David's Bridal

Quinceañera season is officially upon us!  The invitations have gone out and now it’s time to pick the perfect dress.  But before you get overwhelmed, here are some of my favorite trends in Quinceañera fashion that will make you look fashion-forward, while still being the belle of the ball.

Black and White Trend

White has always been a traditional option for Quinceañera fashion, and this year it’s all about the black and white trend! You can easily translate this trend into your Quinceañera look by incorporating black accessories, such as a statement necklace or black heels with this gorgeous satin strapless beaded gown from David’s Bridal. The A-line silhouette is also figure flattering and would work great on any body type.

Bold, Bright Colors

As the weather gets warmer, we’re seeing a surge of bold colors and this summer it’s all about the “Lemon Zest.” It was spotted all over the fashion runways! This strapless taffeta ball gown is right on trend and budget-friendly for just $399. The inverted “V” empire waist will help accentuate your figure and the jewel details will make you sparkle as you make your grand entrance. It’s also available in other bold colors such as pink and blue.

Organza

This season it’s all about light and airy organza. This feminine fabric is truly fit for a princess and it is also lightweight – perfect for any outdoor Quinceañera parties.  The dramatic vertical ruffles on this David’s Bridal dress are absolutely breathtaking.

Leave the Crown and Consider a Headband

Instead of your traditional crown, consider using a headband inspired by the movie The Great Gatsby. Embellished headbands add a ton of glamour and are really in style right now. This White by Vera Wang horsehair headband with crystal embellishment is my favorite!

Planning the Perfect Quinceañera on the Budget

by Carmen Ordonez

Quinceañeras can get pretty expensive, but with these simple tips you can easily throw a fabulous party without spending mucho dinero!

Get creative. Instead of spending money on store bought decorations, why not make them yourself? Choose from table centerpieces and quinceañera party favors–buy the materials and gather up some friends and family for a night of DIY projects. Pinterest is a great place to get ideas and inspiration.

Narrow your guest list. By limiting the number of guests on your list you’ll be able to save tons of money on food, and invitation costs—allowing you to get exactly what you want, like these invitations from David’s Bridal!

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Make your own invitations. Looking to coordinate your DIY centerpieces and favors? Why not make your own invitations, and save some money in the process! You can easily print an image at an office supply store using cardstock paper, or go green and send out invitations via email.

Look for dresses on sale. David’s Bridal has some amazing Quinceañera dresses that will leave you looking stylish and fabulous without breaking the bank like this gorgeous gown!

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Let them eat cake cupcake. Instead of buying an extravagant cake, consider cupcakes. They are less expensive and look super cute–you can even make your own cupcake toppers to dress them up.

Buy flowers that are in season. Sure you love hydrangeas, but at $7 a bunch they can get pretty expensive. Look for flowers that are in season to help stay within your budget.

Quinceañera Dresses on a Budget

by Carmen Ondonez

One of the most exciting things about planning your Quinceañera party is picking out your dress. But with everything that goes into planning your special day, it’s easy to go over budget. Here are some budget-friendly Quinceañera dresses that will make you look like a million bucks, without breaking the bank.

I love bold pops of color for a Quinceañera dress and this satin strapless gown from David’s Bridal will make you stand out from the crowd.  The A-line cut is universally flattering and goes great with any body type. It comes in four additional colors, including Apple, Watermelon and Horizon and is just $649.

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If you’re looking for traditional white, you will love this sequined encrusted gown. The layered tulle makes it so dreamy and elegant, while adding a dramatic touch. It’s also a steal at $599.

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This satin embroidered gown is sure to make you look and feel like princess—and the color is right on trend for the season. It’s available in sizes ranging from 2 to 16 for just $649.

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Quince Quince Quince is the magical number!! David’s Bridal was recently featured on Un Nuevo Dia about planning the biggest festivity in a young girl’s life! Our favorite gown for the ultimate princess comes in white but in also trend setting colors such as  Apple, Horizon, Regency, Malibu, Watermelon, and Sunbeam! If you’re planning your upcoming Quinceañera you should definitely take a peek at the checklist for great pointers and inspiration!

