OK, so you’re planning a quinceañera. Let me start by saying: Major props to you. This whole event is like the Super Bowl of growing up, complete with fancy dresses, family drama, and hopefully less fumbles. In any case, picking the right venue can be as crucial as nailing down that perfect playlist that doesn’t include your Aunt Margie’s favorite polka classics.
When my girlfriend’s niece Clara was queuing up her quinceañera (if you’re not failure with the quinceañera now’s a good time to freshen up the ), I came face-to-face with this all-too-common reality. It seems that is is just another box on the quinceañera checklist, a to-do that you do when you want the perfect™ 15th birthday celebration.
One day, while sitting in my kitchen stressing over work, my GF was sitting across from me stressing about the guest list with Clara (and by “stressing,” I mean diving into a bag of chips while Clara bossed her around), Clara blurted out, “I want a venue that’s, like, totally me, you know?” Oh, we knew. But what exactly did she mean?
Dive deep into your creativity—and by “deep,” I mean Montezuma’s Revenge-like depths. Maybe you’re considering the traditional banquet hall, that certified classic which screams “fancy,” “airy,” and “my parents are swooning.” Pro tip from Clara’s quinces: go for one with killer chandeliers. These crystalline marvels turn every moment into a golden Snapchat opportunity without those gaudy filters that make everyone’s skin look like day-old guacamole.
Or perhaps forego the indoors. Parks might be calling your name! At least that are also pretty easy on the budget for the quinceañera and they can be a nice change (weather permitting). Matched with the right pop-up tents and some creatively strung fairy lights, an open space mingles the event with Mother Nature herself. Keep in mind, said Mother Nature might show up with a sprinkle or too much sunlight—in which case, big umbrellas become your best pals. I suggested the park for Clara, but they settled for our local lush space (nothing quite like swapping frisbee dogs for latte-toting hipsters).
Ever thought about a vintage-style community theatre? Hold up, before images of Othello interrupting your salsa dancing flash through your mind, hear me out. These cinematically atmospheric spaces add a dramatic edge and a touch of elegance, serving both an Instagrammable backdrop and grand stage for those who like their spotlight as much as their cake. Clara’s dramatic interpretation of a thoroughgoing Tarzan yodel from one such venue will haunt—and humor—family lore forever.
But what if Clara was feeling adventurous, perhaps a venue that celebrates her personality in ways mere mortals can only gaze in awe at? Aquarium events were all the rage (colors! fishes! seaweed!), and while not cheap—more like the couture of water spectacles—they turn guest excitement into sheer sea-frippery. Practical consideration, though: ensure none of the guests indulge in sushi cravings while sea sympathies run high.
Now, let’s talk amazing curveball: warehouses. Exactly, the blank canvas of modernist giddiness. Imagine strings of Edison bulbs hanging from ceiling rafters painting a rustic-chic picture, tables adorned with misfit chairs lining its expanse—the ultimate Pinterest whirlwind. With open space and next-to-unlimited layout creativity, an old warehouse can evolve into anything you and the guest of honor dream up. Clara passed on this option, tragically, but I remain a hipster-at-heart poet about its potential.
At the end of the day, and despite all those vague Instagram “inspo,” mimosa-assisted brunch plans you high-handedly abandoned, remember what ol’ Bill Shakespeare reflected best (in content but not words): All the quince world’s a stage, and safety in choice is nonexistent. Feel into the uniqueness of the event that celebrates who the quinceañera truly is. Honor that youthful vision. Celebrate tender feet stepping into their stiletto-powered destiny.
No pressure though, right? Just remember, no matter how it turns out or where it’s held, Clara always tells me the best advice to date; the dance floor is ever your friend. Have comfy shoes for when the stilettos get stuffed beneath the euphoric bliss of “Despacito” belting through the speakers.
So, go wild with your choices, brooding or basking—and hey, spill some beans in the comments when you finalize that venue if you dare! Cheers to planning antics (and plenty of sweets).