Archive for November, 2011
November 9th, 2011
Are you looking to create your own custom labels for your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah? We caught this Mitzvah Find on The Today Show and wanted to share it with our readers.
My Own Labels specializes in personalized labels, place cards and favor tags perfect for giveaways, water bottles labels and labels for CDs.
Oh, and did we mention favor packaging? Yep, they have that too!
What we loved most about My Own Labels is that not only do they allow you to customize your design but they make it easy to shop by color. Simply click on the design to see all of the colors available. They now have a Bar/Bat Mitzvah section:
At pennies per label, they are very affordable and you can even upload a picture of your child as part of your design.
Labels, stickers and seals are pre-cut and come on peel-and-stick sheets with 6-48 per sheet; small return address labels come 100 on a sheet for a special price of $3. What are you waiting for, go get your own labels!
For more information, visit their Website.
November 9th, 2011
The team from Party Perfect Orlando threw a creative lacrosse themed Bar Mitzvah and we had to share.
They wanted to incorporate the theme but not make it the main focus of the party. Using lots of orange and black, they accomplished what they set out to do!
The Lacrosse theme was known to guests as soon as their invitations arrived!
The traditional Bar Mitzvah invitation also included a fun LAX theme RSVP card below
The decor of the room had a “South Beach” feel with draping on the walls and lighting
A seating chart, with a lacrosse silhouette, let guests know where they were seated
Guests could drop off their gifts into the cool gift box
Clear acetate menus informed their guests of the delicious food being served
Cool throw pillows were used in the lounge area with modern white furniture
A cool black and white dance floor
Young guests received these logo’d backpacks filled with delicious treats
Some of the orange treats inside
Cookie box favors were created with a custom image from Cookie Cousins. They were all elegantly displayed in their own window boxes, tied with black grosgrain ribbon
Mazel Tov to Brandon. Thank you to Party Perfect Orlando for sharing this ChillLAXing party with our readers!
November 6th, 2011
By Stephanie Kepke Kaplan, Boys, Dogs And Chaos
Two weeks post Bar Mitzvah, I am happy to report that everything got done, despite my anxiety that it wouldn’t. My last minute dress was ready, though not until late Friday afternoon before the party. In fact, as I suspected would be the case, quite a few things were last minute. Three months ago when I started writing this blog, I decided to focus on how to plan a great party at the last minute, while staying on a budget. I could not have known how fitting that theme would turn out to be. Every day the week of the party I was out running errands – completing my hospitality bags; buying more DJ give aways (which I provided, rather than the DJ, to save some money); buying new bags for the favors, because the seventy five bags I bought were too small and my son thought they looked purple, not blue; ordering food for Shabbat dinner; buying about six different undergarments for my very clingy dress – (which was sure to show panty lines without the perfect pair). You get the picture.
But, it wasn’t just little things that were resolved at the eleventh hour – I wore my husband, Jeff, down and he agreed to a second dancer four days before the party. Three days before the party, we completely changed the décor. We kept the baseball theme (in my last blog, I shared that I changed the centerpieces for the kids’ tables a week and a half before the Bar Mitzvah – thankfully Angela of Party Excellence was very flexible and the centerpieces – for which I provided the base – looked amazing). But, in addition to the baseball theme, my son had been begging me for lounge décor for at least a year. It simply was not in the budget. Imagine our surprise and delight when we found out on the Thursday before the party, that Paul from Party Interiors & My Glow Party was able leave the lounge furniture from a synagogue party the night before for an incredibly affordable price. The stars suddenly all aligned for one fantastic party. The centerpieces combined with the fabulous lounge furniture left more than one guest gushing that the ballroom at North Shore Synagogue looked “magnificent.” (Our guests also raved that the food was delicious, which meant just as much to me, if not more, than the decor.)
The best part though was seeing my son’s face when he saw the room. Somehow we kept it a secret from him in the days leading up to the party – one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Every time he complained about not having a lounge, I wanted to yell, “But you’ll have one! You’ll have a whole room of lounge furniture – not even just the kids’ area.” But, I didn’t and when those doors opened, his jaw dropped. It was an amazing moment knowing I made his dream party come true.
Another amazing moment was when my son played the drums for all of the guests at the party. Yes, it was difficult for Jeff to bring his whole drum kit to the synagogue the morning of the party and set it up. And yes, he was late for the pictures because of it, but boy was it worth it to see my son doing what he loves for all of the people that we love. Everyone raved about his musical talent – most people had never heard him play and were astounded by his skills. After his initial performance of an original musical piece he had composed, he played along with a few of the DJ spun tunes, as well. My husband is an incredible drummer and my son showed everyone that he’s following in his footsteps. If your child plays an instrument, sings or even dances, I highly recommend encouraging him or her to perform for your Mitzvah guests. It puts a personal stamp on the day and makes it truly special.
