Gifts to Remember

Recordatorios

By Cristal Bermúdez

Not only do party favors dress up the table setting, they give your guests a chance to take home a memory or two from that special night. Although they may seem to be just a small detail, they are essential to a party, and with so many options, there are surely several options that will go great with your decor.

It is most common to give out a small bundle of mints or candies that can be enjoyed after dinner. These are held together with a sheer fabric that matches the decor and tied up with an embroidered bow. These ribbons can have just about anything embroidered on them. Many Quinceañeras choose to put their name and date of the party on the ribbon so that the guests remember which party they got it from. But don’t stop there, you can also put your favorite verse, quote or something that goes along with your party theme.

If you want to get more personal than a ribbon, you could even print your picture on a label and wrap it right around a chocolate bar or even a bottle of champagne or cider. Picture frames are also a great idea. Many quinceañeras put their picture in the frame and even inscribe a message on the back of the frame dedicating it to the family sitting at that table. This makes the guest feel special because you took the time to write them a personal message.

If your party has a theme, you might want to get little figurines that go with your theme. For example, if your theme is “Swan Princess,” you might find a small porcelain swan that you can fill with candy and tie a personalized ribbon around. You could even run to the craft store and buy lollipop molds in the shape of a swan. All you do is: melt the chocolate, fill the molds, put the lollipop stick in place and refrigerate. Then, you can place the finished lollipops in a small clear bag and tie them off with a ribbon. These lollipops can be made in any shape or color.

If you like to sing, you can record a CD and pass them out as favors with your picture and party information printed right on the label. If you don’t like to sing, you can still record the songs that you and your court danced to and pass those out as well.

For those on a budget, all of the favors mentioned can be made right at home. Many craft stores have do-it-yourself kits. They make party favors easy and inexpensive. So invite the whole familia over and have a favor-making party.

Whatever you choose, make sure that your name and party date are printed somewhere on the give away so that guests can hold on to them forever and still remember your special day. Party favors make the guests feel appreciated. Besides, it’s the right thing to do for someone who came to your special day to celebrate with you. — CB

Traditions

Que Siga La Tradición

De niña a mujer

Aparte del vestido, los tacones, la misa, los acompañantes, la Biblia, la muñeca, hay otros artículos y tradiciones que marcan el paso de niña a mujer, como:

  • El ramo a la Virgen
  • La esclava o pulsera
  • El reloj
  • El medallón
  • Los aretes
  • La tiara
  • El anillo
  • El rosario
  • Las copas
  • El brindis
  • El libro de firmas
  • La espátula y el cuchillo para partir y servir el cake
  • Los recordatorios
  • El regalo de las damas
    • Otra tradición importante es el chambelán de honor. Es un familiar o amigo cercano en quien la quinceañera confía, respeta y que la acompañará en todas las celebraciones de su llegada a la vida de mujer.

    También están las damas de honor, un grupo de catorce familiares y amigas cercanas que suelen ser de la misma edad de la quinceañera.

    Finalmente, los pajes son un grupo de niños y niñas que le acomodan el cojín reclinatorio durante la misa y lanzan pétalos de rosas a su paso hacia el altar.

    Las joyas simbolizan el paso de niña a mujer y la quinceañera empieza a usarlas después de que son bendecidas durante la misa.

    Otro artículo que también usa por primera vez son los zapatos de tacones altos, los cuales son cambiados por el padre como parte de la celebración.

    Finding the right Invitation

    Cómo encontrar la invitación perfecta

    By Cristina Bermúdez-Przybycin

    The cost is the only factor -but fear not, there is no budget too small to work with… trust me. Let’s start with the most cost efficient.

    Good old fashioned fi ll in the blanks. These usually come in packs of 8-12 and already have most of the typical information preprinted when you buy them. This will save you the most money, but requires the most work. If you have poor penmanship, then find a friend or relative who can help with this daunting task. Depending on the number of guests, this could take you a while. Lots of party stores are starting to carry these packs of invitations. Places like the dollar stores and even Wal-Mart have been known to carry a few options.

    Home printable invitations are a great way to save time and money. Create your own message and then load the printable invitations into your home printer and you’re set! If you’re really good, you can even print your envelopes on the computer as well. Remember to buy extra envelopes and test one invitation before you run them all!

    For the Martha Stewarts out there, you can get a bit fancy by punching two holes at the top of your invitation and running a ribbon through it. Want some sparkle? Well, bring out the glue and add a rhinestone or two for some bling-bling. This personalized detailing can really make your invitation stand out.

    Professionally printed invitations (while a bit more pricey than others) are quick and painless. Let someone else do all the work and have them professionally done if your budget allows. If your piggy bank is even larger, then provide your invitation company with a guest list on an electric spread sheet and they can even print your envelopes. While this may not be an option for some of you, it is certainly one of the most convenient methods. If you really want to knock people’s socks off, then add a personal photograph to your invite and make it truly spectacular.

    MONEY SAVING TIP FROM YOUR EDITOR:

    True or False? All invitations have to have an inner envelope and an outer envelope? False! This habit was developed years and years ago, when invitations got dirty during transport and delivery. The outside envelope was discarded when it arrived and was used merely to protect and preserve the inner envelope and the invitation. Well, we’ve come a long way. People, let’s be a bit more friendly to the environment and a tad more kind to our wallets... lose that costly second envelope.

    No matter the cost, make sure you’re happy with your design selection. Ask vendors for money-saving options or simply get crafty and develop one that just looks like you spent a fortune!

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