Wedding or quinceañera, a planning timeline that works for both

A wedding and a quinceañera are planned in almost the same order, often with the same halls, photographers, and DJs. The biggest difference is who’s planning: a quinceañera is usually a family project, with padrinos and madrinas sponsoring pieces of it. Here’s a timeline that works for either.

12 months or more: the venue and the date

The venue sets everything else: your date, your guest count, and often which caterer you can use. Popular Saturdays book early, so if you have your heart set on a particular month, start looking now.

For a quinceañera: book the church for the Misa at the same time as the hall, and check that the two times work together.

10 to 12 months: photographer and videographer

Good photographers book a year out for popular dates. Ask to see full galleries from real weddings, and make sure their style matches what you picture.

9 months: catering

If your venue doesn’t cater, book a caterer next and schedule a tasting. Bring your guest count and your venue’s kitchen rules to the first conversation.

6 to 8 months: music, flowers, and the dress

Book your DJ, band, or mariachi. Order the dress or gown, since many take several months to arrive, plus time for alterations.

For a quinceañera: this is when the court (the damas and chambelanes) usually forms, and when you’ll want a choreographer for the waltz and the surprise dance.

4 months: the details

Cake, hair and makeup, invitations, and rentals. Send invitations about two months before the day, earlier if many guests are traveling.

2 months: transportation and the final list

Book transportation, confirm every vendor, and start a day-of timeline with exact times for each vendor’s arrival.

The last month

Final guest count to the venue and caterer, final payments, and a short call with your photographer about the shots that matter most to you. Then hand the timeline to someone who isn’t you, and enjoy it.