I also put a personal stamp on the day by creating the place card display (of course Jeff and I were up until 12:30 am the night before gluing artificial turf on foam board, but it was worth it). I also made all of the place cards (a challenge, because I didn’t decide on the final seating arrangements until two days before the party) and the stickers for the favor bags. I have to admit that it felt pretty wonderful when our guests commented on how great everything looked. In fact, Jeff (and more than one guest) encouraged me to start a new business addressing invitation envelopes and providing place cards, stickers and other custom items. I used to have a business creating Bar and Bat Mitzvah sign in books (of course one for this party), so it seemed a natural progression. I christened the business Wishes, Ink and just launched a facebook page. So, you never know where your Mitzvah journey may take you. In creating a special day for your child and family, you may discover hidden talents that will take you on a new career path.
You also will likely discover many attributes you didn’t know you had – the ability to organize and keep track of all the vendor information; multitasking skills supreme; haggling skills and more. You may also discover a strength you didn’t know you had if your Mitzvah is in the aftermath of a loss. If you read my previous blog posts, you know that my father passed away just shy of six months before my son’s Bar Mitzvah. I really didn’t know how I would make it through what was supposed to be a joyous occasion without shedding tears. Watching my father-in-law make the motzi over the challah was particularly difficult and watching the amazing montage my niece created was heartbreaking. So, I turned away as my eyes welled up. I had watched it enough times to know each picture, each note, so I felt that I didn’t need to watch it that day. Of course I cried anyway, but when the time came for me to make my speech just a few moments after the montage ended, I managed to gather myself and speak from the heart to Drew, even though I hadn’t written anything down on paper, only in my head. That thread of bittersweet joy wove its way through the day and made it one we will all remember.
Thank you for sharing my Mitzvah journey. I have two and a half years before the next Bar Mitzvah – my middle son’s in May 2014. It was supposed to be in January, but with lots of out of town guests, I couldn’t risk a blizzard, plus I needed a bit more of a break! I’m sure the next two years will whiz by and I’ll be back here sharing my experiences, but with a bit more wisdom under my belt next time. Until then, Mazel Tov and enjoy your Mitzvahs!
About Stephanie Kepke Kaplan
Stephanie Kepke Kaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. Before kids she was an arts reporter, covering the Boston music and cultural scene (even though she is a born and bred Long Islander, she lived in Boston for nine years and her first son was born there). Now, she blogs at Boys, Dogs and Chaos (about life with – you guessed it – three boys and two dogs) and Mitzvah Mom. She is also working on a novel about a PTA mom. She has also written for Long Island Parent magazine.
Catch up on Stephanie’s previous posts:
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3
Post 4
Post 5
Post 6
Editor’s Note: Mazel Tov to the Kaplan family. Read The Kaplan Bar Mitzvah Family Spotlight story here.
November 6th, 2011
Nothing says celebrate at a Bar/Bat Mitzvah like confetti!
What a great way to excite your guests and infuse color and fun. You can use confetti in your invitations, as part of your decor and even exploding on the dance floor.
Here are some ideas on how to incorporate this festive decor element into your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration.
Take a look below:
Invitation In A Bottle includes the bottle, cork, royal blue and silver crinkle shred, Star of David confetti, and your message printed and tied with ribbon
This confetti mix from Windy City Novelties includes Star of David in gold and blue and is a perfect accent for Bar/Bat Mitzvah table decorations
Look like you are wearing confetti with this dress from It’s Simply For You!
You can customize your confetti with pictures at Photofetti. As seen in the Tacher Bat Mitzvah Family spotlight
Surprise your guests during your celebration with exploding balloons filled with confetti from Balloon Artistry
Maybe diamonds are more your thing and you love some bling. Check out jewel confetti from Beaucoup
Confetti in the number 13 from Chicoparty
Get Mitzvah day ready using Confetti nail polish from Deborah Lippmann
For a soft, romantic touch, Pink Rose confetti from Factory Direct Craft
These color-coordinated circles with confetti sprinkled in matching dots announces guests’ names and table numbers from Martha Stewart
A confetti theme cake from the Pink Cake Box
Did you use confetti at your party? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
November 6th, 2011
The Barnett family from Boca Raton, Florida, celebrated son Brett’s Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, January 24, 2015. The service was held in the morning at Congregation B’nai Israel and then it was onto the outdoor party held at the Sunset Cove Amphitheater in Boca Raton, Florida.
