Q: How can I cut costs for my friends who will be in my quince court?

A: With lots of friends come lots of birthdays and quince courts, which can add up to lots of dough. Traditionally, damas (girls in the court) pay for their dresses, shoes and accessories. With so much to pay for, itís best to explain the costs to your friends up frontóbefore they accept the invitation. Of course, if itís within your budget, you can certainly offer to pay for one or more of these itemsóor make a contributionóas a special thank-you for participating in your day. Other ways to help them save: Choose a color and let the girls shop for their own dresses, or wear ones they already have. This guarantees everyone will match and be wearing something they both love and can afford! You can also suggest they wear their own shoes. This goes for the chambelans (guys in your court), too. If you donít mind them not wearing tuxedos and if they already have their own dark-colored suits, ask them to buy ties and handkerchiefs that match their escortís dress.

Q: For the crowning ceremony I want a tiara that wonít overwhelm my look. Any suggestions?

A: One of the most important ceremo≠nies during your quince is the crowning. It marks your transition from una niÒa (girl) to mujer (woman) and is often performed by your mother or padrinos (godparents) at the church or at the start of the party. However, this doesnít mean you need an elaborate jewel-encrusted headpiece. Instead, con≠sider a single-strand pearl tiara or simple crystal headband. Both work with just about any hairstyle (up or down) and wonít overwhelm. If youíre not attached to tradition, try flowers or jeweled hairpins or combs. Today, many girls are forgoing a tiara in favor of more contemporary-looking hair accessories for their crowning moment.

Q: I want to dance to something more modern than a traditional waltz for my birthday. What else would be appropriate?

A: The valtz, performed by you and your ?court, is the traditional dance seen at almost every quince. ìWhatís happening now is that the girls are using todayís music but yesterdayís moves,î says Erica PeÒa, founder and manager of Chuckeís Choreography in Houston. ìTheyíre dancing a Viennese waltz, for example, to an instrumental version of a current hitóeverything from Mariah Careyís ëHeroí to Kelly Clarksonís ëA: Moment Like This.íî After you and your court dance the valtz, you will dance the baile de sorpresa (surprise dance). In the past, the dancing enter≠tained guests and ìofficiallyî started the party. Nowadays, this chore≠ographed routine has become an elaborate production with cos≠tumes, intricate steps and modern music. ìItís a three- to five-minute routine,î PeÒa adds. ìAnd anything goes! The songs range from salsa and merengue to hip-hop and reggeaton.î

Q: If Iím having a quince, do I need to have a church ceremony?

A: This really is a decision you and your family need to make together. And there is no right or wrong answer. QuinceaÒeras are rooted in a religious tradition. The primary reason for the celebration is for a family to thank God that their daughter has reached 15 as well as to represent her entrance into womanhood. This historically Catholic tradition has been replicated across many faiths and more for the rite of passage rather than for religious reasons. Since so many girls of all backgrounds now celebrate this occasion, a girl and her familyís spiritual beliefs will determine whether the festivities include a religious component or ceremony.

Q: Is it okay to wear two dressesóone just for the church and ceremonies and another for the party?

A: Of course it is! This is your moment to shine, so you should do whatever feels right. Just remember, this might get costly. If a second gown doesnít fit into your budget, there are still plenty of ways to change your look. In fact, some churches require a more con≠servative style of dress (for example, no bare shoulders), so girls will often wear a shawl or jacket over a strapless gown that they can remove after the ceremony, which in a sense creates two different looks. If you want some≠thing more playful and fun for the party, try a dress with a de≠tachable train. Some dresses even come with a removable bottom skirt, allowing you to go long for the church and short for the party. Or consider starting with a loose≠ly tousled updo that you can let down and shake out. You can also change your look with accessories, swapping a tiara for other jewelry. Have fun with it!

Q: How do I decide who to include in my candle ceremony?

A: This ceremony, where each birthday candle is dedicated to people who have played a significant role in your life, is typically done at sweet 16 parties as well as quinces. Usually family members, friends and padrinos are on top of the list. Of course, you donít want to forget anyone, so the decision can get a little tricky. First, instead of trying try to choose specific people, think of the events in your life you are most proud of or the events that are most special to you. Then ask yourself: Who was there? Who helped to make them so memorable? If your list starts getting long, pair people together, suggests Eva Menjivar Ottosson, an event planner from O Design Solutions in San Diego. For example, have your grandparents share one candle and your brothers and sisters share another.

Read more quince Q&A's in the current issue of Your Prom magazine available on newstands now!