Joint Quinceañeras:  Twice The Fun at Half the Cost
By:  Karen Sullen

The increased price of food, gas and other necessities has affected almost every area of our lives-including the Quinceañera.  While many parents have prepared years in advance for this special day, others are balancing the increased costs associated with planning a party on a shrinking budget.  A joint Quinceañera might be a cost-effective solution for parents looking to maximize their budgets.  Here are some occasions when planning a joint celebration makes sense:
 
The Perfect Pair:  A Quinceañera for twin girls can be a double delight.  Double blessings will be prayed over them during the misa, and they will have a double portion of good times at the celebration.  If space or budget will not permit each girl to have her own court (that would be 60 people all together with their escorts), try dividing the court in half so each girl invites seven friends and escorts to participate if they don't have the same circle of friends.  

Best-Friends' Bash:  You might think that sharing this special day is reserved for twins.  But best friends can also have a joint Quinceañera.  They do everything else together, so why not celebrate this great milestone together?  A joint Quinceañera doesn't mean they have to share the spotlight.  There are plenty of ways to shine the light on each one.  They can have their own personalized cake and decorated seat of honor.  Best friends don't have to wear the same gown and shoes either, but can let their individual styles show in their attire (as long as the gowns are in the same color scheme.)  Besides, who would your daughter rather party with than her best girlfriend?

All In The Family:  Keep the fiesta in the family by celebrating with a close relative.  In most cases, a lot of the same relatives would be on both of the girl's guest lists, so parents could save on invitations, food, favors and other expenses.  This would be a perfect party to be held at a family member's home.

Whether the celebration is for one or many, planning a joint event can be an effective way to help create a memory of a lifetime without paying for it for the rest of your life.