B.A.D, Colors 2015 was the theme, standing for (Brett After Dark). The family wanted it to feel like the Color Runs that are popular at festivals and 5ks. There were lots of glow-in-the dark colors, great music, delicious food, which were all really B.A.D,
Pictured above L-R: Brother Kyle, Mom Misti, Bar Mitzvah boy Brett, Dad Craig and Brother Tyler.
M Studio was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
The service was held at Congregation B’nai Israel.
Brett during his formal pictures at the temple
Dad Craig designed the service program which featured a colorful picture of Brett
The family worked with Karen Rosenwater Schloss of Creative Impressions on the neon green invitation.
The stamp was created on Zazzle.com
White shirts and jeans were the appropriate attire in anticipation for the burst of colors that was to come.
B.A.D. Colors 2015 was the theme. Party Planner Julie Cohen of It Events worked with the family and it all went off without a hitch! Everyone got into the spirit of the night especially when the color powder was discharged from 15 fire extinguishers.
A before shot with guests in white t-shirts to protect their clothes as the colored powder comes from every direction
The after shot
The venue was the very cool Sunset Cove Amphitheater in Boca Raton, Florida. It’s an entertainment facility that hosts concerts and festivals.
The stage changed colors all night long
Since B.A.D. Colors was the theme it was also integrated into the many delicious food options available to guests including food trucks and concession stand type of food — all delicious and gourmet by caterer Potions in Motions.
Servers wore custom logo’d t-shirts
One of the B.A.D. food options, a gourmet food truck offering specialty tacos
B.A.D. hot dogs and chicken sandwiches were delicious
B.A.D. condiments for the tacos
Custom colorful cocktails and neon cocktail napkins with Brett’s logo
ICEE Frozen Desserts was a great way to cool off
There was a sign-in book and poster for guests to leave a note to Brett.
Entrance Video:Chad Ehret, Timeline Video Productions, Deerfield Beach, FL
Concept by Dad, Brett and Chad Ehret – waiting for this link
Friends and family enjoyed entertainment by Michael Zeidman, of Z Pro Events, who produced concert-staged lighting, custom music mixes and a ‘wow’ entrance.
Brett making his entrance
Fun colorful glow-in-the-dark giveaways were a big hit
Great zap shots of all the action was shown on a loop throughout the party on large screens
The Mugshot Photo Booth Favor was custom designed by South Beach Photo Booth Company. There was also a tattoo artist from the Painted Phoenix.
The Barnett boys are a B.A.D. crew, but look adorable!
Tattoos with custom logo stencil allowed everyone to be B.A.D.
Brett’s guests received long sleeve t-shirt favors wrapped in clear plastic with custom labels.
On their way out, guests had their choice of some great desserts: Dunkin’ Donuts, a candy bar and custom M&M’s.
Many donuts to choice from
Guests dipping into the candy jars
Custom labeled pharmacy bottles filled with custom M&Ms that were hand-filled by the Barnett family
From Dad Craig and Mom Misti:
“Do not be afraid to think out of the box in order to create something truly unique and memorable. If you don’t see what you want, don’t be afraid to create it yourself and make it truly unique. The Internet is a great source of ideas and lower cost alternatives to customizing your party. Don’t feel obligated to follow the herd. There are no “must-haves.” Include those elements that you want and skip those you don’t. Most importantly, make sure the party fits the honoree’s personality.”
The following vendors helped to make Brett’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Temple: Congregation B’nai Israel, 561-241-8118
Synagogue Kiddush: Neil, VIP Caterers, 561-241-8000
Venue: Sunset Cove Amphitheater at South County Regional Park, Boca Raton, FL
Party Planner: Julie Cohen, It Events, 561-866-4019 with input from Mom Misti and Dad Craig
Party Venue Caterer: Iris Smeltz, Potions In Motion, 561-989-8879
Photography: Meir Israel, Studio M, 754-777-0027
Entrance Video/Videographer: Chad Ehret, Timeline Video Productions, 954-571-5155
Music Entertainment/MC/Staging/Lighting/Custom Gobo Lights: Michael Zeidman, Z Pro Events, 561-880-0215
Invitation: Karen Rosenwater Schloss, Creative Impressions, 561-477-6900
Party Insert/stamps: Created by Dad Craig on Zazzle.com
Custom Mugshot Photo Booth: South Beach Photo Booth Company
Airbrush Tattoos: Painted Phoenix,(561) 670-6597
Favors/Sign-In board: Artworks Printing, 954-893-7984
Custon Sunglasses: Designed by Dad; Discountmugs.com
M&M Label design: Zazzle.com
Wrap Bandanas and Tutu give aways: Alibaba Express
Icee Dessert Truck: Julie Cohen, It Events, 561-866-4019
Glow-In-The-Dark Color Powder: PurColour, 720-287-0057
Service Program: Designed by Dad using Vistaprint, 866-614-8002
Kippot and Tallit: Traditions, Festival Flea Market, 954-978-0770
Temple dress for Mom: Dillards
Suit for Brett and younger brother Tyler: Jonathan Reed Clothing
Suit for older brother Kyle: Men’s Wearhouse
Suit for Dad: Austin Burke, 305-576-2714
Mom’s hair: Sue Ann Sherwood
Mom’s makeup: Joanna, MAC Cosmetics, Town Center Mall, Boca Raton, Florida
November 5th, 2011
Jacob Gutmann Weingast celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on April 9, 2011 at Temple Israel of New Rochelle, New York.
