I had done some intense research for my daughter's special day and found out that so many girls and guys are doing it their own way. I haven't been to one that is the same. These days they are incorporating their own traditions with their own style. It's their day, and so yes, they can do it their way. I feel that morals play a huge part of this "Coming of Age" celebration, so don't leave that out!

There are different denominations (Catholic, Lutheran, Episcopalian, etc.) are creating their own "Coming of Age" celebrations.

Many families ask me, "Where do I start?", I do recommend my planner, it has wonderful tips and ideas from beginning to end.

Please send me your questions, and I will answer them on my radio show...pmora@priscillasadvice.com

DUE TO AN OVERWHELMING RESPONSE TO YOUR QUESTIONS, THERE MIGHT BE A DELAY IN ANSWERING THEM.  PLEASE NOTE THAT YOUR QUESTION WILL BE E-MAILED TO YOU BEFORE IT WILL BE POSTED, THANKS FOR YOUR PATIENCE...PRISCILLA

Dear Priscilla,
 My quince is going to be on July 4th and I'm having a hard time on trying to figure out what kind of colors should I go with. My favorite colors lilac and dark purple or white and lilac or should I go with the red white and blue colors. I need your advice -Sincerely, desperate girl
Dear Desperate Girl,
 For Question #1 - The birthstone for July is red and this is what it means, click here.
 For Question #2 - I think that Lilac and Dark Purple with white is a beautiful color. You can use these 3 color schemes if you wish. It kind of helps to have 3 colors to work with when you can't find anything to go with only 2 colors. It gives you more choices Check out this dress, It's by Maggie Sottero, it just reminded me of your color schemes
For Question #3 - If you really want to do a 4th of July theme, remember your party will come out with a bang!
Hope that this has helped, Priscilla

Hello Priscilla,
Well first things are  first.  I need your help!!!!  My Quince are almost here.  My mom  says we should prepare everything one year before my party I agree.  But I'm  scared!!! Well here are the reasons.
1. The escorts.  I told my cousin that I only wanted escorts,  (guys) then she said, " well I already said that, besides I had already told that to everyone."  If I only get escorts then she's going to say that I  copied  off of her. Her sweet 15 was this year in May. 
2. My friends are always asking me if I am going to have damas? My  answer is "no" because I only want guys, but I feel that if I tell them "no  damas" there going to be mad at me. I just think if only have guys, the  quinceanera girl gets more attention.
3. The color of my dress. okay, I love Blue, and I really want to use it,  I was also thinking of Pink but most of cousins have used Pink.   If I  use it there probably going to say, " she wants to be just like Me." I want to  use "BLUE"  because if I use it, it's going to be unique, the most  unique  color!!!  Where I live nobody has used Blue, and they all use  White, Pink, Yellow, and White, and Pink, and Yellow, and so on. If I use Blue I am going to be the first one here, I guess I kind of answered my own question.  That would make me happy, but  I still need your help. please email me back I need your help. sweet15 answers.
Dear Sweet15answers,
1. The Escorts - If that is what you want, it's okay, just say you are borrowing the idea. You are keeping the tradition going?
2. Don't feel guilty about not having damas, it's your special day and you can customize it to whatever you want. If they are true friends, they will still be there for you that day. Have some of them be your entourage for the day. You will have a blast.
3.  You go girl!! Use all the Blue that you want to use. It is your special day, have it your way. Most of all do not worry about what others think.
Hope this helps, Priscilla

My name is Rosa Lopez I live in St. Charles, MO and I would like to know if you had any idea were I could find a orange dress. email me back my party is coming up.
 Dear Rosa, Here are my suggestions... 

Dear Priscilla,
I really need your help on planning my daughters Quinceañera. I mean there is so many thing you have to do, and I am so confused can you give me a list or something to help organize myself on what is going to go on that day.

Dear Organizing mom,
I know that things will be stressful and I have a planner that will help you. I put it together, because of all the questions and experiences I had. It was horrible trying to remember everything. Check out this page of my site about the planner and how it can help you. Blessings, Priscilla

Hey Priscilla,
I am dying to know what order everything goes in? I am desperate to know! My  quince is in about 1 year and 4 months! What goes before, after, and during the Quinceañera? Does the father daughter dance go first or does the court go  first? What do I and the court do while the guest are arriving? What I  am trying to basically say is what goes all in order from the begging  to end and what do we do?!?!

