It's Summertime, and the Quinceañera is Easy

by: Michael Kabel

The hot winter months are some of the best times to hold a party. The longer days, warmer temperatures, and summer vacations all create so much more time to create and enjoy the perfect celebration.

If your birthday happens during the summer months (say, between June and September) the summertime makes an awesome theme for your Quinceañera celebration. Summer is the time when nature and its growth are in their prime – just as you're entering the prime of your life. You have your choice of outdoor or indoor venues, and you can choose from a range of choices for your meal and decorations.

A summer Quinceañera includes lots of growing things

Whether your celebration is indoors or outdoors, your Quinceañera should include lots of green and growing things, to celebrate your own growing and to commemorate summer as a season all by itself. Besides warmth and heat, people associate summertime most closely with the abundance of nature in bloom. Spring may be the time of growing, but summer is the maturity of growing things. (So you see why it's a perfect theme!)

You may choose to have something casual, like a backyard barbecue. A more elaborate event might entail an indoor venue lined with topiary and leafy planets, possibly with an arbor centerpiece strewn with garlands. You can also have plenty of pink and white flowers at each guest table or around the stage, celebrating growth and the Quinceañera both with one lovely gesture.

A summer Quince isn't necessarily a formal affair

If you choose to have your summer Quince celebration someplace outside where it's warm – think the beach or the park – you almost have to make the attire casual or come as you are. The warmer temperatures could leave you and your guests sweltering in the outdoors – and that's not really a fun party!

You might request your guests come in "semi-formal" attire, however, if you have adequate shade at you reception venue and the humidity isn't too overpowering. Semi-formal events, such as school dances (the ones besides prom) are a good way to split the difference between a sophisticated affair and one that's laid back and cool.

Maybe your damas can wear corsages in your designated color, instead of full gowns. Your chambelanes might all wear coordinating ties or shirts (or both) to display their special status.

Planning ahead means planning early.

Quinceañera party and planning experts recommend starting your Quinceañera preparations up to a year in advance (See the article elsewhere on this site for help in building a planning timeline.) For the summer quince anos celebration, it's even more important that you start early and get as many confirmations as you can completed as soon as possible.

Many other parties happen in summertime, such as wedding receptions and family reunions. These events might grab up your chosen venue before you realize it. Rather than suffer the disappointment of having your dream locale taken away, shop early. Secure a venue or locale with a deposit, so the owners or caretakers will be sure to hold it for you.