The Fetterman Bar Mitzvah Family Spotlight

The Fetterman family celebrated the Bar Mitzvah of their son Alexander on September 28, 2013, at Temple Beth Torah in Nyack, New York.

The reception was held at Space, an event venue in Englewood, New Jersey.

The theme was “Rock of Alex” and included the Bar Mitzvah boy performing on stage with the band!

Pictured L-R: Mom Tammy, Bar Mitzvah Boy Alexander, Dad Scott and Sister Makayla.

Jeff Karg was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed at the end of this spotlight.

Guests were asked to wear “Red Carpet” attire. The Fettermans looked like classic rock royalty in their hip party clothes in a red and black color palette. Alex got his suit at Lubins of Westchester, Mom Tammy wore a black gown from Neiman Marcus with beautiful jewelry from Westchester Jewelry and sister Makayla’s black and silver cocktail dress was from Denny’s.

The family posing on the red carpet while the “paparazzi” took their picture 

Space is an entertainment venue that features a three level playground, a basketball court, laser tag, and paint-less paintball. They also have a glow-in-the-dark bowling alley and an awesome arcade.

Space owner Elvira Grau really hit the right notes with the decor. The vibrant red and black color palette incorporated elements such as piano keys, records hung from the ceiling and signage that really brought the room to life.

 The “Rock of Alex” logo was used throughout the celebration on many decor elements

 The place card table sign welcomed guests

Candelabras with red candles and accent flowers were placed around the room

There were black and red linens and silver chargers on each table

Old vinyl records were used as part of the centerpiece decor with the “Rock of Alex” logo printed on the records

Mini pianos were used as part of the centerpiece decor

Crystals, LED lighting and guitars added to the festive decor

The staff of Space wore “Rock of Alex” t-shirts to tie-in with the theme

The sushi display was decked out for the theme

With a “Rock of Alex” theme you know there is going to be great music! Rockmitzvah, a full-service live musical ensemble of rock and roll musicians, entertained and kept everyone on the dance floor. They also featured a very special guest, Bar Mitzvah boy Alex, who took the stage and jammed with the band on saxophone and keyboard.

Looking like a pro, Alex playing the sax

A versatile musician, he also plays the keyboard

The Rockmitzvah band rockin’ the house

Alex on vocals surrounded by his friends

Alex’s family and guests singing with the band 

Taking a break from performing, Alex is in the chair during the traditional Horah

Guests enjoyed many of the activities Space offers. There were 120 adults and 60 kids and everyone was a kid for the evening, especially during the adults vs. kids game of laser tag where everyone was a winner. 

Getting ready for some paintball fury!
 

Dad Scott and his “OLD” high school friends getting ready to relive their youth in a paintball game

Alex and his close friend playing a race car game in the arcade

 The candle lighting ceremony featured two special cakes from ShopRite Bakery, double layered and covered in fudge cookie cakes…yum!

One of the cakes read, “Rock of Alex”

The other cake featured a verse from the The Rolling Stones, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”

 Alex’s shirts were hung up just like a concession stand at a concert. The “Rock of Alex” t-shirt favors are from Confetti Party Decor.

Alex’s favors had his logo on the front and a verse from, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” on the back

 The delicious desserts were color coordinated in red and black.

Cupcakes also from ShopRite displayed on Lucite stands

Cookie bouquets from Cookie Girl Bakery were used instead of flowers on the Bima for Alex’s service, then handed out as exit gifts for the guests

For his Mitzvah Project, Alexander volunteers to help run Friday night services at an assisted living facility.  He helps lead the residents in prayer, serves them wine and challah and plays music for them on his oboe, saxophone or piano.

Advice from Dad Scott:
“Be involved in the planning of the party and have your kid be involved too…remember it is a celebration of them and the adult they are becoming.  Be sure the theme and activities are a reflection of what they enjoy.”

The following vendors helped to make Alexander’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.

Venue/Party Planner/Entertainment: Elvira Grau, Space, 201- 567-3810
Photographer/Videographer: Jeff Karg, 845-627-1124
Music Entertainment: Rockmitzvah, 914-419-3610
Favors: Confetti Party Decor, 914-263-1412
Invitation: Party Perfect, 845-638-2602
Cake: Shoprite Bakery
Cookie Bouquet: Cookie Girl Bake Shop, 845-708-5888
Mom’s Dress: Neiman Marcus
Mom’s Jewelry: Westchester Jewelry 914-776-0800
Mom’s fur: Maximilian Fur Salon, Bloomingdale’s
Makayla’s dress: Denny’s, Paramus
Alex’s outfit : Lubin’s of Westchester/Rothman’s
Hair/makeup: Trabella and Sparkle Up, 845-634-0140
Transportation: Chestnut Ridge Transportation, 845-356-2200
Party security: Space

Calling All Mitzvah Kids

Is your son or daughter interested in writing? Are they in 7th or 8th grade and attend many Bar/Bat Mitzvahs each weekend?

