La quinceañera’s dress will be something very special that she will remember for the rest of her life. Itshould be carefully selected to both reflect timeless traditions passed on for generations along with new contemporary touches so she can make her own personal statement. The important thing is to make it all your own.

Color

Start by picking your favorite color - whether it’s a color that compliments your eyes or hair or maybe your birthstone. Be creative! Traditionally gowns are in pink or pastel like baby blue or light lavender and in some areas they are white. White with richly colored embroidery is now especially hot and allows you to remain traditional and yet blend in some dynamic color for a very modern, personal statement.

Times change and more quinceanera’s are looking for bolder colors and sleeker designs. The dresses are still floor-length with full skirts, but colors like yellow, red, coral and orange are making a strong showing in modern Quinceaneras. This change was mostly brought on by the merge of the traditional Quinceanera celebration and the American Sweet 16.

Styles

Traditional dresses are longfull ballgowns. While strapless gown is the #1 choice today (we often wonder if that’s not just because that’s almost all that’s available?), you do have to be very careful about modesty in church. Make sure to inquire about any dress code that may be enforced. You will definitely want to wear a strapless or sleeveless gown with a jacket or shawl at the ceremony.

Dresses with full shoulders and even beautiful sleeves still AREavailable ‘ don’t be shy about selecting one of these.

Beading and sequins are very popular and add beautiful detail. These special touches are becoming available far more these days and offer wonderful femininity! Embroidery is gorgeous, too, often done in contrasting colors. This can be a fine way to use stronger color without breaking from tradition completely! A combination of embroidery and beading can create a truly elegant gown.

What skirts are popular? Pick up skirts are HOT right now! There are many variations on this theme. Some gowns are “picked up” in front or back, top or bottom only while others are “pick up” all around. This creates a voluminous, frothy look. The spots where the “pick ups” are attached can be plain or embellished in many ways including tiny bows, embroidered accents - even “bling”!

Of course there’s no rule that says you have to go with the current trend. If you prefer a different kind of skirt, select it by all means!Full ballgowns can be full at the hip or sleek flowing more like a ‘circle’ to the hemline. They can be embellished with layers, tiers, ruffles or any combination.

A dress for Sweet 16 can be very similar to a Quinceanera but Sweet 16 does not alwaysinclude the church ceremony, so it may not be necessary to worry about covering your shoulders.

Also, keep in mind the season of your Quinceanera. You want to look beautiful, feel like Cinderella coming to the Ball, and be very comfortable. Are you taking photos outside? If so, it is doubly important that your dress looks appropriate for the season of your Quinceanera. You want your photos to be beautiful and offer wonderful, lasting memories.

The accessories are critical, of course. You need to have the right foundational garments underneath to support and smooth. No panty or bra lines under your Quinceanera gown! No drooping from going without,either. Select the right garments for the silhouette of your gown ‘ and take your measurements in these garments before ordering your dress! Our bodies and measurements change radically when we change our underwear.

>Full gowns require full petticoats underneath, too. Whether or not you need a hoop is entirely up to you combined with how full you want your gown to ’sweep’ when you walk. Hoops are available, but they do decrease your comfort level on your very important day. It’s a trade off. Keep in mind that very full petticoats are available without hoops, but they can ‘crush’ with wearing.

Budget

Ah yes, the budget. Things always come back to cost and budget, don’t they?

How much can your family actually afford for your Quinceanera? How much ‘ or what % - can you/should you spend on your dress? Sit down and have a very candid talk with your family about this. Remember that every dollar spent on your dress and accessories is a dollar less that can be spent anywhere else. You want to have a fabulous dress; you also want a clear conscience and a happy family too! You want those tears in your parents’ eyes to be tears of joy and pride, not of worry over paying the bills afterward.

Keep in Mind

While it is very important to make your personal statement with your Quinceanera dress it is just as important to remember what this event is all about ‘ you are making your debut as an adult. Children think only of themselves. As an adult, you have to think of others as much as yourself - even more. So don’t get into an argument with family about the dress you’re determined to wear. If they feel something is not appropriate, listen to them. They will respect you if you honestly ask them to explain why they feel this way and listen to their counsel. This is exercising wisdom, and we gain it by listening to those we love and respect.

DO listen to them. There are so many positively gorgeous gowns available today that you’re sure to be able to find something that will make you all happy, but only if you’re willing and acting like an adult about it.

Finally

Few modern dresses are “passed down” but many girls do wear their gown again to prom!