When it comes to planning a Quinceañera, you want everything to be perfect for your little girl! She’s a princess in your eyes, and you want the rest of the world to see her that way too. Here are a tips to help your daughter feel like a princess as she celebrates her Quinceañera and enters adulthood.
Find the perfect dress.
Nothing says “princess” like the perfect ball gown. Other than her wedding dress, it may be the most important and beautiful gown your daughter ever wears! We recommend you begin shopping at least nine months ahead of the Quinceañera celebration to allow adequate time to find a dress and make any necessary alterations.
Before you begin shopping, start with research and discussions with your daughter. There are a lot of dress options, and you want to be sure you’re on the same page. Websites and magazines are a great starting point to find trends, styles, and colors that catch your daughter’s eye. These discussions can save time and help narrow down options when you start browsing stores.
Budget is another important issue to discuss up front with your daughter and sales clerks. The last thing you want is for your daughter to find the “perfect” dress, only to be disappointed when it’s unaffordable. Also take time to research the store’s payment policies. Many boutiques will offer payment plans instead of requiring full payment upfront.
When trying on gowns, ask your daughter the following questions:
- Is it comfortable? She has to wear the dress all night long. She should be able to breathe and avoid chaffing or itching.
- Can you move around in it? She’s going to be mingling and dancing, so she has to be able to move easily without tripping over extra tulle and trains.
- Can you sit in it? Formal dresses can be fitted and tight around the stomach and waist, which can make sitting difficult and uncomfortable, even if she feels fine standing. Be sure she can rest comfortably.
- How do you feel? Hopefully you’ll be able to tell simply by her smiling, happy reaction. The dress should make your daughter feel confident and beautiful. If it doesn’t, it’s not the right one.
When you begin shopping for the dress, it’s important for everyone to keep an open mind. A store attendant or friend may suggest an unexpected style, fabric, or color that your daughter ends up loving. Try lots of dresses, and don’t get discouraged if you don’t find the perfect dress right away.
Give her the royal treatment.
Doing hair, makeup, and nails is important for your daughter to truly feel (and look) like a princess on her Quinceañera. Like all princesses, she’ll love being pampered in the process! Just like with the dress, finding the perfect hair and makeup style for a Quince takes research, discussions, and trials. You’ll want to browse magazines and websites to find out which trends and styles your daughter likes and what looks best compliment her natural features. You may also want to do a test run of the final look before the big day.
If your budget allows, it may be fun to arrange for your daughter and her Damas to get the full royal treatment before the celebration with professional hair, nail, and makeup appointments. She’ll love bonding with her friends, and it’ll be a great stress reliever after all the planning and preparation. Plus, professionals can offer style advice and tips you won’t find anywhere else.
If money is a little tighter, you can use hair and makeup products you already have to host an at-home Quinceañera preparation party. Your daughter will still enjoy spending time with you and her friends, and feel just as beautiful when she’s all dolled up. Browsing online video tutorials can help your daughter and Damas do the perfect nail, hair, and makeup looks from the comfort of your home!
When it comes to the big day, be sure to pack extra necessities like lipstick, mascara, hairspray and bobby pins in case any last minute touch ups are needed!
Arrange the perfect transportation.
Now that she looks like a princess, she has to arrive like a princess, right? While she may not need a horse-drawn carriage like Cinderella, a stylish form of transportation is important. It is customary to take photos as she arrives, so the vehicle has to look nice.
Popular forms of Quinceañera transportation include a limousine, a classic car, or a party bus. If your budget doesn’t allow you to rent a special vehicle, that’s OK! A nice, clean vehicle decorated with flowers, balloons, ribbons, or window paint can be a suitable, cost-effective alternative.
Generally, you’re expected to transport your daughter and her court between the church, photo locations, and the Quince venue. Make sure to stock the vehicle(s) with beverages, snacks, and a good music selection fit for royalty!
Whatever your budget, the key to making your daughter feel like a princess is showing her how appreciated, beautiful, and loved she is as she marks this special milestone in her life. Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel would love to be a part of making your daughter feel like a princess on her special day. With our castle-like exterior and fairy tale gardens, our resort is the perfect location for your princess! Browse our Quinceañera reception packages or download our Quinceañera information packet!
