Party Spot - Quinceanera: Tips and Tricks

Want to make your quincea�era even more special? Check out our tips and tricks for making your quince the party of a lifetime.

Cheap & Chic
Sure, you might see crazy expensive parties on MTV, but you needn't spend a ton of money to make your party memorable. "The dollar store can be your best friend," says Priscilla Mora, editorial director of San Antonio area site DebutPlanner.com. "At discount stores, you can get little quinceanera boxes to put mints in, baskets for table arrangements, party favors, decorations. The imagination can be awesome when you or someone in your family is creative."

A Different Tune
When it comes to the father-daughter dance, there's no law that says you must do the customary waltz. You can put on your favorite Top Ten song, as long as the lyrics are appropriate for a father-daughter dance and, of course, your dad is down with it.

Give Great Gifts
When it comes to giving the court gifts to show your appreciation, think about how this tradition strengthens your connection with your Latin roots. "Instead of giving them jewelry as a gift," Veronica Chambers (author of Quinceanera Means Sweet Fifteen) suggests, "give them a meaningful book by a Latina author -- like Julia Alvarez's How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents."

Get the Party Started
Perhaps the best tip is to not underestimate the power of thinking creatively. "Since so many quince girls have friends who are not Latin, you might want to have a salsa lesson for everyone early on in the party," Chambers suggests.

Do It Your Way
As much of a tradition as this event is, you can totally tailor the party to your personality. For instance, girls often opt for pink decor, but if you just love red, embrace that! Make the whole party red -- with red and white balloons, a red cake, and red flowers. Or if you are a horse fanatic, incorporate toy equine figurines into your decor. Use your imagination and get creative -- after all, this is your day to shine!

-- Natalie Ermann
Resources: Veronica Chambers, author of Quinceanera Means Sweet Fifteen; Priscilla Mora, editorial director of DebutPlanner.com