Archive for October, 2011
October 8th, 2011
Not all Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations use place cards, but when you do, it’s usually the first thing your guests see.
There are some very creative ideas to be found on the Internet from talented Mitzvah vendors and families. We know you loved our previous story, Where Are We Sitting, so we thought we would bring you a new batch!
We hope they bring you inspiration:
From It’s A Wrap here is a music themed Bat Mitzvah place card. They are actually note pads decorated with musical notes, and the clip that held the pad together was also a musical note
Janice Blackmon Events used flash lights with tags indicating the guests’ “bunk numbers” for a camp themed Mitzvah
We love these teacups from Life Of The Party Productions for an Alice In Wonderland Bat Mitzvah
From Do It With More Options, these “chair” place card favor boxes can hold an added treat/sweet!
Party Perfect used mini taxi cabs for this urban themed Bar Mitzvah as the seating card
We found a Mitzvah family whose son loves lego and they created place cards from his collection!
iPod seating card and display from Balloon Artistry
These CD cases from Just Jayne Events are printed with the covers of the Bar Mitzvah boy’s favorite albums, his logo and the guest’s names. They are filled with his favorite candy. It was a music/club themed event and the boy is a big music lover
From East 7th Street Promotions, each guests received popcorn for this movie theme!
It Events By Julie created these clever place cards on moss for a “horse” themed Mitzvah
If you had creative place cards, let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
October 5th, 2011
A Promos: The Imagemaker knows when you give kids “cool” clothes, they will want to wear them again and again!
Many schools do not allow the Bar/Bat Mitzvah wearable favors to be worn on a Monday after a celebration, so kids who weren’t invited don’t feel left out that they aren’t wearing the fabulous sweatshirt/T-shirt.
Some favors are theme based and some are just reflections of clothing that the kids love to wear. Traditional items screaming “Matt’s Bar Mitzvah” and the date are gone!
The Imagemaker puts more emphasis on the design and places the date and initials in unobtrusive places as to not interfere with the overall design. Creativity, originality as well as the feel of the garment sets the mood for unique Bar/Bat Mitzvah Favors.
The Imagemaker knows that kids take great pride in picking their special favor and they suggest, “Let your kids have their say. You will be surprised just how creative they can be!”
Here are 3 ideas for your kid’s wearable favor from the Imagemaker:
Kids love Rock & Roll themes like the above in foil and ink (mixed medias). This example is on special washed out hand sewn shirts with contrasting edge shirts
Military fun is in! Burnout Vintage hoodies in fashion colors (darks for boys are available) with print and stones. For the boys, print or foil the design instead of the stone appliqué and place it on darker garments. The same artwork is used, we just switch out the media we are using. This way the girls have their glitz, while making their boy friends happy too!
Big words are in! Incorporate dates, initials, or phrases for that unique look. Big for Fall are animal prints. Traditional animal print colors can be used, but more subtle colors and metallics and grays can still give you that look of the wild!
To learn more, visit the Imagemaker’s extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
October 5th, 2011
Some families like to match their child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah cake to their child’s theme, but with Sweets By Alissa your cake is personalized to your child!
The creative possibilities are endless. You might want to list your guests, members of your favorite team, or your favorite memories. Just send Alissa information about your child and those words and thoughts are written on your cake!
See some samples below for a better idea:
Alissa is a graduate of Peter Kumps’ renowned Institute of Culinary Education and has worked in the legendary pastry kitchens of Le Bernardin, Gotham Bar And Grill and Alison on Dominick.
For more information and to see her other work, visit her Website.
October 5th, 2011
By Susan Adler, Susan Adler Photography
In the world of Bar and Bat Mitzvah photography, the final album represents the culmination of all of your hard work and planning. Why spend time and devote resources to a celebration if your family and friends are not remembered and showcased in a beautiful album?
Understandably, however, making such an album can be the most daunting of tasks, which is why I want to share a few helpful tips in regard to the album compilation process, and ultimately getting the most out of your photographs.
All too frequently I hear of experiences where albums were never made, and children and parents alike were left with no album because it had been put off to “do later.” Procrastination hurts the album-making process, for it is one that requires the timely participation of both the client and the photographer. Again, don’t wait for your photographer to remind you, assume your participation is required, and help to catalyze the process by contacting your photographer – we don’t mind it one bit!
How, then, should the album-making process proceed? The ideal plan would be for the client to view proofs online within 30 days, select favorites by 60 days and have a first draft design within 90 days.
Keep in mind that your album is a fine art custom book, and can take anywhere from 3 – 6 months to make after the design has been completed. The goal should be to have your final album by the one year anniversary date of your event.
HERE ARE 7 TIPS FOR CREATING YOUR ALBUM:
1. Take care to ensure that your photographer offers you an online gallery and/or an option for a proof book. Do not delay in viewing the pictures, when they are fresh in your mind you will be able to choose your favorites more easily. In other words, don’t wait!
