15 Quinceañera Themes and Party Ideas

For this special celebration, a theme is a must.

Lauren Miolene

Editor

A quinceañera is a big deal in hispanic culture, representing a girl stepping into adulthood or coming of age when turning 15. With an important milestone event like this one, a fun theme is a must. We’ve put together some of our favorite quinceañera party themes and ideas to help you get started.

Once the ball gown is purchased and the guest list is created, it’s time to choose an exciting quinceañera party theme and matching party ideas that will make this birthday celebration even more memorable.

Pro Tip: If you haven’t begun the party planning yet, use our quinceañera checklist and budget breakdown to get started. And, don’t forget to check out top entertainment ideas.

1. Cinderella Theme

Cinderella Themed QuinceañeraPhoto: wiratho/shutterstock.com

Feel just like a princess during a quinceañera with a classic Cinderella theme. Decorate the space with light blue tulle, candles, and tons of twinkling lights to create a magical effect that will put you in the storybook setting. Cinderella danced the night away, and you should too! Book a DJ to play all of your favorite songs or use our quinceañera Playlist for inspiration.

This theme also ties into the tradition of the changing of the shoes tradition (see more on this quinceañera party idea below!). Get creative with footwear by finding a Cinderella inspired heel that will really cater to the theme.

2. Masquerade Theme

Masquerade Themed QuinceañeraPhoto: Dragon Images/shutterstock.com

Who doesn’t love a little mystery? Find a ballroom venue near you that includes ornate details and a grand staircase that allows for plenty of photo opportunities. To create an elegant ambience, book a string quartet to serenade guests with sophisticated music that no one will soon forget. Celebrate with a black tie optional dress code to really enhance the extravagance of this upscale birthday celebration.

3. Euphoria Theme

Euphoria Themed QuinceañeraPhoto: Rokas Tenys/shutterstock.com

HBO’s hit TV show, Euphoria, is perfect to binge watch and use for a fun party theme. The key with this theme is to incorporate the show’s colors, use LED accent lighting, and of course dress to impress. Rather than the traditional formal attire of a quinceañera, guests can arrive in Euphoria inspired outfits, themed makeup, and tons of glitter as seen in the show. 

Capture all the memories and excitement from the celebration by booking a photo booth with props and costumes. 

Pro Tip: You can find everything you need for a Euphoria themed party here

4. Changing of the Shoes

Changing of the ShoesPhoto: Rob Marmion/shutterstock.com

At a quinceañera celebration, there is a special tradition when the father or male relative of the young lady changes her flat shoes to high heels. This rite of passage symbolizes her stepping into adulthood and becoming a woman. If opting to incorporate this into the quinceañera, get creative and fun with the shoe options! Matching the heels to the color of the dress or creating a DIY pair with rhinestones are a few of our favorites.

5. New York City Theme

New York City Themed Quinceañera

Take “I Heart NYC” to the next level with this one-of-a-kind party theme. Find a penthouse venue to use the cityscape as your party decor. Book an iconic NYC food truck ranging from soft pretzels, pizza, to hot dogs—all of the classics! 

For entertainment options, you can never go wrong with a Broadway musician, a human statue of Lady Liberty, and a street magician to recreate the city that never sleeps.

6. TikTok Station

TikTok StationPhoto: Kaspars Grinvalds/shutterstock.com

Guests at the 15th birthday party celebration will most likely be avid posters on TikTok. Try setting up a TikTok station for people to film, post, and share the quinceañera on social media. Organize a playlist with trending TikTok songs as background music for dances, trends, and more. Don’t forget to create an original hashtag for guests to use so all the videos will be in one place.

7. Great Gatsby Theme

Great Gatsby Themed QuinceañeraPhoto: ZZ_Photo/shutterstock.com

Since we’re back in the roaring twenties, it’s only fitting for a theme based on The Great Gatsby. The 1920s make such a fun theme with fashion, music, and level of sophistication that comes with it. Book a lounge, dance hall, or a mansion venue to incorporate all the glitz and glam from this time period. Since the twenties are known for jazz and dancing, consider booking a 20s band or musician that Jay Gatsby would approve of.

