June 12th, 2013
When planning your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration, it’s fun to bring their personality into their special day.
Many families are doing this with their child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah party entrance. We have previously written about Creative “Make An Entrance” Ideas and decided to round up some more.
Some are funny, some coordinate with a theme, but all are memorable! Here are some of our favorites to inspire you when planning for your child.
Party Harty Entertainment shows us how the entire family got into the entrance fun with the Bar Mitzvah boy entering on a dirt bike (top right) at his celebration at Driftwood Day Camp
The DanceJock Productions dancers help this Bar Mitzvah boy “Ride the Wave” into his party
From A&G Picture This!, Max enters his sports themed party with guests waving rally towels
Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company captured this Bar Mitzvah boy’s friends carrying him in for his entrance
Lighter Than Air can create a “break through” wall to match any theme like they did above for Jordan’s World Cup Bar Mitzvah
Jimmy Dee Entertainment shares Max’s entrance on roller blades
Casual Candids captured this Bar Mitzvah boy’s entrance on a motorcycle
Event planner Melissa Imberman of The Event of A Lifetime had daughter Morgan carried into the room by her DJ dancers to “Queen of the Jungle,” on a raft that was adorned with zebra print fabric, neon pink ruffles, leaves, and flowers
This Bar Mitzvah boy made his entrance into his party on a custom built “Zamboni” by X-Quisite Flowers and Events Inc
R.E.A.D. Amusements offers Segways to rent for your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah entrance!
Christine Foster Photography sent in this guest appearance by The Phillie Phanatic to get Jake’s party started!
From Beautiful Blooms, Bat Mitzvah girl Shayna makes her entrance on the boardwalk in Atlantic City
Did your child have a creative Bar Bat Mitzvah entrance? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
June 9th, 2013
Anyone with a 13-year-old knows how advanced they are using their cellphones and navigating apps!
Now tech-savvy Mitzvah Moms can join in on the fun and plan their child’s special day.
We have come across a variety of apps, many that are free, and relevant in the Bar Bat Mitzvah world.
Take a look below:
Groovebook.com
With all the picture taking that goes on at Bar Bat Mitzvahs, we loved this FREE app that prints your monthly camera roll into a 4.5” x 6.5” photo book for FREE and mails it to you monthly. Your photos are printed on glossy photo paper and are perforated for easy removal so you can share, frame, or put into albums. They also include the location and date outside of perforation for reference.
We love how easy it is for your iPhone photos to get from your phone to a photobook to your mailbox!
MyMitzvahApp.com
This is the newest tech-savvy product for the Bar Bat Mitzvah world. For a one time design set-up fee, you will get up to five personalized pages for your app and can share information about your service, party, directions, Mitzvah project and collect RSVPs.
This app will work on virtually every phone and tablet on the market today. You can also match your new app with a custom invitation suite from invitationsbyAna.com
The Seating Planner +
This app, which can be found on iTunes will help with your Bar Bat Mitzvah seating once your RSVPs are all returned.
It is easy to move around your guests until your tables are perfect!
Photo Mosaic
This can be downloaded for free from the App Store. It’s then easy to create a mosaic of you and your friend. The image can be downloaded and printed for a small fee.
A great gift for the Bar Bat Mitzvah child from their friend!
Have you found any apps related to the Bar Bat Mitzvah world? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
June 5th, 2013
There are many details and creative ways to make your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration unique and memorable.
Table numbers can be one of those! They are essential if you are not doing open seating or a club lounge set up.
Whether they’re hanging, floating, edible or funky, table numbers have become a great way to incorporate your theme and make your guests proud to sit at their table!
There are many creative ideas out there. Look at our previous story here and take a look at some new ideas we have found below:
From the Lindsay Silverman Mitzvah Family Spotlight, this family used photos of the Bat Mitzvah girl at various ages as table numbers!