2. Begin by choosing the images that you like to look at the most, i.e. those images that appeal most to you, for whatever reason. Your gallery should have a way to “tag” these favorites and thus share them with your photographer. Don’t worry if the initial number of images you choose exceeds the final amount to be included in your album, eventually, you will be able to narrow down your selections, ensuring that all “must have” photos are included in your album.
3. Once favorites are chosen, ask your photographer if he or she offers you an online option to view a digital prototype of your album. This can expedite the process greatly, and allows more easily for any changes to be made.
4. In regard to changes, make sure that your photographer offers you the opportunity to make changes and revisions.
5. When choosing cover materials and album types, consider longevity and timelessness. What would you want to look at in your living room (and what will work best with your style and taste) for years to come? If your daughter’s favorite color is hot pink at age thirteen, it may not be at 21!
6. Find out if your photographer offers an affordable alternative to high cost fine art albums. I offer only fine art albums, but, if they so desire, will give my clients the contact information of preferred vendors for making their own albums.
7. Ultimately, try to enjoy the process of album design, think of it as the best means of showcasing your celebration. Look for a photographer whose sense of style and taste matches your own, and allow him or her to be creative, for this will produce the best work.
To learn more about Susan Adler Photography, visit their Website.
October 4th, 2011
Here is another example of how you can use your child’s initials as part of your Bar/Bat Mitzvah theme!
A Bat Mitzvah girl with the initials “P” and “S” used her passion for purple with a P.S. theme for her service and reception at Warehouse 5 in Island Park, New York.
We found this colorful celebration on the Ellie Photography blog who was the secondary shooter to NYC photographer Kat Cheng.
The day was beautiful and a glorious setting for a “purplicious” Bat Mitzvah.
This beautiful purple invitation with a pucci design was created by Ellen Futterman, Proper Notice
The service and reception was held in the same venue with drapery creating the service area
Purple zebra print yarmulkes match the theme
Purple spandex covered the chairs
Perri’s beautiful dress was from It’s Simply For You. We love the touch of purple!
Purple and zebra decor was beautifully created by Barbara Becker of Dazzling Parties
The Bat Mitzvah girl’s sign in book matched the decor and was also created by Dazzling Parties
The sleek lounge decor just needs an accent of purple with pillows and balloons
Matching linens and unique floral arrangements
An easy logo with these initials
Music entertainment was provided by Entertainment Tonite
We want to thank Ellie Photography for sharing this colorful Bat Mitzvah with our readers.
October 2nd, 2011
We know it’s sometimes hard to come up with a Mitzvah Project idea. When we learn about a Mitzvah kid who created a project by making something by hand, we love sharing!
This is the case with Emily Simens from Hewlett, New York. She celebrated her Bat Mitzvah on September 17, 2011 and decided to call her Mitzvah Project, Mitzvah Candles. The beneficiary of her project will be the JCC Food Pantry in Woodmere.
We caught up with Emily to ask her a few questions and learn more about her Mitzvah Project:
MM: Why did you decide on this Mitzvah Project?
ES: My family donated food to the JCC of the Greater Five Towns’ Kosher Food Pantry many times in the past, so I knew I wanted to involve them somehow. There are many families in need just in our town and the food pantry needs donations.
MM: What does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bat Mitzvah?
ES: It means that you are doing something good that could change someone else’s life and you benefit from it too because you accomplishes something.
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
ES: I’m selling candles that I designed and donating the money to the food pantry in Woodmere.
The candle Emily designed
MM: If it involves a donation, what are you doing to spread the word?
ES: I made a facebook page for the candle and my project was also featured in the Nassau Herald and in the Temple Israel bulletin.
MM: For how long can people donate to this charity?
ES: The food pantry could always use more food, so there is no limit to donating to them.
MM: Anything else we need to know about your Mitzvah Project?
ES: The candles are $18 each. If someone would like to buy one, they can email me at mitzvahcandle@aol.com.
We want to thank Emily for sharing her Mitzvah Project with our readers!
October 2nd, 2011
Biz Bash, the ultimate in event trends and style has released its “hot” new Fall menu ideas from top catering companies around the world.
According to Biz Bash, there are two big buzz words this year: customization and interactivity. Many are trying to give their guests an interactive catering experience and the chance to try something new. Make-your-own stations are all the rage and go beyond just candy bars.
Here’s some tasty inspiration and ideas for your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration in the food department!
From Tip of the Tongue comes apple chicken potpie for one using local upstate New York Cortland apples and assorted autumn vegetables
Elegant Affairs Caterers offers passed mini Pop Tart lollipops in apple cinnamon, strawberry, and s’mores flavors
Fancy Girl Table created Parmesan cups with roasted ruby queen beets, cauliflower, carrots, and smoked tomato pesto. What a great veggie mini meal!
