Quinceanera Rehearsal Dinner

The night before the quinceanera should include a rehearsal of the church ceremony. It also provides another opportunity for the court, quinceanera, and her father to practice their dances once again. Be sure when you book the church for the ceremony that you also book time the evening before for a rehearsal. Plan a low key event afterward to thank the court and padrinos for all their support.

Don't overdo it. This is your last night to get things ready and you don't want to spend valuable time planning another event. Select a restaurant with a private dining room or invite the guests to your house for an informal meal afterward, even as simple as pizza or fajitas. Do minimal decorating, if any. A display of pictures of the quinceanera preparations is plenty. Don't cook. Pick up catering at a popular restaurant or let volunteers provide food. You need to rest on this last night before the quinceanera.

At the dinner, be sure that everyone knows when to show up at the church, where to meet for pictures, where to meet at the quinceanera reception hall, and what the order of events will be. Give last minute reminders about picking up and returning tuxedos and rented formal wear. The rehearsal dinner is a perfect time to formally thank all of these wonderful people for their help and support and to present them with a small token of your appreciation. This might include something for the damas to wear at the event or it might be something special like a framed photo of the quince with her court or a CD of the music from the quinceanera playlist.

Have a nice time, but don't let the party go on too long. Everyone involved in the quinceanera needs to get a good night's rest. The night to stay up and party is tomorrow night. That's when the fun really begins!

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