My Quinceanera Invitations

So you have your date firmed up and you’re excited to tell everyone about your upcoming Quinceanera.  Your Quinceanera invitations are printed, your invitation list is finalized, and you want to make the announcement formally.  And you’re sure that everyone else will want to mark the date on their calendar and share your excitement with you during the next eight months leading up to your Quinceanera…  I mean, It’s never too early, right?

Take a deep breath, collect your thoughts, and for the time being, keep that cap on your special Quinceanera invitation addressing pen.  While it’s great that you’re prepared so far in advance, eight months is a very long waiting period, and indeed, too far in advance to mail Quinceanera invitations.  While it’s alright talk about your Sweet 15 to your family and friends, formal tradition and etiquette suggest that six weeks in advance is about right.  Anything less that one month in advance gives too short notice, and anything longer than three months is too long.

This timing is important not just for your guests, but it helps you to be organized as well.  Figuring out the amount of food, the number of tables, place settings, and other items included in your Quinceanera celebration depends on official responses to your invitations, and you don’t want to be dragging that on for months.  A 6-8 week window helps make sure your guest list is reliable, and those who say they’ll come will actually come.   It’s enough time for your guests to make plans, but not so far in advance that your celebration could slip their mind.

So keep those Quinceanera invitations in the drawer for now.  Share your excitement, but keep it ‘unofficial’.  Keep in touch with your family & friends as usual, and let them know you’re excited.  You can even let them know to expect an invitation to your Sweet 15 if you like (although you can’t change your mind later after making this verbal commitment).  Just remember to bring out those envelopes when the time is right.