Quinceanera Decorations

by Giorgina Devereaux

Quinceanera (“fifteen years” in English) is the coming of age ceremony held in honor of a young lady’s fifteenth birthday. 

The Quinceanera tradition dates back to ancient Mexican society to the Aztecs in 500 BC where it was used as a means to instruct and reinforce cultural ideals. 

In our present day, turning fifteen years of age is celebrated with a religious ceremony where the Quinceanera affirms her faith. 

It is tradition for the Quinceanera to receive gifts that are religious in nature, such as a cross, Bible, rosary, or medal. 

The ceremony includes gifts that are presented by her padrinos (godparents), along with their blessing by the priest. 

After the Roman Catholic religious ceremony is concluded, a reception is either held in the Quinceanera’s home or at a banquet hall. 

The decor of this reception usually resembles that of a wedding.  The Quinceanera carries a doll that represents the last doll or her childhood, which is dressed like her. 

The Quinceanera’s father exchanges her flat shoes for heels after their dance together.  It is during this exchange of the shoes that the father of the Quinceanera has her part with her doll. 

The doll symbolizes giving up her childhood and moving forward to adulthood.  The Quinceanera will also give up her hair piece to the next Quinceanera-to-be and the godfather will crown her. 
 

Thereafter, the father of the Quinceanera dances with her followed by her godfather.  The Quinceanera’s court is comprised of her godparents and chambelan (a young man who is her date for the evening).  The chambelan usually has the first dance with the Quinceanera, which is a traditional ballroom waltz. 

The Quinceanera must also dance a routine with the damas (ladies) and chambelanes (young men).  Thereafter, a toast is given by the parents of the Quinceanera and then the cutting of the cake takes place. 

This is the only celebration that comes close to a wedding because of the party atmosphere that follows.  The Quinceanera’s dress can be just as expensive and elaborate as a wedding gown.  The flowers and decorations are color coordinated to match the color scheme of the festivities. 

Making this day memorable is important and merits a lovely celebration with all the pomp and glamour. 

 

Quinceanera Decorations

Quinceanera decorations consist of the following:
 

• Balloons

• Cake Topper

• Candles

• Ceiling Danglers

• Chair Covers

• Clear Mini Christmas Lights

• Confetti

• Deluxe Party Kit

• Entrance Arch

• Faux Flowers

• Guest Book

• Party Favors

• Place Card Holders

• Table Centerpiece

• Table Cover

• Tulle

Balloons:  Balloons are a wonderful way to instantly transform a party into something extraordinary.  You can choose from different colors and materials, such as latex or Mylar.  For added beauty, opt for colors that match your theme.   

Cake Topper:  A cake topper is a must have for your Quinceanera decorations.  There are different styles to choose from. 

One favorite cake topper is a pretty dark haired doll that symbolizes the transition from a girl to a young woman.  She is wearing a beautiful gown of white tulle with gold trim and her ribbon reads, “Mis 15 Anos.” 

She will look absolutely stunning on the Quinceanera cake and makes a lovely keepsake.

Candles:  Candles provide the perfect mood lighting.  You may place a tea candle inside a clear glass candle holder and use it as a centerpiece for each table.  For added beauty, consider surrounding the votive with tulle in the color that matches your theme. 

Ceiling Danglers:  Ceiling danglers are one other way to add shimmer to your Quinceanera decorations.  They come in different designs and colors, such as metallic silver or gold. 

Chair Covers:  Dress up your chairs with chair covers that will bring a dose of elegance to your formal seating arrangement. 

You may wrap tulle in the color of your choice around the back of each chair and tie it into a bow.  It makes a nice finishing touch. 

Clear Mini Christmas Lights:  You can bring twinkle to your Quinceanera decorations by intertwining clear mini Christmas lights inside tulle that adorns the top of your party table skirt as well as the cake table, gift table, or any other areas that could use some extra sparkle and a hint of romance.

Confetti:  Confetti adds festivity to tables.  For instant color and beauty, sprinkle confetti around the centerpiece. 

Deluxe Party Kit:  For added convenience, you may wish to use a deluxe party kit that has service for 8 consisting of the following:

• 10” Dinner Plates

• 7” Dessert Plates

• 16 oz Paper Cups

• Lunch Napkins

• Cutlery set that includes forks, spoons, and knives

• Table Cover

• Honeycomb Carriage Centerpiece

• 12” Latex Balloons (yellow, silver, and pink colors)

• 81’ Crepe Streamers (Primose yellow, dove gray, and pink colors)

• 50’ Curling Ribbons (yellow, silver, and light pink colors)

• Lavender Candles

• Silver Star Confetti

Entrance Arch:  An entrance arch makes a fabulous impression for guests.  It creates a festive, sweet, and sophisticated setting.  The result will be a grand entrance for all to appreciate.  It makes a great photo op too.

Faux Flowers:  Flowers are an important element in Quinceanera decorations.  They add beauty, color, and brighten up any event.  You may wish to display faux flowers to save on the costs of fresh cut flowers. 

Faux flowers are low maintenance too and you don’t have to worry about them wilting.  Guests will marvel at how lovely your silk floral displays look and they will be amazed at how realistic they look. 

Guest Book:  To remember all of your guests on your special day, consider incorporating a beautiful guestbook for all to sign.  Some are made of white satin and feature a lace trim with gold tone embroidery that reads, “Mis Quince Anos.”

Party Favors:  Give guests a special keepsake to take home.  There is a variety to choose from, but one that is particularly special is a slipper candle favor.  Each candle favor measures 3” x ¾” x 1 ¾” and is made of white wax with exquisite filigree floral designs that are etched in and a centerpiece heart shaped buckle.  Each is packaged upright in a clear plastic box with an elegant silver and white floral stage base.  Also, each is finished with a white organza ribbon and attached matching floral design. 

Place Card Holders:  Add elegance to your Quinceanera party by including place card holders on each table.  It makes guests feel special and locating seating will be easy for all. 

Table Centerpiece:  A table centerpiece is a wonderful way to add beauty to a table.  Excellent centerpiece ideas include candles, flowers, or a honeycomb carriage centerpiece.  You’d be amazed at how much elegance a centerpiece adds to a table. 

Table Cover:  Table covers are important for any formal event.  You may opt for table covers that are pure white in color or you may match the color of your theme.  Some table covers are available in a shimmery opalescent color, which adds interest to a table. 

Tulle:  Tulle is a commonly used material for weddings and other formal events.  It is very versatile and comes in a variety of colors.  You can attach tulle around a cake table, banquet table, or party table.  It will add softness and a hint of elegance to your party.