Sarah Merians Photography & Video sent us these pretty table numbers that match the flowers used in the centerpieces
Event planner Melisa Imberman of The Event of a Lifetime used tree bark as table numbers for her daughter Morgan’s jungle inspired theme. See the rest of this spotlight here
Total-Party created this book centerpiece for a Bar Mitzvah boy’s book of life theme starting with Chapter 1 for Table 1!
A football themed table number from One of A Kind Party Design
Simcha Events created ice sculptures in the form of hockey helmets with the Bar Mitzvah boy’s favorite numbers on them
For a butterfly theme, Two Thirds Design Shop creates these table numbers on Etsy
Oh So Fabulous event planners used this fun table number for a recent event
Verbena Designs Inc. used pieces of colored pencils to create the table numbers in the Brenner Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight
The Portrait Shoppe helped create these table numbers for a guest of honor that loved all types of movies
Linzi Events had airplanes flying over each table to signify where guests should sit
Balloon Artistry shows us table numbers not only incorporating the Bar Bat Mitzvah child’s picture, but also their favorite TV shows!
Occasionsonline featured a baseball themed Bar Mitzvah with baseball phrases etched on pendants
Creative Events Charlotte used dancing styles for each table number for a dance themed Bat Mitzvah
The table numbers were matched to individual starfish place cards. All of these were for a Bat Mitzvah at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk
The 8 yard line is this table’s number for a football themed Bar Mitzvah from North Shore Photography
For this Rock n Roll themed Bar Mitzvah at the Crystal Ballroom at the Radisson Freehold, each table is represented by a different classic rock band. Photos courtesy of David Todd Photographers
The Cookie Girl Bake Shop created these cookie table numbers for a Bat Mitzvah girl with the initials “BFF.” Her theme was texting, and pictured above is the OMG table
This Bat Mitzvah was a real treat, with a décor plan that centered on all that was “pretty tasty in pink.” Philadelphia-area event design boutique La Petite Fleur created candy shoppe centerpieces that incorporated the table numbers as a design element. Die-cut gold-glitter numbers were suspended from the sticks of pink swirl suckers and secured on top of candy canisters with pink satin. Photo Courtesy of La Petite Fleur
For this Bat Mitzvah from Lifetyme Photo & Video, words like Peace and Love were used as the table names
This idea is from Flower Power Designs for a “Mollywood” themed Bat Mitzvah. Each young guest received an “Oscar” (left) that told them what “movie” table they were sitting at (right)
Dazzling Parties created these table numbers for brothers who had a basketball themed Bar Mitzvah
Did you have a great Table Number idea? Send it to us at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
June 4th, 2013
It is hard to select 13 years worth of photos for your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah montage.
Images4Ever will help you select photos and then have these memories of family and friends unfold in front of your guests using your dazzling pictures, creative backgrounds, video footage, music of your choice and personalized messages. They create a high quality DVD keepsake for any event.
The montage below was created by Images4ever, in a very short time period. The client was not sure whether or not they wanted a montage and thought about putting all the pictures together at the very last minute. They were extremely happy with the end product and word has it the guests enjoyed it as well! Images4ever prefers to get all the pictures about 6-8 weeks before the event.
Watch Max’s story here
To learn more about Images4Ever, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
June 3rd, 2013
Somehow we always have room for the delicious dessert, candy and cake at a Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration.
Whether you’re thinking about a single plated dessert for your party or an elaborate sweet table, there are so many choices for you to consider. You can even bring in outside companies who specialize in one or more delectable delights.
We’ve gathered some great choices for you to sample. Dig in below!
Enjoy…
Gina Marie Cake & Co.
Contact: Gina Marie, 718-724-3236, info@ginamariecake.com
From birthdays to weddings and all that’s in between let Gina Marie Cake & Co. create a one of a kind masterpiece to wow your guests and leave a lasting impression! Specializing in designs that are traditional yet innovative, with a goal to challenge the ordinary and create a masterpiece that is extraordinary. Each design is customized to reflect your very own personality and style. We take pride in every cake being the most memorable finale to any event!
