May 12th, 2011
We have seen many cake toppers for weddings, but we are excited to introduce you to, You Top the Cake a company that makes toppers specifically for Bar/Bat Mitzvahs.
Their company name is a fun play on words because the topper reflects your personality or interests. Creator Sheryl is a former cake decorator and graphic designer.
These toppers are made from polymer clay which is a non toxic synthetic that is formed and then oven baked in order to become permanent. They are then glazed with a clear gloss. They will last forever if handled with care.
Let the cake topper reflect your child’s humor, hobbies, and uniqueness. From the comical to the sophisticated, traditional to the outrageous.
The cake toppers are handmade without a mold so she can make anything you want. They are about 5″ tall and are on a clay base that will have your child’s name & date written on it.
Depending on Sheryl’s schedule she needs about 8 weeks advance notice to create your topper. If you need one sooner, she will try and accommodate your time frame. When your topper is finished Sheryl will email you pictures of the completed cake topper for your approval.
For more information, visit her Website.
May 11th, 2011
Geller Events is a boutique special events firm, specializing in weddings, special occasions and corporate events in the Los Angeles area and worldwide.
Each of their events has an unique look and feel because it is designed to reflect each client’s personality and style.
For this particular Bat Mitzvah sunflowers and Tuscany was the theme. Looking at these pictures will just make you smile! Make sure to get to the last photo…we love how this Bat Mitzvah girl “made her entrance!”
The place card table looks beautiful adorned with sunflowers and hydrangea
An archway of flowers flank the entrance into the reception
Pulled back drapery creates a dramatic look
The pretty room is ready for guests
We love the bicycle worked into the centerpiece
Sunflowers everywhere!
A delicious cupcake display
One of our favorites, we love this! Just like after a Wedding ceremony.
Thank you to Geller Events for sharing this pretty Bat Mitzvah celebration with our readers.
May 10th, 2011
The Lorry family from Wynnewood, Pennsylvania wanted to have a fun “kids party” to celebrate their son Benjamin’s Bar Mitzvah. They succeeded and we know this spotlight will inspire many of our readers to do the same!
Ben’s Bar Mitzvah service was followed by a beautiful Kiddush luncheon at the Villanova Conference Center and Hotel in Villanova, Pennsylvania. In the evening, the” kids party” was held at the Kaiserman JCC in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania.
All party photography was done by Ann Marie Casey Photography and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured L-R: Mom Liz, Sister Emily, Bar Mitzvah boy Benjamin and Dad David.
The Lorry family in a beautiful portrait in the gardens of the Villanova Conference Center and Hotel. Mitzvah Mom Liz got her dress from Elizabeth Maar and daughter Emily got her dress at My Kidz Korner. Bar Mitzvah boy Ben got his suit from Boy’s Connection all in the suburban Philadelphia area.
The Villanova Conference Center and Hotel was the site for the Kiddush luncheon for family and close friends after Ben’s service. The theme was easy to choose, Ben loves soccer.
Guests enjoying the beautiful weather and gardens during the cocktail hour
Place cards to Ben’s English Premier League were set in astro turf decorated with a floral soccer ball
Long Stems Floral did a beautiful job with this centerpiece coordinating the flowers with the soccer ball
Each table was named after an English Premier League Team
Some of Ben’s friends signing his poster
Ciao Bella Cakes created something special for Ben in the shape of a soccer field and for guests to enjoy during the luncheon.
Cupcakes flank both sides
In the evening, it was on to the Kaiserman JCC where the theme was FUN!! Marc Fisher Entertainment organized a huge gymnasium filled with inflatables, great music and lighting. The Gourmet Vendor provided great food and the clothing style was comfort!
First order of business was to remove your shoes!
Many inflatables were there for Ben’s friends to enjoy including this large B!
The view from above – pretty awesome
Lots of places to have fun
The Lorrys are jumping for joy over Ben!
Having fun with a beach ball and hot dog carts
Ben and a few of his friends get together for a picture
Mitzvah Mom Liz told this to Mitzvah Market and we had to share: “I have to tell you that once the night was over, and we were back at home, I asked my son how he liked his Bar Mitzvah and he told me, ‘Mom, it was the best Bar Mitzvah ever!’ I can’t tell you what that meant to me. I will never forget that day and night.”
Here is a list of the Mitzvah vendors who helped make Benjamin’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you call any of them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com. Thanks!
