Understanding a Catholic Quinceanera Mass is a brief guide to the traditions of the church.

You are most likely going to have a great party when you are 15.The rules and regulations of your church or parish must be honored if you want to begin your birthday celebration with a Quinceanera Mass.It's a good idea to sit down with your parish priest or representative early in the celebration to make sure you're following the rules.Bring the questions about how your church would like you to celebrate your 15th birthday.

You should do this at least six months before your date.The priest may want to prepare you during the planning process.

Most of the time, the Quinceanera needs to submit her certificates from the sacraments if she wants to stay in the church.Before you can book a Quinceanera, you have to be a member of the parish.

If you want to be a member of the church, you have to take a class or two.These classes are similar to first communion classes, and sometimes there is a fee, so be sure to ask if the parish requires payment or a donation.

If your requested date is on the church calendar, you will be expected to pay a fee or donate.There are churches that charge as much as $400 and you should check the policy early on.

If your church's fee is high, you should consider sharing your Mass with another girl or two.

Different parishes have different rules.They want the focus to be on the liturgy and the blessing, so they want you to share the spotlight.There is a standard policy to have one Quinceanera Mass for all girls when they turn 15.Other churches will allow you to have a private Mass of your own.It is important to ask in advance so that you are not disappointed.

Churches have different requirements.Some will allow you to decorate the pews while others will not.You are expected to provide a large flower arrangement for the altar.It is optional with others.You can take the decorations with you to your reception or home, but you have to leave the flowers in the church after the mass.

Ask how long you will have to setup and breakdown the sanctuary decorations.You will need to know how early you can get in and how quickly you have everything out of there.

It is your responsibility to cover the fee if you want the church choir or other church musicians to play.Some churches only allow the church choir to sing during the ceremony while others allow you to have musicians of your choice.

If you want a mariachi band to walk you into the church or lead the procession afterwards, be sure to ask well in advance because some churches don't allow such things.

You will probably have a church rehearsal.It is common for the church to require that everyone who plans to participate in the ceremony be present at the rehearsal or else they can't attend the Mass.

Your shoulders should be completely covered, not just with a bolero.If your church requires gloves or an opaque jacket, ask.Ask if there are restrictions on dresses.

There are limits to what your court of honor can and cannot wear.The chambelanes are not allowed to wear tuxedos, and they might have a requirement for the length of their skirts.

Permission on three counts is required if you want something in your Mass or blessing to be different.

Ahead of time, ask what restrictions there are regarding photography and video of your Mass.Most of the time, whatever is allowed for a wedding will be permitted for Quince, but once in a while, the parish insists that it be less elaborate.Do you have any questions you would like to ask?

If you want a sendoff after the Mass, you should ask your guests what they are allowed to do.Again, these rules may be the same as for weddings, or they might be discouraged as a way to focus on the spirituality of the day.

If you know that one or more of your guests may need assistance, double check where a wheelchair can be placed so the guest can see the Mass.There is a handicap ramp for wheelchairs and walkers.

If there is a changing room for you and/or your damas, you should use the bride's room.

Many churches would love to have you celebrate your reception in their banquet hall and most charge a fraction of what a regular venue would cost.If you don't have your heart set on a particular place, consider celebrating your entire Quince at your church.

Imagine if you could have a traditional procession from the sanctuary to the church hall with you, your court, and all your friends and family.

Nobody will get lost on the way to the reception, and you can save a bundle on that expensive limo if you have your reception in the church hall.

If you are curious as to why your church or parish may make a big deal out emphasizing the sacred part of your Quinceanera, read this article and find out.

If you're trying to pull your celebration together at the last minute, we have a guide for you on our website: http://qbydavinci.com/blog/your-ultimate-planning-guide-for-the-