15 Tips for Planning the Ultimate Quinceañera Party
by Carmen Ondonez

Planning the ultimate Quinceañera party doesn’t have to be a challenge. With some preparation and creativity it’s easy to host a great party! Here are my top 15 tips on how to plan the perfect party:

1. Plan your budget – Talk to your parents about the budget for the party—it is important to know how much money you have to spend. And remember, you don’t need to spend a lot of money or have an MTV style party to make it memorable.

2. Pick a theme – I absolutely love themed parties! They’re always so much fun. For your Quinceañera, choose a theme that matches your personality, like a Masquerade Ball, Hollywood Glamour or Winter Wonderland.

3. Invitations – Pick out themed invitations that go with the theme of your party. If you’re going for a fashion-forward glamour theme, I love this Watermelon pink and zebra option.

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4. Pick a venue – Research venue spaces at least four months in advance and visit them in person before making your choice. You can even host the party at your home or in your backyard—and with the money you saved on the venue, you can put it towards the decorations.

5. Have a signature “mocktail” – Personalize your party with a signature non-alcoholic “mocktail” for an extra special touch!

6. Grand Entrance – Whether it’s in a horse and carriage or perhaps a fun choreographed dance with your court, plan a fun grand entrance that will help set the mood for the rest of the night.

7. The dress – No Quinceañera party is complete without the perfect dress. David’s Bridal has several options to pick from that range from size 0-26. Plan to start searching for your dress at least 2 months in advance. This white strapless tulle ball gown screams “princess for the day.”

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8. Party Favors – Pick party favors that go with the theme of your party. Feeling creative? Why not try your hand at some do-it-yourself party favors. It’s a great way to save money and personalize your favors.

9. Music – Having the right music is essential to any Quinceañera party. Talk with your DJ ahead of time to plan out what music will be played or better yet, make your own playlist.

10. Photo booth – Set up a fun photo booth where your friends can take pictures. Have some props handy like a moustache or big lips on a stick to add some fun for your guests.

11. Cake – Choose a cake with custom colors and decorations to match your party theme.

12. Photographer – Make sure you have a photographer or get tio to take some pictures during the party to capture your big day.

13. Food – Decide on what menu items you want for your party. Want to create a relaxed and intimate setting? Opt for a family style meal instead of a buffet.

14. Guest list – Make sure to create a guest list well in advance to avoid over inviting and going over budget.

15. Have a great time – Your Quinceañera party only happens once in a lifetime. So enjoy it! Cheers.

Check out this piece on NBC Amarillo on the finding the perfect dress for your special day!

Carmen’s Quinceañera Segments on NBC and Telemundo
By Carmen Ordonez

Yesterday I was invited on NBC’s Live Miami and Telemundo’s Acceso Total to talk about the latest Quinceañera trends and fashions from David’s Bridal. The segments were live and back-to-back, but luckily NBC and Telemundo are both in the same location, so it was a matter of hopping from one studio to the next.

I had so much fun doing the segments, plus I got to talk about something I love so much…fashion on a budget! The dresses were absolutely stunning. This season we’re seeing tons of bold pops of color for Quinceañera dresses, so I brought in a gorgeous strapless tulle gown in Apple Red and a sweetheart asymmetrical dress in Regency Purple. I also brought in a white gown from the Oleg Cassini Collection, exclusively available at David’s Bridal. The host, Roxy Vargas, and I both wore white to our own Quinceañeras. I loved the dress, even though it was white, as it was a very traditional color for Quinceañeras and the cut of the dress was very contemporary…so it was the perfect mix between traditional and modern.

My favorite part of the NBC Live Miami segment was a surprise Quinceañera party the producers put together for one of the co-hosts, Sheree. She never got to celebrate her Quince or Sweet 16, so we dressed her up in this gorgeous two-toned orange and fuchsia dress from David’s Bridal. She even had a cake and all! It was adorable.

For my segment on Telemundo’s Acceso Total I also got to share tips on how to find the perfect dress for your Quince and what styles look great on any body type.

Overall the segments were a blast and I can’t wait to do some more. Here are some pictures from the shoot. Which is your favorite dress?

