When it comes to the Bay Area, Real estate is the most expensive in the country. Also when one has to rent a venue that will be the one of the biggest expense of the big event. Saturdays tend to be the most expensive day to hold the event but the non busy days can be considered if it is a budget issue or if the venue is already booked. Venues can be as low as $500 but go as high as $2500 depending how big and fancy one wants their venue.

If one is having a Quinceanera mass, it is recommended to donate for their time and space and that will range from 200 to 600 dollars.

Caterers:

There is a big range in costs for Caterers. If one goes through the venue it can range from  $25 dollars to $80 per plate. Also outside caterers can be considered and it can run from $10 to $30 depending on what they are serving.

Dress: The dress can range from $400 to $2000. The latest collections will get a premium cost but later collections will not be as expensive. 

Photography, Photobooth and Video:

Photography and Video can range from 800 to 3000. Video is must especially for the waltz and the special dance. Photobooths can go from $500 to $800 depending if one wants the basic or want the upgraded features. 

Let’s not forget the entertainment. Please check out www.bwadj.com for more info!

I had a  quincenera event in Saratoga this past Saturday at a banquet Hall (http://ilcsaratoga.org/hall-rental/). I have done all Spanish parties before but a quincenera is very similar to a wedding. Like the grand entrance for the wedding party and the bride and groom, thequincenera court and the quincenera are announced. Like a wedding, a quincenera does not have mandatory events. It is all based what was planned. We did not do the crowning of the quincenera since she already had a crown. During the party, the queincenera was presented with a doll. We had cake cutting on the timeline. One of the biggest event is the waltz by the court. Usually it takes months of practice. They have a formal waltz then often they have a surprise dance which is more modern and hip. There is an event called the changing of the shoes. This is when the dad gives his daughter new shoes as a symbol of the daughter going through a transition. Then after we had the father daughter dance. Just like a wedding, we had toasts and thank you speeches planned out. Our last event was the Last song meant for the Dad, Mom and special people. 

The banquet hall was attached to a church. It was decorated with nice drapery. I had a very good playlist that the quincenera gave me. On the list there was not too many spaniish songs. A good tip is to have Spanish music ready for the quincenera. I had a lot of cumbia, and banda for the night. Overall it was a fun night. A mariachi started the night then I was able to finish it.