Top left photo: Basketball cake: Barkley & O’neal Basketball cake. Basketball net, basketball and two jerseys draped along the sides of a custom two tier cake
Top right photo: Blue Cake. Royal & Pearl Cake designed with Quilted textured Fondant, curtains of sugar pearls with cascading Gumpaste peony and roses
Bottom left photo: Dress cake: Haute Couture Gown Cake designed with a double tiered bottom covered in a curtain ruffling of sugar, accented with luster dust and crystal jewel bands
Bottom right photo: Chocolate, Vanilla & Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes
A Sprinkle and a Dash
Contact: Sharon Tracy, 516-526-7475, sales@asprinkleandadash.com
My Cup of Cake™, a warm, all natural Belgian chocolate soufflé cake that is made in less than 3 minutes is the ultimate event gift.
Customize the package and imprint the cup with your logo and place your personal note inside. We’ll even help you create the perfect logo at no additional charge!
You don’t have to be a chef or visit a high class restaurant to provide your guests with a light and airy soufflé cake combined with the gooey, melt-in-your-mouth decadence of molten lava cakes.
Includes a 16-ounce ceramic mug and chocolate soufflé cake mix and generously serves 2 or more or choose our “mini” just for one!
Let us host your next event. We can provide staffing and serve up warm, chocolate soufflé cakes instantly to your guests. It only takes seconds to provide everyone with the ultimate dessert.
Top left and bottom right photos: Imprinted logo for both cups
Bottom left photo: Soufflé Cake Refill for the canister photo
Top right photo: “Mini” My Cup of Cake customizable chocolate souffle cakes you make in minutes
Just A Bite Desserts
Contact: Paula Rosenthal, paula@justabitedesserts.com
Combining her strict standards for delicious desserts and experience planning events, Paula Rosenthal founded Just a Bite Desserts, a dessert styling and sourcing firm in 2011. Paula works with clients to create beautiful, custom dessert tables that guests will remember for years. Paula sources specialty desserts both locally and nationwide, choosing only the best quality sweets to meet her clients’ discriminating tastes. “Let Just a Bite Desserts finish your affair in sweet style!”™ Contact Paula at paula@justabitedesserts.com to get started today!
Just a Bite Desserts can provide sweet endings for Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, Sweet 16s, weddings or any occasion!
CandyCentral.com
Contact: Rachel Holick, 908-687-5800, rachel@candycentral.com
Candycentral.com is a full service distributor of candy, gum and snack items in East Hanover, New Jersey. As a fourth generation company, we have proudly been serving customers since 1937. We carry an incredible selection of chocolate and non-chocolate candy, gum, mints, gluten-free, sugar-free, Kosher and Licensed items, along with our popular retro/novelty items. Choose from manufacturers like M&M Mars, Hershey, Nestle, PEZ, Willy Wonka, or Tootsie…the list is endless. We offer a tremendous selection with low prices and fast delivery.
Clockwise from top left: Choose your favorite color M&Ms for a theme! * Create your own candy bar! * Celebrate with an assortment of colored coins. * An assortment of Whirly Pops!
Covered In Candy
Contact: Laurie Zucker, 646-234-9635, Laurie@coveredincandy.com
COVERED IN CANDY creates unique candy covered gifts for any occasion. From basketballs, soccer balls, lacrosse sticks to peace signs even handbags and shoes. Candylicious Centerpieces and Yummy Eye Popping Candy Buffets are also our specialty. From the smallest of gatherings to Camp Visiting Days, Baby Showers, Sweet 16’s, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, to large corporate events, COVERED IN CANDY designs each and every candy creation special for you. EVERYBODY DESERVES A LITTLE SWEETNESS IN LIFE!!! We are looking forward to creating a CANDYLICIOUS unique CANDY EXPERIENCE for you! Visit us on Facebook.
