Quinceaneras have come such a long way!
While traditions are still a big part of the celebration of a young Latina woman’s 15th birthday, the way that the big event is celebrated has evolved.
We got to learn all about these traditions (new and old) while filming a recent segment for KTLA’s LA Unscripted on planning a Quincenera.
We gave reporter Jasmine Simpkins a taste of what’s it’s like to be a “Quinceanera” by sharing the experience of Kristal Hernandez, who recently celebrated her Quinceanera.
https://ktla.com/la-unscripted/festively-helps-los-angeles-local-plan-her-quinceanera/
Quinceanera Details
Festively showcased some of the main traditions that are a must at a Quinceanera! This includes:
- Decor – The decor is an exciting part of the celebration because it sets the tone of the Quinceanera’s favorite color or theme. Kristal’s colors are rose gold with blush pink and white. We worked with Porscha, Event planner and owner of Porscha’s Event Planning & More, who is planning Kristal’s big celebration. Porscha specializes in transforming a space from top to bottom, including lovely tablescapes, balloon styling, rentals and more.
- We also partnered with Chivitas Party Rentals who brought beautiful accents like a floral wall, IV marquee lights, “mis quince” sign, gold cake stands, table linens, and more.
- Drinks – For any big celebration, but especially a Latin American celebration, you need to hire a bartender. For our KTLA segment, we showcased Awas y Mas. Not only do they provide fabulous cocktails made with there homemade aguas frescas, but they can also create an aguas frescas drink station for guests of all ages to enjoy. And they will also make sure your group does not get out of control!
- A Dress – This is a must! Make it it big, sparkling and beautiful! We showcased Casa de Brides, located in the San Fernando Mall. There you can find a selection of dresses, accessories, and other items you’ll need for a quince (such as guy’s tuxedos). The dresses are high quality and super on trend.
- Food – The food has to be good…it just has to! Or else you’ll hear about it for years to come. Many families chose to make their own food. We showcased caterer Chef Chivitas who made her delicious traditional mole, rice, and beans. All of her sauces are made from scratch, and she uses only the best ingredients. Silvia also made a decadent flan with two types of vanilla. Our mouths are still watering.
- Flowers – Flowers can really elevate your guest’s experience. For the KTLA segment, we featured Mireya’s Flowers, who created beautiful floral accents and a gorgeous centerpiece to match the Quinceanera’s colors and theme.
- Dance – The quinceanera’s dances are some of the most anticipated activities of the night! While we expect there to be a traditional waltz, we also very much look forward to a surprise dance! This is an opportunity for the quinceanera to have some fun, show off her personality, and have a whole outfit change to match. We partnered with Lenny, dance instructor from Danzone who has worked with quinceaneras and their families for 20 years to show us all the latest dance moves.
- Venue – we partnered with Acre Ranch to give us the feel of being on a real ranch for Kristal’s big day. It was the perfect spot for an intimate party.
About Kristal’s Quinceanera
Kristal’s mom Celeste shared the ways their family is celebrating the big event, which will be a little non-traditional. For example, instead of a mass (traditional), Kristal will have a blessing in a private ceremony led by her uncle who is a Christian pastor (non-traditional.)
For food, Kristal’s family will make a traditional mole. The venue is at a traditional ranch, where everyone and their mama is invited to come dance the night away.
But instead of having a full court of ‘damas’, or girls who would escort Kristal during her celebration, she’s having a court of 7 ‘chambelanes’, or boys who will be her escort for the party and the dance.
One thing is for sure… Celeste has a lot of family members who want to help! While this is a great thing, it can also make things tricky. Each family member wants to provide input and you just can’t please everyone!
But Celeste and her husband know they are very lucky. They have a loving family who are so excited to show love and support for Kristal as she marks her passage from girlhood to womanhood.
We are so excited for all of life’s big moments! And were very blessed to be able to capture the excitement with KTLA’s unscripted.
