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Quinceañera Celebrations

Quinceañera is the Spanish word for a girl who is 15 years old. Among Latinos in the United States, quinceañera also is the name given to the coming-of-age celebration on a girl’s 15th birthday.

The quinceañera has its origins many centuries ago when both boys and girls participated in rites of passage. To prepare for womanhood, girls were separated from other children at a certain age so the elder women could teach them about their future roles as members of family and community. During the official rites of passage, the community would thank the gods for the future wives and mothers, and the young women would vow to serve the community.

Later, missionaries turned the event into a personal affirmation of faith by the young women and a pledge to become good Christian wives and mothers. A church celebration became an important part of the occasion.

Pastor David Barger, and his associate officiants, place the same amount of commitment, creativity, and honor into each quinceañeras as he does our award wedding ceremonies.

Today, the quinceañera celebration often is a lavish party that may include a mariachi band, a feast and many guests—much like a wedding. Planning for a quinceañera can start as early as the birth of a daughter. The family and godparents save up money until the girl is of age. Actual preparations may take anywhere from 6 months to a year and a half. Dances have to be learned, decorations decided upon, cakes ordered, and in some cases, dresses made.

The young woman wears an elaborate dress in pastel or, more recently, bold colors. Traditions vary, but they may include:

  • Receiving a church, or religious blessing
  • Having 14 male and female attendants and escorts to represent the previous 14 years of life
  • Presenting a porcelain doll to a younger sister to symbolize leaving childhood behind, or receiving a final doll from her godparents
  • Changing from flats into high-heeled shoes to represent becoming a young woman
  • Dancing the first dance with her father

What is included in our quinceañera celebration?

  • Complimentary consultation (in person, over the phone or an online planning session)**
  • Custom, fine-tuning your quinceañera to perfection
  • Travel to your quinceañera venue up to 50 miles from our North SA office
  • Readings (i.e. Scripture, poem, blessing) are included
  • Perform your ceremony.
  • Runs up to 30 minutes (depending on customization), including the procession
  • Officiant arrives approximately 45 minutes to an hour early

Disclaimer

  • Retainer: Your 50% retainer is non-refundable but transferable within 6 months from your booking date (based officiant availability).
  • Accessories: It is your responsibility to provide all and any necessary accessories for the ceremony (if applicable).
  • Rehearsal: The quinceañera ceremony does not include a rehearsal/practice. That is available at an additional fee.
  • Language: At this time we only offer English versions of the ceremony, with limited Spanish performed phonetically.
  • Fees: You understand your final payment is due one week prior to your date. This is a hard and fast provision. Cash, Check, Credit Card.
  • Delays: You must have ceremony start within 45 minutes of your scheduled time in order to accommodate officiants schedule.

**In-person appointment must be done in our home office, exception can be made if officiant happens to be traveling in your area.