Top Left Photo: Pink Candy Buffet
Top Right Photo: Various Covered In Candy Centerpieces
Bottom Left Photo: Technology Candy Cake For Your Favorite Tech Guy/Gal
Bottom Right Photo: Candy Covered Initials
Dana’s Bakery
Contact: Dana Loia, 800-477-1816, info@danasbakery.com
Life should be exciting and so should your dessert! Dana’s Bakery brings you a unique experience by revolutionizing the traditional French macaron with an authentic American twist. With flavors such as Birthday Cake, Champagne, Red Velvet and Chocolate Molten Mac, these Kosher and 100% Gluten-Free goodies are the perfect treat for any event. Looking for custom colors, flavors, and unique macaron creations for your special occasion? The unconventional and unexpected is what Dana’s bakery is all about. Email Dana’s Bakery at info@danasbakery.com or call 800-477-1816 to discuss your specific needs. Follow us on Twitter @danasbakery and Instagram @danasbakery, “Like” us on Facebook, or check out our boards on Pinterest for our latest creations.
Top photo: Some fun flavors like Orange Creamsicle, Peanut Butter & Jelly, Key Lime, Birthday Cake and Red Velvet Macarons
Middle left photo: Macaron Tower Bar Mitzvah candle lighting ceremony
Middle right photo: Red Velvet party favors
Bottom left photo: Gift box take-aways
Bottom right photo: Macaron Tower centerpiece
Dina’s Delights
Contact: Dina Tsiorvas, 516-578-7568, Dina@DinasDelights.net
There are many places you can go for cakes and cupcakes, but we at Dina’s Delights pride ourselves in treating your event like it’s our own special day. From consult to design, we truly enjoy creating custom cakes, or towers to serve as the centerpiece of any affair. We have provided dessert for events from Manhattan to Montauk. With our competitive packages and pricing, we are your source for custom creations for events of any size.
Top left photo: Pink and black topsy turvy Bat Mitzvah cake
Top right photo: Sports themed cake pops serve as a table centerpiece for this Bar Mitzvah luncheon
Bottom left photo: A mardi-gras inspired cupcake tower with a purple and green cake topper
Bottom right photo: A six layer pink and silver cake really bought the “wow” factor to this girl’s celebration
ZaJus Gourmet
Contact: Zac Odumes, 609-835-0211, zajusgourmet@gmail.com
Tasty food, delicious drinks & great times! At ZaJus Gourmet, we specialize in yummy fresh fruit smoothies or we can fill the room with the sweet aroma of freshly made waffles topped with ice cream.
Whichever one your choose, it will be a big hit at your son or daughter’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah. With our smoothies you will have the choice of our Tiki Bar set up. We provide you with 1-2 professional servers/cooks dressed in Hawaiian shirts or attire to fit any theme. Everything is certified Kosher.
Top photo left: Fresh made waffles topped with delicious ice cream, caramel, chocolate and whipped cream
Top right photo: Check out some of our happy clients
Bottom left photo: ZaJus Gourmet will provide fantastic service and great flavors, something that your son or daughter will always remember
Bottom right photo: Sensational smoothies made in assorted gourmet flavors
June 2nd, 2013
We found these cool one-of-a-kind art pieces by PrintChicks on Etsy.com. They are personalized for the recipient and would work as a gift for the Bar Bar Mitzvah child or as decor for their celebration.
Customization includes the child’s name, 3-4 color scheme options and up to 4 words (if any) that you would like to include in the print. You can also personalize the print with team colors, a favorite players’ number, or add some favorite team words.
Standard poster sizes come in 5 x 7, 8 x 10, 11 x 14 and 16 x 20 but they can also create a 24 x 36 size upon request.
They will send you a proof within 48 business hours of your purchase. Take a peek at some samples below:
In navy and black for a soccer player named Aiden
In the navy and orange color combo
In pastel colors, this one is for an ice skater
Here’s one for Sara, who likes soccer
To learn more, visit their Website.
June 1st, 2013
By Leslie Price, In Any Event
Whether I’m planning a Bar/Bat Mitzvah or Wedding, my clients often ask how to incorporate the memory of a loved one at a party without seeming morbid and sad.