Dish Food & Events offers made-to-order risotto martinis with bay scallops and rock shrimp or asparagus and wild mushroom
Abigail Kirsch puts their twist on cookies and milk with peanut butter and jelly macaroons, a mint oreo, a black and white, and a warm chocolate chunk cookie. All served with a caramel milk shake and fortune cookie…who says you can’t have it all!
We love this idea! Cork Catering set up a make-your-own s’mores station at a recent event
For those serving their guests breakfast or brunch, Mary Giuliani Catering & Events in New York created a devil-your-own-egg bar with hard-boiled eggs set on ceramic cartons and mini pails filled with toppings like paprika, caper powder, chives, and bacon
Pinch Food Design in New York creates taco stations, where guests could decorate homemade tortillas with an array of toppings served in custom-made resin pedestal pieces inspired by handcrafted Mexican pottery
Elegant Affairs Caterers also creates “salad-tinis” made by “chef-tenders,” who mixed ingredients with oversized drink shakers and served them in martini glasses
L-Eat Catering in Toronto now uses a four-compartment dish for multiple entrées, including the above of roasted petit beef tenderloin fillet, miso-glazed black cod, mushroom risotto, and a green bean bundle
Creative Tastes Catering & Event Production in Miami serves meals from mason jars with spoons attached, including a created breakfast-on-the-go with yogurt trifle
For more information, visit Biz Bash.
October 1st, 2011
This was the third Mitzvah for the Karen family who celebrated daughter Ali’s Bat Mitzvah on May 28, 2011 with a morning service at Temple Beth Torah in Jericho, New York followed by an evening party at North Shore Synagogue in Syosset, New York.
Although there was not a specific theme, Ali used pink and orange as her colors and there was lots of neon in the ballroom for a disco feel. The ballroom was transformed with terrific lighting and decor.
All photography was done by Neal Bloom and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured above: (L-R): Older sister Marissa, Dad Rob, Bat Mitzvah girl Ali, Mom Carla and older brother Jordan
All three of the Karen women wore white. Bat Mitzvah girl Ali’s dress was from Outrageous Boutique, Marissa’s was a BCBG and Mom Carla bought her long gown from Melony Mazzeo in East Williston, New York.
Everyone looks gorgeous in their white dresses with accents of silver or gold
Ali’s invitation was done by Robin’s Write Invites and featured her Bat Mitzvah colors of pink and orange.
The ballroom at North Shore Synagogue was transformed by Paul from Party Interiors. Del Mir Caterers provided all the delicious food.
Lighting can set the mood of a room
Black and white chair covers and crystals create a striking look
Ali poses in the kids lounge area
Ali’s place cards coordinated with her invitations and were created by Karen Garber who also did the calligraphy on the invitation envelopes.
Entertainment Tonite provided the music entertainment with Matt as their MC.
A large crowd fills the dance floor
MC Matt gives Mom Carla a lift!
Guests enjoy the music
Del Mir Caterers created a beautiful matching cake in orange and pink.
The Karen family blows out the candles
Ali shares a special moment with one of her friends who was celebrating her birthday on the same day
Close friend Gail Janicola made Ali’s sign-in book using an Apple computer.
The pages were filled with pictures of family and friends
Brother Jordan “signs in”
Another friend, Janet Kesner had a great idea for the table numbers.
Using an old picture of Ali, she was able to photo shop different numbers onto the same photo. Copies were made at Walgreens and each photo was placed in a frame!
Ali and her Dad share a special moment and father/daughter dance.
Michelle Weissman created Ali’s favors and matching drawstring bags for her friends featuring her saying, “Be Happy, Be Ready.”
The girls received “flash dance” style sweatshirts saying “Be Happy” and the boys received T-shirts that said, “Be Ready Basketball”
As guests were leaving, they found a candy bar set up inside and a waffle truck outside!
Mom Carla successfully planned three Mitzvahs for her children and has this advice.
“Don’t get caught up in the small details, it’s all about the love in the room. Take a moment to step back and look around. Everyone is there because of your child and your family.”
The following vendors helped to make Ali’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Caterer/Venue: Del Mir Caterers at North Shore Synagogue
Music Entertainment: Entertainment Tonite, MC Matt
Favors: Michelle Weissman Creative Specialities, 516-637-0493
Photographer: Neal Bloom, 631-754-7442
Invitations: Robin Cohen, Robin’s Writes & Invites, 516-822-5108
Place Cards: Karen Garber, 516-681-2939, inkspotzs@aol.com
Cake: Del Mir Caterers
Décor: Party Interiors by Paul 516-586-5492
Waffel Truck: Wafel and Dinges
Dress for Mom: Melony Mazzeo, melonymazz@yahoo.com
Dress for Ali: Outrageous Boutique
Dress for Marissa: BCBG
Hair/makeup: Entourage
Videographer: Entertainment Tonite