He had a Rockmitzvah!
Rockmitzvah is a full service live musical ensemble of real rock and roll musicians. They created an exciting, positive and customized musical experience for all of the Weingasts’ guests.
Jacob rehearsed with the band and starred in the show. The band’s singer also functioned as a cool “MC” and ran the entire party from the horah and montage to the candle lighting.
All photography was by Liz Steger Hartzman of Liz Photo and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
Pictured above L-R: Bar Mitzvah boy Jacob, Dad Jim, younger brother Adam and Mom Elizabeth
The Weingast family ordered their JNF invitations from Pretty Paper and Polka Dots.
On the bottom of each invitation it said, “A contribution toward water resource development in Israel has been made in honor of Jacob becoming a Bar Mitzvah”
Jacob loves music and was able to be the star of his Bar Mitzvah, performing with Rockmitzvah, an amazing band. He played the keyboard, guitar and sang a few of his favorite songs with the band in front of all of his friends and family.
Jacob performing for family and friends
Jacob and younger brother Adam on drums
Marc from Rockmitzvah with Jacob and Adam
The entire family is musical! Here’s Mom Liz on guitar
The kids have fun with a stage dive!
Rockmitzvah allows your friends to get up and perform too!
The Weingast family went to a local Michael’s Floral Crafts for centerpieces.
Purple linens with lime green napkins
Beautiful arrangements from Michael’s
Below is Jacob’s sign-in board. He was even musical as young child!
The Weingast family paused for a moment to light the candle on Jacob’s cake.
Mom Elizabeth had some great Mom-to-Mom advice:
“Work with your husband. My husband and I worked as a team. We each had responsibilities for different things. Most importantly we listened to our son. He knew that he did not want a DJ, he was really into the idea of performing with a live band.
Rockmitzvah was a perfect fit for Jacob. He even chose the colors. We went with his ideas even down to the colored lighting of the room.”
Jacob served meals to families in need at Hope Community Services Soup Kitchen in New Rochelle, NY.
For more on this organization, click here.
Here’s a list of vendors who made Jacob’s party special. If you give anyone a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Temple Israel of New Rochelle, 914-235-1800
Caterer: RG Catering, 914-235-1800
Party Planner: The Weingasts did their own planning with the help of Rockmitzvah
Music Entertainment: Rockmitzvah
Favors: T-shirts by Rockmitzvah
Party entertainment: Photo booth, Wizard Meetings and Events
Invitation: Pretty Paper and Polka Dots, Prettypaper1@gmail.com
Cake: RG Catering, 914-235-1800
Décor/florist: Michael’s Floral Craft, 914-632-4711
Lighting: Hourglass Lighting, 914-714-1968
Hair: Ginger, Flip Hair Salon, 914-779-1900
Photographer: Liz Steger Hartzman, Liz Photo, 646-234-8494
Videographer: Encore Video Productions, 203-261-9163
Trivia Games/Giveaways: Hollywood Bill, 201-390-7720
November 3rd, 2011
We spend so much time talking about the Bat Mitzvah dress; we thought it might be fun to concentrate on the boys for a change!
Talk to any Mitzvah Mom of a boy and a girl and they will tell you how much easier it is to dress boys as a Bar/Bat Mitzvah guest or when shopping for their special Bar Mitzvah suit.
For more than 55 years, Lubins has served the Westchester and surrounding community. They offer suits, sportcoats, shirts, ties and shoes with the convenience of shopping at one location.
We went to expert Barry Kirschner from Lubin’s of Westchester to find out what’s going on in Mitzvah style for the guys and what you need to survive as your son goes “on the circuit”:
MM: It’s the start of the “Bar/Bat Mitzvah circuit” for many 7th grade boys, what do you suggest are the must-have fashion essentials?