Mitzvah Market has grown and we have readers from around the country. Everyone loves to see how other families celebrate because we all can get ideas from each other.

Molly Alexander, our Westchester kid reporter has just finished up her Bar Bat Mitzvah circuit. Her stories gave us perspective about celebrations from a different point of view. See Molly’s most recent post here.

We are looking for other Mitzvah kids to begin filing stories for us “from the field,” we mean Mitzvahs!

We want to know what type of parties are the most fun and all the details from the most creative celebrations. Perhaps you might even find us a Mitzvah Find to share with our readers!

If you are interested in learning more, please contact Sheri@MitzvahMarket.com.

Thanks!

Mitzvah Inspire: Lounge Around These Lounges

Our past story, Creative Kids Seating showed our readers unique ways to set up your Bar Bat Mitzvah party space.

This time we are focusing on lounge furniture, which remains a popular trend at Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations. It’s an easy way for kids to comfortably mix and mingle.

Lounge furniture can be used as an area for the kids or utilized to section-off an entire party.

Sophisticated settings, vibrant colors and fun decor can be included, such as: banquettes, personalized ottomans and custom pillows.

Enjoy the variety of lounge areas below!

A tropical themed Bat Mitzvah with fully customized colored lounge furniture using burlap, lime green, turquoise, a custom backdrop, balloon sculpture palm trees with lights and custom logo pillows from Balloon Artistry

Pulse Entertainment created a lounge area surrounding the dance floor with custom photos of the Bat Mitzvah girl and a mix of LED furniture and draping

Sarah Merians Photography captured this sophisticated and modern Bar Mitzvah lounge

Jersey Street Furniture incorporated sports decor with football and baseball images on cocktail tables for this lounge area

Bobby Morganstein Events used bleachers to create stadium seating for this lounge at a celebration taking place at The Merion in Cinnaminson, New Jersey

EJ the DJ created a “First-Class Lounge” for a travel themed Mitzvah

A sophisticated lounge area from Chateau Briand Caterers

A Glitz and Glitter lounge from Hi Tech Photography Events

United Floral Events designed intimate seating with crushed velvet sofas for a sophisticated look

Atmosphere Lounge Dezinz, a division of DanceJock Productions, created a seating lounge area with a perfect view of the dance floor

Taking place at Life…the place to be and designed by Victoria Dubin Events, this colorful seating arrangement and uplighting is for an art themed Bat Mitzvah

Hart to Hart and Dynamic Events  designed great seating arrangements in this lounge, including illuminated cocktail tables

Dazzling Parties created a South Beach lounge for a recent Bat Mitzvah

A cozy lounge from Marquis Florals & Event Design by Kim

The Event of A Lifetime created a ski lodge for a ski themed Bar Mitzvah

Hot Hot Hot Entertainment had lots of fun creating a lounge setting at this Mitzvah

“Liv It Up” in this comfy lounge set-up at the Sands Atlantic Beach Club

Corley Designs transformed a country club into a posh black and white night club from Ann Marie Casey Photography

Beat By Beat Entertainment set up high top illuminated tables and white Bombo stools

TWO Events Group created this space at TWO Below, located downstairs at K-Pacho

NY Lounge Decor designed a large lounge area with lighted decor

Floral Sentiments created a sitting area and room decor with this innovative design for the kids area

A cozy lounge area with LED tables at the Inn At New Hyde Park

A creative lounge setup for a Bat Mitzvah at The Mansion on Main Street, photography by Studio K

Mitzvah Inspire: Football Theme

5th Avenue Digital Photography had the opportunity to photograph a New York Giants Football themed Bar Mitzvah at the W Hotel in New York.

Working with John Benke of the W Hotel, event planner Shawn Rabideau was responsible for the themed décor and Shine Events provided the high energy entertainment.

They put a new spin on this sports-themed Bar Mitzvah by transforming the ballroom into a football stadium with a fabulous wall mural and footballs covered in flowers.