In fact, nearly every celebration I’ve ever planned has acknowledged and honored a relative who is no longer with us. The secret is to do it in a way that is joyful, not mournful.
If you plan to have a traditional candle lighting or montage, it’s an easy and obvious way to include someone in loving memory.
Here are 7 other ideas which are meaningful ways to acknowledge the loved one during a Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration:
1. Use Photos – As an alternative to photos of the Mitzvah child at the entrance or around cocktails, use old family photos which create a sense of heritage and belonging. Frame each photo and hang it as an art installation with a short description of who, what, where and when next to each. It also gives your guests something fun and interesting to look at and discuss during cocktails. You can also create a family time line by including photos of other relatives at their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs and important family milestones.
If you can’t hang anything on the walls, use easels or consider digital photo frames on each table during cocktail hour with a slide show dedicated in loving memory. Add a card ‘In Loving Memory” with the name and relationship to the Mitzvah child. Group it in among other family photos to create more interest and reduce the ‘shrine’ effect. Perhaps even write a brief description of a favorite memory from one of the photos or a short letter which can be displayed along side the photo. If it’s celebratory, it’s not morbid.
2. Food and Drink – There are more subtle ways of infusing a loved one into the celebration; for instance, using a favorite recipe or drink in memory of a loved one, and mentioning it on the menu….
Grandpa Joe’s Filet Mignon
Served with shoe string French fries
Just the way he would have liked it
3. Favors – Recently, a client gave each guest a reusable bag with a mini challah, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla along with Bubby’s Famous French Toast recipe card and a short paragraph about Bubby. What a hit!
4. Printed Materials – In addition to menus and favors, you can mention a loved one in your Mitzvah program if you customize it (about $12 each at www.invitationsbyana.com).
This Mitzvah program above used the theme of a butterfly which was symbolic to the guest of honor
In the program, there is a section devoted to loving memory.
We remember with love, Grandpa Herbie,
who would have loved every minute of this day.
5. Donations – Another wonderful and meaningful way to acknowledge a loved one is to make a donation to their favorite charity or an organization which in some way relates to their memory. Attach a card which can be distributed to each guest, tastefully, with dessert.
In lieu of traditional favors, a donation has been made to Plant trees in Israel. Grandma Maddy would be very proud.
6. Momentos – Use an item from the deceased during the service whether it’s a talit, kiddush cup or a piece of jewelry, it’s a great way to honor their memory. (Try: OnceUponATallis)
7. No-No’s – While there’s no ‘wrong’ way to remember someone with love, there are two things to avoid at a party; empty chairs around a table and moments of silence — both are party killers. No one wants to be sad on a happy day.
We would like to thank Leslie for these great ideas. You can read more of her guest columns here:
Creative Ideas for the Candle Lighting Ceremony Part 1
Creative Ideas for the Candle Lighting Ceremony Part 2
June 1st, 2013
The Rubin family from Roslyn, New York celebrated daughter Sophie’s Bat Mitzvah on November 24, 2012 at Temple Sinai in Roslyn, New York.
Later that evening, it was a “white out” reception, with a South Beach nightclub feel at H On The Harbor in Port Washington, New York.
Pictured L-R: Sister Maddie, Dad Jason, Bat Mitzvah girl Sophie and Mom Wendy.
Party photography was by Stephen Andrews Photography and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
Sophie at her service at Temple Sinai.
Dara Grunberg of Dear Friends created Sophie’s white hot invitation which gave guests information about the theme.
The invitation included a “Whiteout VIP” card which directed guests to a Website created exclusively for Sophie’s party by Stephen Andrews Photography
Sophie’s dress was created by Designing Dreams. Her long tulle skirt was removed after her entrance so she could dance in a shorter version of her dress. Sister Maddie’s custom outfit was designed by Holly Green.
