Locations: From Steal to Splurge

Articles - EVENT

Written by Laura Isensee

Quinceanera Locations Tips on finding the venue that best suits your quinceanera

A quinceañera can decide to celebrate her dinner and reception anywhere from a basic to a blowout hall. Determining your budget, of course, is the first step in shopping for a venue. The next is figuring out how big you need the hall.

The key, however, is to find a place where your guests will feel comfortable, says Damaris del Carpio, a Houston quinceañera coordinator and owner of Marbella banquet hall.

You have to think how you are going to entertain your invited guests, how you will make them feel welcome, give them entertainment, cake, food,” explains del Carpio.

Civic and conference centers can be a steal for quinceañeras on a budget. For example, a place like the Humble Civic Center and Arena Complex doesn’t provide decorations or catering—it just rents the room, table and chairs. The extra time spent in searching for independent caterers and decorations turns into saved dollars, says Johnnie Ray Scroggins, director of the Humble center. “Plus you have the freedom to do whatever you want,” he adds.

Venues that are outside of the city and have scenic surroundings can also be a definite steal. One trade-off is more travel time for the guests. Some halls may complement your theme. For example, del Carpio plans to open a castle-themed hall soon.

A splurge on a large banquet hall can make the quinceaños a spectacular VIP event. They often accommodate more people and offer full service packages that cut down on a lot of the planning stress. At the Tomball Grand Pavilion, which Rose Chalico and her husband built especially for their daughter’s quinceañera, there are special VIP rooms, a double staircase, two stages and more. “If you are going to have such a large event and because it’s fulfilling a dream, you have to do your homework,” says Chalico.

No matter what your budget, there are some things to always check. Make sure any package deal is spelled out in writing and verify the parking, the dance floor and liquor requirements, recommends Bambi Bach, event coordinator with Chateau at Forest Park in Fort Worth. And some quinceañera moms suggest checking out the bathrooms, too.

Before you choose, attend an open house at your favorite halls. “I recommend going to an open house to see the specials, the promotions and the dates available for their event,” says del Carpio.

Laura Isensee is Houston-based reporter. Her work has appeared in the Houston Chronicle’s This Week, the award-winning Spanish daily RUMBO and Quincegirl.com. Ms. Isensee is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin where she studied Spanish and wrote for The Daily Texan.

Photography courtesy of Humble Civic Center and Arena, Elegante Photo and Video and Best Moments Productions Photography & Video.

Quinceanera Locations

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written by Anissa Melendrez, December 10, 2007

Around how much would it cost to reserve a place for that night? smilies/grin.gif

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written by shirley, December 17, 2007

were can i find a nice reception that has lots of space ( big familia up in here) but that is afordable that takes place in losangeles california smilies/cheesy.gif

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written by Neli, December 22, 2007

Is there one In Houston, Texas? If yes, how much?

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written by franchesca rocha, December 22, 2007

where is this venue located?
and how uch will everything exactly cost?
please writeback because im having trouble finding a nice venue for my quince.
thank you.

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written by Yaritza, March 17, 2008

I got my banquet hall for about 9 grand. Now that includes food,security,bar. Everything except for the chair covers. It's newly remodeled too!

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written by darla quinones, March 26, 2008

How much would a sit down dinner, with bar, cake, dj, photographer and all the works for
19 dec 2009. Serving 150 people.

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written by unkown, August 19, 2008

tomball grand pavillion, nice place but really $$$ its like if u were buyin the place not renting it.... went there and security they had was whack... just because they have the "badge" think they have privelages for Anything... they falsley accused my brother of something stupid, yelled at a guy cuz he was outside on the cell fone tryin to give directions, they told him to go inside or else he would get arrested. was just very dissapointed.

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