Dear Question girl,
Okay, you have so many questions. As far as what goes on before, after and during, you need to get my planner, it has some cool tips and ideas for you. The father daughter dance should go with your presentations (crown, shoes, etc.) Usually the court dance is done before that, because you court and padrinos are introduced. As far as what you do when you guest arrive at the church you are getting ready...but for your reception, you and your parents should be greeting guests at the door. Get the planner it will really help you. Hope this helps, Priscilla

Hi Priscilla,
We are trying to plan a 15th for next June of 2008. Could you help us on ideas and I don't know how many sponsors to get and for what items. I have a big family. I am also having a hard time to look for a dress cause my daughter is chunky and needs a jacket, let me know if you can help us, Thanks ,Diana

Hello Diana,
It doesn't matter how many sponsors you get. You can have them sponsor items together or separately. As far as the gown, companies today are making gowns that are plus sizes. I know that Allure Bridal carries them and so do alot of the others. I know that it takes a little bit of research, however that is why this site was built. Hope this helps, Priscilla

Hi Priscilla,
My Quinceañera is in a year and a half away. When should I start planning for the big day?

Dear Planning girl,
Really anytime, it could be no later than 9 months, although I have seen them put together in 6 months, but alot of work and time. Some families plan when their child is born, some plan 5 years out. It's up to you. Blessings, Priscilla

Dear Priscilla,
My question is the following: Do you happen to know where I can find a list of father/daughter first dance songs. I have been looking but no luck. Both Spanish and English if possible..

Dear Song girl,
Here you go:

1. Marcha Triunfal De Aida - Angelus Listen Listen 2. Vals De Los 15 Anos Listen Listen 3. Vals Fascinacion (Fascination) - Angelus Listen Listen 4. Quinceanera (Yo No Se) - Ileana Listen Listen 5. Las Mananitas Listen Listen 6. Mi Nina Bonita - Bobby Rivas Listen Listen 7. Quinceanera Listen Listen 8. De Nina A Mujer - Hugo Genis Listen Listen 9. Cumpleanos Feliz Listen Listen 10. Happy Birthday Listen Listen 11. En Tu Dia Listen Listen

1. Blue Danube Listen Listen 2. Tales From The Vienna Woods Listen Listen 3. Voices Of Spring Listen Listen 4. Wine, Women, Song Listen Listen 5. Artist's Life Listen Listen 6. Weiner But Listen Listen 7. Princess Waltz Listen Listen 8. Emperor's Waltz Listen Listen

Dear Priscilla, I have two questions:
1. My parents have separated and my mother has gotten re-married. I want my parents names on my invitations, but I also want my step- father's name on it, too, how would I be able to work things out on the invitation to have all the names on?

If you look at the sample above, you will see that you can customize any invitation to what you want or need.   I know that it is hard, and it depends on your situation...you don't want to hurt anybody's feelings.                                     
   
2. Half or my family only speaks Spanish and half of my family speak only English and I have to order a minimum of 100 cards on either Spanish or English and can't buy more invitations, what should I do?
thanks, Invitation Crazy
Dear Invitation Crazy Girl,
Okay, do you have plain paper and a computer? These days on a budget you can make your own at a very reasonable cost. Use white paper and get some pictures from the internet. Go to www.yahoo.com, click on the tab that says image. Look at picture below. You can even type in the word Quinceañera. It comes up with tons of pictures that you could use on an invitation. You can even type in word butterfly, flower, pink butterlfy, even whatever you theme is. Use your imagination, you can do great stuff.