May 9th, 2011
We profiled Nicholas Lowinger in the past for his unbelievable Mitzvah Project! He created a non-profit organization called, Gotta Have Sole which helps kids in shelters get new shoes.
On November 13, 2010 the Lowinger family celebrated his Bar Mitzvah at Temple Sinai in Cranston, Rhode Island followed that evening by a party at the Alpine Country Club.
All photography was done by Skorski Photography and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured L-R: Dad Danny, Bar Mitzvah boy Nicholas, Mom Lori
Their classic navy and white invitations were created by Crosstown Press.
Mitzvah Mom Lori tell us, “Not only is Nicholas a ‘sole’ man, but he is a Beatles fan, as well!” The Beatles became his theme, so any time she saw Beatles related things she bought them to use as part of the decor.
Tie dye t-shirts with guitars were used as chair covers on everyone’s seat and certainly added to the decor!
The images in the centerpieces above were all made by Nicholas’ creative parents!
Friends love their new shirts!
The theme continues on the tables
Check out all the posters below (with Nicholas’ photo included!) that were used as decor around the room and in the lobby.
These unique seating cards were created by Parties By Debi. Additionally, corresponding Beatles 33 records were used as the charger underneath the vase of flowers on each of the adults’ tables.
Guests grabbed their “records” placed in guitar holders to see where they were sitting
This home-made poster told the kids where they were sitting!
For his sign-in board, Nicholas used a real guitar.
Siagel Productions from Boston offered great music and entertainment for Nicholas’ celebration.
Nicholas “makes his entrance”
Young guests were given blow-up guitars
Nicholas and his Mom share a special moment.
For his Mitzvah cake, a cupcake display was created by Nancy’s Fancies.
This label was placed on boxes for guests to take home a cupcake treat!
Some advice from Mitzvah Mom Lori: “As soon as we received my son’s Bar Mitzvah date 2 ½ years before, I booked the venue, photographer and videographer. I created a timeline for all of the tasks that needed to be accomplished and stuck to it. I also made sure everything I needed to do was finished 1 week before the event, and therefore, the week of his Bar Mitzvah was a time I was able to reflect on the young man Nicholas was becoming and what the upcoming simcha meant to my family and me.”
She continues, “It is important to make sure your child picks a theme early so you have enough time to put ideas together, whether or not you go through a party planner or are going to create things yourself.”
A great idea! “If you have any family heirlooms that could be incorporated into your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah, it creates a very meaningful touch. We used candle stick holders during the Friday night Shabbat services that belonged to Nicholas’ great, great, great, great grandmother, and a special tallit that was handed down from Nicholas’ grandfather to his father on his Bar Mitzvah. We wrapped it around the Torah.”
Special family tallit
Here is a list of vendors who made Nicholas’ Bar Mitzvah special. If you call any of them, please let them know you heard about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Alpine Country Club 401-943-2670
Party Planner: Laurie Robinson, Event Planning Specialists 401-523-51073
Music Entertainment: DJ/MC: Greg/Jasper from Siagel Productions 617-614-5427
Invitation: Crosstown Press 401-941-4061
Place Cards: Parties by Debi 713-662-6039
Photographer: Skorski Photography 401-821-7639
Videographer: Prime Time Video 401-941-1202
Décor/florist: Stone Blossom 401-884-3220, All table arrangements: Mitzvah Mom Lori
Favors: Aardvark Annies
Party entertainment: Airbrush Tattos, Fun Enterprises 781-340-0180
Cake: Nancy’s Fancies Cakes 401-421-2253
Mom Dress: Mel and Me, 401-943-4646
Suits for family members: Simon and Sons, Paul Simon 617-969-8844
Hair/makeup: Coiffurium Salon, Patti 401-331-1115
May 9th, 2011
By Shelley Tunis, Owner, Occasionally Yours
There’s nothing quite like throwing a big party, especially a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. If you’ve planned one, you know what an experience it is. You’ve probably also been to dozens of affairs…but have you ever wondered what it takes to be the best party guest?
Here’s the top ten ways to make your hostess be glad she invited you as a guest!
1. Show Your Support: Everybody could use a hand, so don’t sit on yours. Offer support to your friend as she’s planning the event, and advice if you have experience that’s of value. As much as possible, soothe nerves, offer encouragement and anticipate problems. Be a Big Sister.
2. Be Outgoing at the Temple and the Reception: Engage out of town relatives and friends so they don’t feel disconnected. If you see someone who looks lost, or if they seem not to know many people, introduce yourself and share your relationship to the family. Bring another friend over to join you in making them feel welcome.
