In many cultures, the Quinceanera is among the most important of ceremonies and celebrations, representing as it does the change forma girl to a woman that a young girl undertakes on her fifteenth birthday.

A religious ceremony as well as a celebratory party occasion, the Quinceanera - the name applied to both the occasion and the subject - will remember the occasion for all of her life, and treasure the keepsakes and gifts that traditionally go with the day.

With a reception - a party, of course - a vital part of the occasion following the Church service, planning a Quinceanera celebration can seem like a daunting and exhausting task, yet this need no be so.

There are many party suppliers who can help you find the right - and traditional gifts and adornments, and many guides on the internet and in books that can help you to plan a wonderful and successful event, but first of all it may be worth discussing with the birthday girl just how much of the traditional aspects of this beautiful and charming ceremony she wants to incorporate. There are some elements that are essential - the religious blessings, and the essential ceremonials - but others that, in more modern times, tend not to be adhered to so much.

Lets look at some of the vital elements of planning a Quinceanera party.

The traditional Quinceanera gifts

Among the essential elements of the Quinceanera, having roots in deepest historical tradition, is the giving of traditionally recognized gifts to the girl on the occasion.

These carry great significance, and although are not always given in their entirety, certain elements are absolutely part and parcel of the event.

First and foremost are the religiously significant items:

The Bible or prayer book are reminders that the Quinceanera should keep God close to heart, and are readings of his word to help her do so, while the cross is symbol of enduring faith.

Jewellery given includes bracelets and rings - signifying the eternal circle of life - and a tiara, implying the move from childhood to adulthood.

Also given are earrings, the traditional reminder for the wearer to listen to Gods words, and the scepter, a customary indicator of strength in authority and responsibility, both of which come with adulthood.

Any reputed party planning agency or shop will be able to guide you in the direction of suitable purchases, and will know the requirements of the Quinceanera planning.

The Court

A particularly endearing and very traditional element of the Quinceanera celebration is the presence of her Court.

The Court is a selection of friends and family members - both male and female - who are special to the Quinceanera, and can number, tradition has it, up to fourteen. They dress in an appropriate manner - tuxedo's for the boys, ball gowns for the girls - and attend to the birthday girls needs during the day, keeping her company as she goes through her special moments.

Indeed, the dress that the Quinceanera wears is customarily a fine ball gown, and there are many party outfitters who stock such items especially suitable for this wonderful occasion.

The greater traditions of the court include a celebratory waltz, a specially choreographed dance that is performed by the Quinceanera and her court during the day, and is of significant importance as a historical link to the tradition.

Traditional customs

Some very specific customs are linked to the occasion, and not least is the charming and endearing custom that is known as the 'Changing of the Shoes'.

In this ancient rite, the father of the Quinceanera - or a close and chosen male family member - makes a point of removing her traditional flat shoes, and replacing them, in great ceremony, with a pair of high heels. This is, as are many traditions on this day, a reminder that the Quinceanera has made the transition from being a girl to a young woman, and is almost always included in the ceremony.

Another ancient and customary happening is the giving of the 'Last Doll', a specially decorated doll that represents the last thing the child receives, and is a reminder of the childhood gone by.

Both the ceremonial shoes and the doll can be bought - in many different styles and designs - from party suppliers who will be aware of the traditions of the day.

Further, a ceremonial kneeling pillow - embroidered with relevant date and name and used in the Church service - is often included as part of the gifts, and a tradition of toasting the Quinceanera using champagne glasses specially engraved is carried out in some occasions. All of these items can be purchased at party suppliers, specifically for the occasion.

Gifts from friends

The giving of gifts is traditional Quinceanera fare, with the emphasis on the sense and importance, plus relevance, of the occasion.

Popular gifts are trinket boxes, often prettily designed and decorated in floral patterns, and sometimes personalized especially, that can be used to house rings and bracelets given especially for the occasion, or jewellery boxes, again personalized in many cases.

Gifts for the friends of the Quinceanera are also given, and among these the above trinket boxes are popular, as are pens and similar items personalized as a memento, vases and boxes, and small dolls that represent the day.

Photograph frames - silver or decorated suitably - are also given as mementos to guests, along with a photo of the day with which to remember it.

All of these can be obtained from party suppliers.

Flowers

Flowers are an important part of the Quinceanera celebration, and should not be left out of the planning procedure.

Any good party planning service, florists or gift suppliers should be able to help with suitable flowers for the Quinceanera, and among these are the essential bouquet for the girl herself, plus smaller sprays for the girls in the court and, perhaps, buttonholes for the boys.

All in all, with careful forward planning and attention to the details given above, a fabulous Quinceanera celebration should be on the cards without too much trouble.