Planning A Destination Quinceañera
By:  Karen Sullen

Finding the perfect location for your Quinceañera is an important part of the planning process because the right venue can really help set the mood for your special day.  But if you've looked around town and haven't found the "perfect place," it just may be that the best location is in another city.  Turn your celebration into a vacation, and consider planning a far-away fiesta.  The key is finding a special location that really captures your personality.  Here are some suggestions to help get you thinking in a different direction:
 
Disneyland:  What better place to let your princess dreams come true?  Start your celebration in front of Sleeping Beauty's castle and end with rides and fun for everyone!  Dancing with your own cast of characters or those at the theme park will be like a page from a fairytale.  You could even give your guests "Enchanted Carriage" favors shaped like Cinderella's carriage.

Beach:  Head for the sunny shores of a beach near you!  Everyone will enjoy dancing on the beach as the sun sets on your glorious event.  Surround yourself with the natural beauty of flowers and candles for your coastal Quinceañera.

Butterfly Garden:  Enhance your butterfly theme with the graceful flutter of butterflies floating by.  Check your state parks for ones that have a butterfly sanctuary.  Butterfly gardens provide an excellent, almost tropical, backdrop, and the symbolism is perfect as you transform into a beautiful butterfly. 

But before hitting the road, there are a few things to consider when planning a destination Quinceañera:

Stick to your budget:  Determine the amount you wish to spend at the very beginning of the planning process, and stick to it!  It's so easy to get carried away with excitement over the dress, the favors, the friends and the fun that you’ve overspent before you realized it. 

Don't forget your travelling companions:  Keep in mind that, unless you want to party alone, the trip must be a desirable and affordable option for your family and friends to attend.  Start with venues that are nearby or within driving distance of most of your guests. 

Consult the experts:  Especially if your location is far away, an event planner can monitor the details and help keep everything on track.  Interview planners before making your final decision, to ensure you choose a knowledgeable and dependable partner.  A good event planner should also be an excellent resource for local vendors.

Regardless of the locale, choosing an interesting venue will be a great first step towards a wonderful affair.  And if you think your family and friends might not travel with you, think again.  Not only will your destination Quinceañera be a celebration for you, it will also be a chance for family and friends to get away.  Besides, people have destination weddings all the time!

This article was brought to you by MyQuinceFavors.com, an online retail company specializing in unique Quinceañera favors and accessories. We are also dedicated to providing informative articles on Quinceañera, Quinceañera planning and other topics of interest to the Hispanic community.