Take a look below:

The kids received football VIP passes for table seating

As an accent on the kids cocktail tables, footballs were covered with green button mums and placed on top of containers with the logo of the Bar Mitzvah boy’s favorite football team, the New York Giants

As guests entered the ballroom, they saw a large backdrop of a football stadium that gave the illusion that the kids tables were on a football field. This helped to create depth to the space while adding a “wow” factor to the room!

 Large glass vases filled with footballs were placed in the center of each table to create height and drama

All of the napkins at the adult tables were wrapped with a napkin ring that resembled a football field

The adults loved the green screen photo favor sayings!

A football jersey served as the sign-in board

We thank 5th Avenue Digital Photography for sharing this great Bar Mitzvah celebration with Mitzvah Market.

The Perfect Ending To Your Bar Bat Mitzvah Celebration!

Tobo Foods offers a very unique “post party” presentation. Their shiny, stainless steel coffee trucks can be decorated with signs, photos, disco light shows, taped music and other motifs to match your party’s theme.

As your guests leave, they are served a variety of items such as a complete assortment of baked goods, fantastic “candy store” presentations, hot and cold beverages of all types, candy apples, hot salted pretzels, White Castle burgers, McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Nathan’s hot dogs, bagels, croissants, muffins, newspapers with “custom” front pages, flavored popcorn and much more. Friends and family will not soon forget this wonderful way that you have chosen to end your party.

To learn more, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.

Kid To Kid Advice

By Molly Alexander, Mitzvah Market Teen Columnist

Many of my friends celebrated their Bar/Bat Mitzvahs this year so I decided to get their best tips on what worked, what didn’t and what they’d say to their parents about the celebrations. If you need advice on throwing your own celebration, these are definitely the kids to ask!

“I loved my celebration, but if I could advise on a couple of things, it would probably be length of the activities. I know a long montage can get boring, especially if you’re not close with the Bar/Bat Mitzvah kid. I also think that the candle-lighting should be short and sweet, because it can take up a lot of the party time, and it gets tiring. I love the daddy-daughter (or mother-son) dance. I think it’s a great touch to the party, and it’s a great way to get the adults dancing too!”
-Katie, 13

“The overall party for me was great, but hanging out with friends and seeing them all there for me was the best. These were people I was closest with and it meant a lot that they were there to celebrate with me, especially those who came from great distances to be there. Advice for the kids and parents planning the celebration: you can’t wait till the last minute. Things can fall apart or get cancelled and you need to begin planning early to avoid anything going wrong. Double check and make a checklist so that you can prioritize and organize everything because the day deserves to be perfect!”
-Josh, 13

“I think candle lighting is a way of saying thank you to family and friends and it’s a way of remembering those who are there and those who aren’t. I feel that it is crucial to the celebration. During candle lighting, instead of doing all the friends, have one candle for camp friends and one for home/school friends. Camp friends are special, and you only see them a few times a year. My brother made my montage, and I find that montages made by family are much sweeter than the ones you pay for. People can tell when it’s “artificially” done verses done by a family member. If I could say anything to my parents after my bat mitzvah, it would be, “Thank you so much for everything you have given me, and I truly appreciate you and all your hard work to make my Bat Mitzvah such a success and special.”
-Madison, 13

“Practicing what you need to and staying on top of everything is really important. You should make time to practice for about 15 minutes a day and that can include your Hebrew and speech. Making time out of your day to just sit down and practice is a good way to stay on top of things. Run it with your tutor, Rabbi, family member or friend a few times so you learn to be comfortable in front of an audience (which is basically friends and family) during your service. Try to be loud and proud so that all your family and friends can hear you. It is your mitzvah after all so take it easy, relax and don’t forget to smile.”
-Alec, 13

“If I could redo my Bat Mitzvah day, there are a few things I’d like to change. For starters, I would have never taken off my shoes! I loved wearing them so much! I would also make my dress a little shorter (it was a long dress), maybe to my feet because it was a bit of pain walking around and dancing in it. I would also have a different photographer. You don’t want a photographer that’s slow because the party goes by so fast! I would like my hair maybe a little simpler, less bobby pins and more relaxed. To my parents I’d say, “Thank you so much! I am so lucky to have you both and I couldn’t have had a better time!”
-Madi, 13

“A definite necessity at every party is a good DJ. This is what gets your party started and your dancing going. If you get a good DJ, you’ll have everyone up out of their seats. Our DJ was amazing. Songs that get the kids dancing are ones like Shots, Turbulence, Wobble, and Harlem Shake. If there was anything that we could say to our parents, it would be, “Thanks for putting this thing together because we know how stressful it can get, and we had a great time!”
-Zack & Jake, 13