Quinceañera Fashions: Buying an unforgettable dress and accessories
by Carmen Ordonez

Your Quinces is such an important Hispanic tradition and celebration in any young girl’s life, so you want to make sure your dress is just as unforgettable. I remember when I turned 15, it was all about the dress. My Latina mom, of course, wanted me to wear a dress with huge puffy shoulder pads and sleeves in hot pink that made me look more like a quarterback then a Quinceañera. We finally compromised and I ended up wearing a long white simple beaded dress. I still have it ‘til this day and it was actually the dress I changed into after my wedding reception (it somehow fit almost 8 years later). Here are some tips to help you find that unforgettable dress:

• Do you have a favorite color? Narrowing down the color will help make your selection so much easier. Also try looking for a dress that will compliment your skin tone. David’s Bridal has some amazing dresses from its Quinceañera collection in several colors to pick from, like this one.

• Whether it’s a sweetheart neckline or a strapless gown, look for a dress that will flatter your body type. Take your mom, sister or perhaps a friend for a second opinion. A sales rep can also help in making a recommendation on which style best suits your body type.
• Be sure to shop with plenty of time before your big day in case the dress needs to be altered or hemmed.
• The perfect Quinceañera dress is all in the details, so make sure you have the right accessories to match. Some dazzling hair accessories or some chic satin gloves like these would be perfect.

A girl’s Quinceañera is one of the most important events in the Latina culture and at David’s Bridal, we want to ensure that teens look picture-perfect on their special day. I sat down with Kika Rocha, Fashion Director at People en Español, to get the scoop on some of the must-have Quince fashion trends and a few must-have tips that girls should know as they begin to plan their celebration.

What are the hottest Quince fashion trends right now?
 While classic white dresses are still very popular, teens are also opting for bolder, louder colors. From blues and greens to beautiful fuchsias, there are so many options out there for girls to choose from.
 Ball gowns are the quintessential Quince style, but it’s more important to choose a silhouette that fits your body type best. Look for styles that make you look long, lean and sleek. Accents such as ruffles, sashes and rhinestones are stunning details, but make sure they don’t overwhelm you!
 Short dresses are definitely making a statement. I still adore long gowns for Quince, but the Honor Court or Quinceañera herself can opt for a shorter style that will definitely turn heads.
 Red carpets have been a major inspiration for teens’ Quince style. My favorite fashionista Jennifer Lopez makes fabulous cocktail dresses look glamorous and so can teens.

What are your top tips for finding the perfect Quince gown?
 Know your body. First, take a long look in the mirror. It’s important to identify your favorite assets – those you want to accentuate and maybe your not-so favorite features you want to disguise. Not sure what style dress works for your body type? Empire waist gowns work well for most body shapes, as they are very figure-flattering.
 Have fun while staying true to your personal style. Whether it’s a beautiful bold hue or classic neutrals, pick a color that complements your skin tone, rather than what the hottest trend is right now.
 Don’t be afraid to try something different. Shopping is always a learning process, so keep an open mind about new trends. However, in the end, always go with what you’re most comfortable with – that’s when your confidence will really shine through.
 Less is more. I’m a firm believer in keeping things stylishly simple. Don’t let too many accessories distract from your natural beauty.

What advice would you give teens who are looking for a high fashion, red carpet-inspired look that works with their budget?
 Start shopping early. Factor in time to find something unforgettable and affordable. If you start early, you can find good deals or learn about upcoming sales on dresses you love!
 Find a dress that’s truly wear-again. You’ve found the dress, now ask yourself – will I wear this again? If the answer is yes, then you’ve got a winner.
 Invest in investment pieces. If you want to splurge on the Quince dress, save money on accessories and make the most of them. From rhinestone drop earrings to colorful bracelets and bib-style necklaces to chic clutches and pretty pumps, you can find accessories that you’ll wear to future special occasions.
 Go short. Short dresses can typically be slightly cheaper than longer dresses and they have more potential for wearing again. Transform your dress with different accessories for a totally new look for that next party.

So whether you desire a princess-inspired or modern look for your Quinceañera, we hope Kika’s tips will help you look flawless on the big day. Perfect for any style and budget, David’s Bridal offers fabulous options in stand-out colors and designs at an unmatched value– have fun shopping!

Stay tuned, as Kika will be back soon to talk about top bridal fashion trends!