BK: As the guest to a Bar or Bat Mitzvah service and/or party you need a basic blazer with a few pair of coordinating slacks (i.e. black/blue/grey/tan/brown), 2-3 button down shirts and 2-3 ties, a belt and dress shoes. Wearing a basic tweed sports coat will allow your son to stand out a bit from the crowd. This way, the boy can change his look at minimal expense, although many boys would wear the same thing all the time! Although most boys do not wear a suit to their friend’s temple service, it’s not a bad idea to own one. After his own event, hopefully, he’ll feel comfortable wearing his suit to other functions as well.
MM: This is a big time for growth for many of these kids, how long will these pants last (still fit)?
BK: A retailer who is tuned in to the growth of a 13 year old will alter any garment and leave 2 to 3 inches of growing room in the jacket sleeve and pants if possible. One of the advantages of buying “better” clothing is that the manufacturers leave extra material for this purpose. I’ve seen boys grow out of things in three months and I’ve seen things last 2 years. It simply depends on how fast they grow!
MM: What is the most popular look in a suit right now for a young man’s Bar Mitzvah?
BK: The current popular styling is a 2 button, side vented jacket with flat front pants. Modeling choices have become more limited in recent years as manufacturers cut back on their offerings to the retailer. It is the specialty stores where the customer will find the greatest range of sizes, fabrics and models.
MM: What type of look do you suggest for party chic? cocktail attire? Black-tie?
BK: Whether the invitation reads party chic or cocktail attire, the boys usually wear nice dress slacks (not cotton chinos please) and patterned or bold solid color sport shirts. Unless your son is the guest of honor, it isn’t usually necessary to rent a tuxedo for a black tie event. This is where he can wear his Bar-Mitzvah suit again!
MM: How much advance time from a Bar Mitzvah date is needed when shopping for a Bar Mitzvah suit?
BK: I suggest anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks before the event. Some people feel their kids grow like weeds and want to wait until the last possible moment. I say 2 weeks before is about the absolute limit. Some families choose to buy their suit much earlier (2-3 months in advance) and hold off on the alterations until they get within two to three weeks of the actual event. At least this way, the suit can be exchanged if the boy hits a major growth spurt.
MM: How much time is needed on alterations for a suit?
BK: We generally like to schedule alterations for 2 weeks but that also depends on the time of year and how busy we are. In the end, we always accommodate the customer needs…that is part of our service!
MM: Any new trends we should know about?
BK: We’re starting to see double breasted suits in the men’s industry again. Can boys be far behind?
For more information, visit their Website here.
You can also ask questions and get advice about fashion and more in our regional Facebook groups. Join here.
November 1st, 2011
We recently brought you an adorable Mitzvah Inspire from Always RSVP Events about a camp themed Kiddush luncheon. Now they are sharing this family’s evening celebration.
Although it was a kids party, they did have some adult guests who had dinner in a tent. Both groups converged in celebration on the outdoor dance floor!
“Camp” was the theme during the day, but there wasn’t a theme for their evening celebration. Always RSVP Events tells us the overall design of the party was based on the look of the invitations that were hot pink with black trim and gold dots. The event took place at Rosewood Sand Hill Hotel in Menlo Park, California. The tent and rentals were from Classic Party Rentals, flowers by Tapestry Florals and photography, Cantrell Portrait Design.
The pretty invitation was created by Always RSVP Events
This “dot” theme can be found in many other party elements
The place card table had the same pretty look as the invitations
Guests found their seating cards here
The entire room was blanketed by polka dot lighting patterns in pink and orange
The kids lounge area featured custom “step seating” with ottomans, bean-bags and pillows to create a cool lounge vibe
There was also a “Donation Station,” where the kids could create a gift for charity, The Make It…Count Project
Young guest could decorate a canvas bag and put in a stuffed animal or make a bead bracelet. All items were to be donated to kids in need at hospitals through Jewish Family Services and Ronald McDonald House
The young guests loved hanging out in their lounge with a DJ, airbrush tattoos, video games and interactive games
A glow bar with light-up martini glasses featured fun signature drinks
The adults were seated in a custom tent, designed to look like the invitation. Pink tent liner, black carpeting and a polka-dot valance looked sharp and sophisticated with a touch of whimsy
The outdoor dance floor glowed with hot pink polka dots, setting the stage for a night of partying and celebrating this special day!
A delicious dessert bar was enjoyed by all!
We want to thank Always RSVP Events for sharing this celebration with Mitzvah Market.