Sophie and her sister Maddie strike a pose
All guests were asked to wear their best “white beach chic” to celebrate in true South Beach style
The Rubins worked closely with H on the Harbor owner Alan Feinstein, Stephen Strutt of Stephen Andrews Photography and Dean of Great Neck Games to bring all the decor and creative elements to life.
Sophie posing next to the white lifeguard chair
White lounge furniture and draping with pink up lighting
Posters of Sophie wrapped around the walls
The dance floor gobo
Lots of details added to the authentic south beach feel.
Flip flops for those who wanted to take off their heels to dance
Sophie holding one of her custom made terry cloth pillows from Holly Green
The backdrop for the Challah table was a picture of Sophie at the beach with Sophie Beach spelled out in the sand
Sophie made her entrance on a surfboard from Surfboard Beach Art.
Guests threw confetti as she entered the room
DJ’s Unlimited provided the musical entertainment and led the action on the dance floor.
Sister Maddie getting a twirl
There were many fun interactive elements at this SoBe party including airbrushing courtesy of DJ’s Unlimited and sandbox with surf simulators operated by Great Neck Games.
Air-brushed flipped flops were made for Sophie’s guests
Guests getting airbrushed tattoos
Some surfer dudes practicing their moves
Mom Wendy surrounded by her friends.
Mom Wendy and her friends in all white!
Sophie surrounded by all of her friends during her candle lighting ceremony.
The cake display had many beach elements like sand, pails, beach chairs, and cake pops that were later passed out in the pails!
The cake had beach chair candles and was created by Cake Boss finalist Corina Elgart of Taste.
Chelsea Blake by Holly Green created the white off the shoulder sweatshirts for the girls.
The front of the sweatshirt
The back of the sweatshirt read, “Out of the dark, into the white”
The favors came in these great bags and Sophie’s guests got custom twisty band hair ties to tie the socks together
Advice from Mom Wendy:
“I practiced a lot of deep breathing and yoga! There are so many details to coordinate and manage. It’s important to remain calm and balance patience with perseverance. Not everything goes exactly how you expect but that makes for a more fun and exciting party in the end. Hurricane Sandy was two weeks before Sophie’s Bat Mitzvah. I was grateful that H On The Harbor did not suffer any hurricane damage. The party was a true collaborative effort. I could not have pulled off the “White Out” party without the talents of my creative party planning team.”
Sophie designed custom shoe laces, “NVR4GET” to raise awareness and funds for the National Holocaust Museum. The laces will be given to individuals who participate in Temple Sinai’s First Annual Race for Remembrance this Spring.
Visit Sophie’s Bat Mitzvah Website, sophbeach.com for more information about her Mitzvah Project
The following vendors helped to make Sophie’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: H on the Harbor, 516-883-0091
Party Planner/Caterer: Alan Feinstein, H on the Harbor
Decor: Dean, Great Neck Grames
Photographer/Videographer/Decor elements: Steven Strutt, Stephen Andrews Photography, 516- 780-9100
Website/ Montage: Stephen Strutt, Stephen Andrews Photography
Music Entertainment/MC: DJ’s Unlimited Productions, 516-496-9616
Favors: Chelsey Blake by Holly Green
Party entertainment: Sand Box/Surf Simulator, Great Neck Games, 516- 747-9191
Invitation: Dara, Dear Friends, 516-456-2514
Cake: Corina, Taste, 516-802-2212
Sign-In board: Marjy, Surfboard Beach Art, 631-374-3399
Printing and production: Alan Shanes, 516-647-8843
Favor Bags: Bag Makers, 800-458-9023
Custom hair bands/Custom shoe laces: The Twist Band
Sophie’s custom made dress: Designing Dreams, 516-248-1988
Mom Wendy’s dress: Versace, 212-317-0224
Maddie’s dress: Infinity Clothing by Holly Green
Hair: Liz and Tina, Bella Luna Salon, 516- 801-3730
Makeup: Lauren and Sondra, Jill Sherer Ltd., 516-621-6611
Transportation: Delux Transportation of Port Washington, 800-232-3358
