceanera. When doing so, don't forget to schedule a rehearsal as well. This practice run helps the Quinceanera, her court, and family ensure a flawless special day.
Booking A Quinceanera Reception Site or Venue
New Jersey offers fantastic options for reception sites, including elegant halls, charming outdoor locations, and budget-friendly spaces. Here are some top picks:
Lake Terrace: a luxurious, elegant indoor venue in Lakewood, NJ.
Crystal Ballroom: crystal chandeliers, indoor and outdoor ceremonies, gourmet catering, and an expert team of coordinators.
Atlantis Ballroom: gourmet catering, Hollywood Lighting, an expert team of coordinators, hotel rooms, and more.
Park Pavilion: spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Seaside Park beach and boardwalk
Select A Quinceanera Dress
Choosing the dress is a thrilling part of the planning process. To ensure your girl feels like royalty, start the search early for the ideal dress that balances color, style, cost, and fit.
After picking the Quinceanera dress, also select and order attire and accessories for the damas and chambelanes.
Choose Quinceanera Vendors
Choosing skilled vendors guarantees a seamless event and reduces the risk of last-minute issues. Fortunately, New Jersey has numerous exceptional Quinceanera vendors to choose from.
Event Catering/Bakery: If the venue you select does not have in-house catering it’s your responsibility to find a suitable vendor for the event.
Along with the main food, a cake is a customary item at a Quinceanera. If the caterer is not handling the cake, find a local bakery to make it.
Photographers: This day goes by in a flash, so you want to make sure someone is there to capture every special moment!
PRO-TIP: We also recommend giving your photographer a list of specific shots you’d like taken to ensure nothing gets missed!
Transportation: For the Quinceanera, her court of honor, and family, arrange transportation from the church to the reception on the big day. Selecting an appropriate limo and company is crucial to ensure a timely, stylish arrival. In New Jersey, Imperial Limousine is a highly rated Quinceanera limo service offering a range of limos like the Cadillac Escalade and Chrysler 300 to fit any style and budget.
Florists: Adding a personal touch to the venue through decoration is essential. Flowers are a great way to do this. Provide your florist with your color and style choices, so they can create options for you to review that align with your theme.
Balloons: Balloons are another great way to decorate your quinceanera. They can be used to dress up an entranceway, line a dance floor and/or act as a backdrop for photos.
Entertainment: Whether you’re booking a mariachi, DJ or band you want to choose this in advance – the good ones book up early!
Hair & Make-Up: Lastly, book hair and makeup appointments to ensure your daughter shines like a star at her Quinceanera!
TIP: Contact all vendors about three months before the event to review details.
The Guest List
Begin making a preliminary guest list at least a year ahead. After you have a rough idea of the number of guests, order your Quinceanera invitations.
Finalize the guest list four months before the event and address the invitations to be sent out 60 days before the Quinceanera.
Two weeks before the event, follow up with guests who haven't responded. Confirm the final guest count with the caterer and review food and beverage selections. Then, prepare a seating chart and place cards.
For special guests, decide on escorts, damas, chambelanes, and sponsors/padrinos.
The Ceremony
To ensure a smooth Quinceanera, meet with the ceremony officiant 6 to 9 months ahead of time to plan and discuss your preferences. Additionally, create a detailed ceremony and reception outline to keep everyone on the same page.
FINAL STEPS
In the last month leading up to the Quinceanera, only a few tasks remain. These include:
Buying gifts for the court of honor
Finishing any final adjustments to the dress
Confirming travel arrangements for out-of-town guests
With these tasks completed, you're all set! By following this guide, you'll have a comprehensive list of vendors and a checklist to make sure nothing is missed.
Above all, remember to have fun and enjoy this special day for your daughter.
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