3. Break the Ice: When you get to your table, step up and be the hostess. Do the introductions — always a good way to break the ice – and be enthusiastic about the party.
4. You Should Be Dancin’: Don’t get comfortable in your chair! Get up and participate in all the action. Go onto the dance floor and have fun. Kick off your heels, wear the boas, the hats, the beads and necklaces and dance with the group. Remember this rule of thumb; the more people packing the dance floor, the better the party.
5. Go Wild…But Not Too Wild: You want to have a good time, so feel free to be silly and let loose. Laugh heartily, sing along with the band, be funny… but don’t overindulge. Your hostess will appreciate you so much more if you refrain from getting drunk. Everyone remembers the guests who “over-do” it!
6. Lend A Hand: Seek out the hostess and offer your help. See if she needs anything done. Offer your services, like checking the hallways and bathrooms to make sure children are not roaming around unsupervised.
7. Be A Problem-Solver: If something looks out of place, try to solve the problem without concerning the hosts. For instance, if you see dirty dishes piled up by the buffet, speak to the catering manager. If the seating cards are askew, straighten them out.
8. Pay Attention: Make sure that everyone’s having a good time, especially the young teens. Be sure they’re inclusive so that nobody is made to feel isolated and lonely. All of us can remember that feeling.
9. For the Duration: You’re at a party, so enjoy yourself and plan on being there all night long. Don’t be the first to leave and, if possible, stay until the last dance.
10. The Morning After: Don’t forget to call the hostess the next day to let her know what an awesome party it was. Remember that everyone loves a compliment and after all the time and effort she put into the party, she’ll be anxious for your positive review.
About Occasionally Yours
Occasionally Yours helps you choose your Bar & Bat Mitzvah invitations in a relaxed, friendly environment where you get the full expertise and knowledge of a professional stationer.
Here you will see the largest selection of invitations, customized for you in all price ranges. Once your invitations are delivered, Occasionally Yours offers Custom Computer Calligraphy to ensure your invitations get addressed in style.
May 7th, 2011
There’s no doubt that video is starting to play a much bigger role in Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations. We reported on the “entrance video” trend in the past and now we are going to get expert tips on how to make your child’s stand out!
Showcasing your child’s talents and personality in a custom video is a perfect way to introduce your child at his or her big party!
We asked Wanda Weber from Spot On Pictures to give us some things to consider if you are thinking of doing an entrance video for your child.
Here are a few tips she would like us all to think about:
BE REALISTIC
Is your child really comfortable in front of a camera? Do they really share your vision and idea for a video?
If the answer is YES, then collaborate with your child on an entrance video concept. Get them involved as early as possible. Their enthusiasm will be infectious and will create a more cooperative atmosphere when the camera is rolling.
KEEP IT SHORT
A two to three minute entrance video is all you need to set the stage for the perfect entrance!
Work with a professional video production company that has a good track record in producing entrance videos. Be sure to ask for examples of their recent work and ask to talk to their recent entrance video clients. There’s nothing like the recommendation of another parent to give you confidence in your video production company.
Write down your concept in detail and review it with your video production company prior to hiring them. Make sure they understand your ideas and see if they’ll collaborate with you. You want to work with a company that will not only make your ideas a reality, but will creatively build on those ideas to make the biggest impact.
Once hired, make sure your video production company gives you a detailed shot list; script (if any) and a prop/wardrobe list at least three weeks before your shoot date.
Be sure to gather all props and wardrobe items as early as possible. You’ll save time and money if you’re well prepared.
Make sure your child is well rested, rehearsed and prepared for the day of shooting. Will he or she be lip-synching to a song? If so, make sure they know the song inside and out. Again, this will save you time and money because your video crew will “get the shot” with fewer “takes”…and less editing time in post production.
Last bit of advice – everyone RELAX and have FUN! FUN shows up on video and everyone will be thrilled with the results.
About Spot On Pictures
Spot On Pictures is a full service video production company ready to help you create a high impact entrance video or innovative multimedia montage that will be the highlight of your celebration. They have been in the video business for over 20 years and have been developing creative and entertaining montages for well over 10 years. The head of production, Gemma Tummolo used to cut movie trailers, network commercials and PBS Documentaries – so your montage will be produced and edited by one of the very best in the business.
To learn more about Spot On Pictures, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
Here are a two recent entrance video examples from Spot On Pictures:
Ally’s Entrance Video
Ben & Julia’s Entrance Video
May 4th, 2011
At some Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations, families want to let guests know the date for the younger siblings upcoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration.
