By: Maria Mills
Feliz cumpleanos! You're on your way to creating the perfect Quinceanera celebration, and all your arrangements are coming along true to your unique vision. There's a lot of details to stay on top of, and maybe your mother, aunts, cousins, and grandmothers are helping out. Or maybe you're taking care of everything all by yourself. Either way, the details can stack up, so much so that you might overlook a couple of small - but potentially important - details.
Think about the guests that are coming to help you celebrate. They're probably coming a long distance, even giving up their own activities, to make sure they're with you to celebrate your big night. They've probably come almost as dressed up as you are: a new hairstyle, fresh formal clothes, and groomed to carefully look their best out of their respect and affection. You're the star of the party and the night is all about you, but consider giving something back to them in return.
In olden times, a princess or a queen, when given gifts by the people of her kingdom, would always give something back, to show her friendship and appreciation. As you're the princess of your evening, and the Quinceanera celebration is your coronation (or crowning ceremony), you need to make the same gesture. Luckily, there's a simple way to show your "kingdom" you appreciate them. Just like in days long ago, this gift is said to demonstrate your "favor."
Your choice of Quinceanera favors can reflect your celebration's theme. It might give your guests a memento they can use at home. The favor you choose might even do both. You should think about the favor, and choose carefully. Remember that the favor can also simply be about fun!
The favor can reflect your personality, or echo a trait or hobby you're famous for. For example, if you're known as a romantic or sensitive young woman, you might give all your guests a votive or gel candle. If family and friends know how much you're an athlete, you might give them a favor that reminds them of the great outdoors. These favors can also set the tone, or mood, for your Quince celebration.
You may also choose to give a favor that's personalized with your name and the date of your celebration, so that guests have a lasting keepsake of the event. This favor is really like the souvenir you'd get at an amusement park or from one of your school dances. The personalization can be engraved right on the surface, or it might be monogrammed with your initials, so that guests have a subtle reminder of your coming of age. The good news is that personalization comes as a free extra feature on many Quinceanera favors. Unfortunately, the process that does it sometimes takes weeks, so you have to order well in advance of your celebration.
Finally, remember that your Quinceanera favors are a gift, and should be gift-wrapped like any other present. When you browse for the perfect Quinceanera favor, check to see what gift-wrapping is included in the packaging prices. Shopping for a Quinceanera favor can be rewarding in its own right, because a great favor can inspire your choice of decorations, themes, and even music and lighting come the big event. Remember, though, that your guests are special people at your reception, too, and they deserve a reward for their generosity and sacrifice. That's what the best princesses and queens do!