During a traditional church visit, a quinceañera may present her bouquet to the Virgin Mary.
The bouquet presentation is a Catholic custom associated with prayers of thanksgiving and devotion. In churches where the practice is observed, the honoree may place flowers before an image or statue of Mary after the religious service or during a designated part of the ceremony.
This gesture is not required at every quinceañera. Religious practices differ by parish, country, family, and priest, and many secular celebrations do not include a church visit at all. The bouquet itself may also be retained for photographs or later reception traditions.
The Virgin Mary is not the same figure as the quinceañera’s godparent or sponsor. Those people support the honoree personally, while the bouquet gesture is directed toward a religious image in the church setting.