We’ve reported on Big Huge Labs in the past and have also heard about families that have a message at the end of their montage announcing the young child’s upcoming date.
We love this idea below sent in from a Chicago Mitzvah Mom. She recently celebrated her son’s Bar Mitzvah and had this life-size blow-up created of younger son Zach announcing his upcoming date. She says it was a BIG hit.
Although this looks like the real Zach, it’s just a life-sized blow-up of him!
Mitzvah vendors like Simon Elliot Events or Party 411 can create this type of blow-up for you. Did you have a creative “Coming Attraction” idea? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
May 4th, 2011
In the past, we have written about creative place cards for your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration.
We recently found an edible option on Facebook that we wanted to share.
MolliPops was started in September of 2010 and the response from anyone who tasted a cake pop was overwhelmingly positive.
Each MolliPop is handmade with cake and frosting, then coated with chocolate or white chocolate in any color and decorated however you’d like! The cake combinations and decoration possibilities are endless
MolliPops can make hand deliveries in Northern New Jersey for a fee (which varies by distance) and can ship by UPS or FedEx for an additional shipping fee anywhere in the country.
Football themed Mollipops
Customers may pick from a variety of standard cake flavors; however, everything from the cake flavor to the chocolate coating to the decoration style is customizable. They can even make special shapes! Individual tags are also customizable.
MolliPops have been used as place cards at Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. Each MolliPop matched the theme and colors of the party.
The tag on each MolliPop stated the guest’s name and their table
MolliPops can easily be customized as favors to include a tag, such as “Mollie’s Winter Wonderland 2-28-11.”
They can make MolliPops for individuals with peanut allergies using a different type of chocolate coating than we regularly use. For individuals with peanut allergies, they use a chocolate coating from a peanut-free factory.
MolliPops start at $20 a dozen for the most basic pops (round shape with your choice of sprinkles, sugar, or other topping). The price per dozen increases based on the complexity of the design.
We can be reached by email at mollipops4me@gmail.com.
MolliPops are prepared with lots of TLC, so they request at least one week’s notice on orders with quantities fewer than 50 MolliPops. For large affairs, we require at least one month’s notice.
MolliPops can only produce a certain number of MolliPops each week, so please contact them at mollipops4me@gmail.com if you are interested in their product.
May 4th, 2011
Eventful Productions is a full service event production company, specializing in social, corporate, and wedding events. They are trend makers and setters constantly looking out for the next best idea, design, innovation and wow factor as seen in their last Mitzvah Inspire: Will’s Wonka.
Today it’s all about the Hamptons which make us think about A-listers, beaches, mansions, and vacation. Eventful Productions brought the Hamptons home to Nassau County for a relatively moderate budget with a B’nai Mitzvahs at Tam O’Shanter Club in Brookville, New York. See below:
Pylons with life preservers hanging on them and a highway sign lined the beautifully lit hallway leading into the ballroom
Once the guests entered the ballroom, they found themselves in the adults section. Here the tables were a combination of rounds, rounds with umbrellas, a long banquet, and high 8’ banquets
Each table had a variety of different tablecloths and centerpieces in blue and white and had a customized sign displaying the table name (various Hamptons locations). Special navy blue, light blue, and white chiavari/ballroom chairs were utilized
A stunning backdrop of blue skies and an endless ocean was placed at the center of the room. Right in front of it was a 3-level wooden boardwalk adorned with street lamps and various signs. This was used as a dance platform and as an additional seating area for the kids
The kids area had picnic tables with umbrellas, 2 cabanas, and a “Snack Bar” which later changed into “The Fudge Co.” when dessert was served
All 5 dancers had fully customized lifeguard uniforms in navy blue, light blue, and white that were provided for them
To learn more about Eventful Productions, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
April 30th, 2011
We saw something new at the recent ORT Party Planning Showcase and wanted to share it with our Mitzvah Market readers.
Are you a fan of the game show Million Dollar Money Drop on Fox-TV? Make It Snappy has created a Bar/Bat Mitzvah version called, Million Dollar Candy Drop – the newest game in town!
Contestants man the 4 slots to answer questions to possibly win money and/or candy. You can even customize the questions. Bet small or bet all, just hope the candy doesn’t fall!
To see the game in action, check out this video here.
For more information on having Million Dollar Candy Drop at your event, contact Sol from Make It Snappy at 917-567-7383.