 

Dear Priscilla,
Help!  My Aunt and my dad's cousin baptized me as a baby and I would like my same godparents for my quinceanera but my nino is now married and my nina wants to step aside.  Is it wrong to have all three of them stand by my side?  Why can't my nina see that I want her there?  I thought it was an honor that shouldn't be turned down. Signed, Ninaless Quince

Dear Ninaless Quince girl
Obviously there are some issues in your family. Talk to your nina and let her know how you feel. Maybe if you let her know how you feel she will understand and change her mind, you never know. I know that it is not fair. My daughter's God Parents were not able to be there and that hurt her feelings. However, when she found out that their illnesses were keeping them away, she understood and accepted it. She did dedicate her mass to them. You have to see the whole picture...it is an honor, however when there is some kind of dispute with family members, I know, it's hard. I hope that this highlight can help you. I would talk to her if I were you...Blessings, Priscilla

Dear Priscilla,
My name is Martha Rangel. I have a question for you one My Daughters will be thirteen this June. I was wondering when and how do I start to prepare. Is it to soon and how much money do we have to save to have a beautiful almost no restriction 15 party meaning a dream come true for my daughter. Thank You

Hello Martha,
You can start now, I always say that, because I don't want you to have to worry about finances. It is hard, however, I always tell parents to put that $50.00 or $20.00 aside every paycheck. It ads up...Some Quinceañeras cost as little as 7,000 up to 15,000 dollars, even more. You can start preparing by purchasing my Quinceañera planner, check it out. I hope that this helps. Blessings, Priscilla

Hi Priscilla,
I am attending a Quinceañera this weekend. My best friend has two daughters that are celebrating this event. My friend called yesterday and asked me to help her put together a speech (toast) to thank the grandparents, all out of town guests and to talk a little about the girls. I am lost -please can you help

Hello, Speech friend,
Well, you could say something like this: Hello everyone how are you? I have been asked today to speak on behalf of this wonderful family. At this time they would like to thank the grandparents, sponsors, etc. You can list them if you wish. I would also like to tell you how wonderful this experience has been for me today. Today I saw Two wonderful girls that are so genuine, receive this wonderful blessing of youth and years to come....get the picture. I am sure that by now, you can fill in the blanks. Hope this helps, Priscilla

Hey Priscilla,
My name is Lissette and I am turning 15 and I need someone to teach me how to dance with my Chamberlains and see I want my dance to pop out! So, please where can I find a instructor in Chicago?

Dear Dancing girl,
You need a choreographer. I wish I had one on my list for you to choose from. However the yellow pages can help, check out this link...http://local.yahoo.com/results?stx=choreographer&csz=Chicago,+IL+ Hope this helps, Priscilla

Dear Priscilla,
1) I have seen many Quinceañera's with a sash with their name and year on  it.  When is this given to her?  At the ceremony and if so what does  it symbolize? 

The sash doesn't have a meaning, it kind of makes you feel like a princess. It's a beautiful remembrance.

2) Also, my daughter needs a speech and is having trouble writing one.  Do you have one by chance that can guide her, Please help!!!!

Hello, everyone one thank you for coming...I would at this time like to thank all of you for joining me and my family to celebrate this wonderful day. At this time I would like to thank my parents, grandparents, God-parents, sponsors and wonderful friends...It doesn't have to be long, just short and sweet. Hope this helps, Priscilla

Dear Priscilla,
1) I am thinking of only having Damas. Is that ok? I do want an Escort. I want Chamberlains, but I don't have enough guys I can count on, I really want chamberlains! What should I do? Is it ok to have only 5 Damas?
 
Dear Question Girl,
So many questions...Okay, you can  have as many damas or chamberlains as you wish. There usually is 7 guys and 7 girls or 14 couples. They all represent 1 year of your life and you are the 15th one. The reason I say that you can have as many as you want is because, if you can't get enough people to participate, it leaves you in a bad situation. Just improvise...substitute and use your imagination.

2) What about waltz and surprise dances, are those required? I feel as if I don't have one or the other, people will think that mind is stupid! What should I do Priscilla? I'm So Confused! I Need Major Help

You don't have to have a waltz, however you can have a presentation by having 14 members of your family or friends light a tea-light or candle in your honor. What I mean is that you can have them light a candle and at the same time say a small one sentence prayer for your future while they light the candle...get it. Please, please do not care what others think...They do not have the same ideas you have. You should just do what you want and don't let others influence you that way. Everything will be fine, Blessings, Priscilla