8. Beauty and the Beast Theme

Beauty and the Beast Themed QuinceañeraPhoto: Leonelrochas/shutterstock.com

A Beauty and the Beast quinceañera theme will turn this special birthday celebration into a real-life fairytale. Find a ballroom or banquet hall venue, decorate the space with plenty of roses, royal blue accents, and book a professional catering team for your own rendition of “Be Our Guest.” Take style inspiration from Belle with a yellow or gold dress to feel like a princess for the special day. 

9. Court Waltz

Court WaltzPhoto: Rob Marmion/shutterstock.com

Another quinceañera tradition includes a Court of Honor that is made up of special people in the young girl’s life. When the Court enters the event space, there is usually a choreographed waltz or dance that takes place. Select a song that matches the themed quince for an extremely memorable performance.

10. 2000s Theme

2000s Themed QuinceañeraPhoto: Ricard MC/shutterstock.com

Travel back in time to Y2K with an iconic 2000s themed quinceañera. Serve throwback snacks and drinks including pizza rolls and Kool-Aid to really capture the time period. While shopping for quinceañera dresses, opt for something with 2000s flare like tulle and a fun neon color or pattern. Don’t forget to book themed entertainment like an air brush artist, R&B singers, hip hop dancers, and more.

11. Enchanted Forest Theme

Enchanted Forest Themed QuinceañeraPhoto: Breslavtsev Oleg/shutterstock.com

Refer to Taylor Swift’s iconic music video “Enchanted” for this one! The key for this party theme is all in the venue, decor, and ambience. Find a private garden and florist near you to fill the space with gorgeous floral arrangements and greenery. To add an extra touch of magic, incorporate tons of twinkling lights and book a live acoustic band to set the tone of the enchanted forest.

12. Fiesta Theme

Fiesta Themed QuinceañeraPhoto: Wirestock Creators/shutterstock.com

No need to travel south of the border when you can throw your own quinceañera fiesta! Bold colors, a live mariachi band, and a unique piñata are just a few of the details you’re going to want to incorporate when pulling off this exciting theme. Book a caterer to whip up traditional Mexican cuisine including tacos, tamales, and empanadas for the ultimate fiesta feast.

13. Karaoke

KaraokePhoto: vectorfusionart/shutterstock.com

Everyone loves karaoke, there’s no denying it. Hire a karaoke DJ  that will play everyone’s favorite songs and provide all of the necessary equipment. Sing classics including “When I Grow Up,” “Dancing Queen,” and more of the guest of honor’s favorite tunes.

14. Harry Potter Theme

Harry Potter Themed QuinceañeraPhoto: MariyaZhitnaya/shutterstock.com

Sometimes the best party themes are simply choosing a favorite book or movie and playing off of those details. If the birthday girl is a Potter Head you can definitely use this to plan a magical quinceañera. Decorate the event space with tool drapery, Quidditch brooms, and plenty of candles that will make guests feel like they traveled to Hogwarts. Don’t forget mystical entertainment like a magician or fortune teller to add to the Harry Potter theme.

15. Winter Wonderland Theme

Winter Wonderland Themed QuinceañeraPhoto: Contimis Works/shutterstock.com

For the winter birthday girls, a winter wonderland quinceañera theme is a timeless idea that is easy to pull off. Using a white and light blue color scheme, decorate the event space with twinkling lights, snowflakes, and evergreens to create the ultimate wintery feel that will act as a gorgeous backdrop. For a unique detail, set up a DIY hot cocoa bar for guests to garnish their own cup of gourmet hot chocolate during dessert.

Find more quinceañera ideas here on The Bash.

Published on 6/20/2024