Making Your Court of Honor The Right Size For You

by: Michael Kabel

Did you know, centuries ago the typical Quinceañera Court of Honor included thirty people? It's true. The quince anos girl would invite fourteen damas and fourteen chambelanes to her celebration. Combined with herself and her escort, the number swelled to thirty people – fifteen boys and fifteen girls.

With so many friends, family members, and important relatives to include (this was during an age when someone might have seven or eight brothers and sisters) there was no problem making a court that big. But times changes, and the modern Quinceañera celebration probably doesn't need such a large retinue. Today's court is more about substance over size. There's also no rule that you have to have an equal number of damas and chambelanes. As you plan your Quinceañera, you can design the court just exactly as you like.

What size court is right for you?

The size of the court is your decision. Remember as a quince "princess" you have to select your followers with a regal amount of tact and poise. Basically, the court should only be as big as you need, and no bigger.

The ideal damas court should consist of any siblings you have, your closest cousins, your one or two best friends, and an adult to whom you feel a great respect or affection (like a favorite aunt, or a trusted neighbor.) For the chambelanes, the rule of siblings and cousins also applies, and you may wish to include a favorite uncle as well.

Balance is always elegant, and ideally your court will include an equal number of damas and chambelanes. But if that's not the case, it's better to have a lopsided court than to invite someone into your court for superficial reasons.

Planning your court's duties

The size of your court is also a factor in what duties the court performs. Larger groups of chambelanes are able to act as ushers and party escorts for some guests. Smaller groups of damas create more intimate groups to help with the decorations. A smaller group is also a tighter-knit group when it's time to take those keepsake photographs.

The right size for your court is also determined somewhat by the size of your celebration. For example, having twenty people in your court when your entire fiesta guests list only numbers fifty people makes the whole affair seem top-heavy.

How to settle on your final selections.

The court is a big decision in your planning, so remember that it's okay to take your time making up your mind. You don't have to make the decision by yourself, either. Talk to a padrino or mentor figure about your choices, and see if they have insight that you haven't thought about. They may likely help you eliminate potential court members for the best of reasons (i.e. a cousin who has a baby may not have time to participate).

As you make your final list, approach each potential court member separately, but at the same time (within a day or two.) This will prevent anyone from feeling like a second choice or that you put off asking them for their special presence. With your court assembled, you can move on to other important parts of planning your celebration.