“For my gifts, I really only got money, which is a great gift because I plan on saving up for things I want, and for college too. What’s good for girls is that you can also get jewelry, which is nice too. You can go to local jewelry stores and pick out things, so when people come in to buy you a gift, they know what they should get you. This is especially good if the person doesn’t know you (and your taste in jewelry) that well.”
-Rachel, 13

“Inviting people was a problem for me. You can go through phonebooks, contact lists and address books over and over again and still forget to invite people. I would have invited more people to help me celebrate. Even though a big party can sometimes seem troubling, I would’ve wanted a bigger party, especially because I had a big place. I also would’ve not worn the shirt I had because I didn’t think it looked that good. Just a tip: I would not start talking about your celebration to everyone everywhere you go because people will just start asking you questions that you don’t want to answer about the party. Just have fun, and be grateful that everyone could celebrate with you even if you left a few people out.”
-Zach, 13

“Everyone’s celebration is different and special in all their own ways. For me, I think having a montage is great, it’s like a fun little touch that all parties should have. I love the daddy-daughter (or mother-son) dance during the party, because it’s sweet and teenagers don’t really love dancing with their parents any more. I don’t think candle lighting is necessary. It takes up time during the party. I know some people think it’s a sweet touch and it’s much needed in the celebration, but if you’re trying to save time you’re better off without it. Parents: when you’re planning your child’s party, keep some stuff a surprise. I wish my parents had. A sweet surprise adds to the joy of the day and the party!”
-Sam, 13

“The best gift I got was my MacBook Pro 15. Computers are always great gifts because kids, like me, use them for school work and other stuff. I didn’t get anything bad because the rest was money and money is never a bad gift. If kids get money, most of it goes towards college or something for the future, but getting a little spending money is great, too! I prefer cash because you have more of a choice of what you can get with it or you can save it. Checks have to be processed, and that can take a few days or weeks and allows less ‘spending’ time. I wish I had gotten to keep more money for things that I wanted, or things I wanted to save up for. I would want to say thank you to my parents for this incredible party. It was really fun and worth going through those years of Hebrew school.”
-Ross, 13

“The highlight of my Bat Mitzvah was my father-daughter dance, because for me it was a way of showing thanks to my parents for what they did for me on my special day. I know some kids think it’s “lame” and “embarrassing,” but when it comes down to it, it’s really a sweet thing that deserves to be at every celebration. I love the presents that come from the heart, for example hand-made jewelry or even a jewelry box. You have to think about what else the Bar/Bat mitzvah kid is getting; if a girl is getting jewelry, why not (give) a jewelry box?”
–Hannah, 13

“I would definitely change a few things about my party. I would have invited more adults because my party was mostly a kid’s party. We have some family friends that I think should’ve been there. When planning your guest list, it’s crucial to pick who should be there and who shouldn’t. I would advise other kids to enjoy the experience and enjoy the moment. Just soak up all of the enjoyment and make it last because it actually goes by so fast!”
-Greg, 13

“The advice I would give other kids about to embark on their Bar/Bat Mitzvah year is Just Do It! It is very hard work, all that studying, practicing, and meeting with the rabbi/cantor, but you will feel very proud up on the bimah when you know you’ve worked hard. Keep some water and candy up there too, for energy. And to parents I say: don’t force kids to have a “traditional” dance party. I had a service, kiddush luncheon, and then we took a chartered busload of kids to an indoor water park. The chair lift and the Hora was more fun than I thought it would be. And I liked when everyone threw candy at me after I finished my haftorah. But the highlight of my day was the party at the waterpark. It was amazing! It was exactly what I wanted. To my parents I say: Thank you! I finally understand how it (my whole Bar Mitzvah) really is a big deal!”
-Harrison, 13

 This story is from the 2013 Mitzvah Market Magazine. If you would like to request a free copy, click here.

A NYC Bat Mitzvah Celebration

The Teich family celebrated daughter Sarah’s Bat Mitzvah with a reception at the Coliseum Nightclub in White Plains, New York.

Sarah wanted a “New York City Club Style” venue with the theme, “Sarah in the City.” Lucky for her, Mom Jill Prince Teich, owner of Hal Prince Music and Entertainment, was able to make it happen without traveling into New York City!

Pictured L-R: Mom Jill Prince Teich, Bat Mitzvah Girl Sarah, Dad Matt and older brother Jordan.

 The photography was done by 5th Avenue Digital and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of the spotlight.

Mitzvah Invitation & Style

The invitation, from Invitations by Elyse Davis, was feminine and sophisticated.

It was a cream colored card with purple border and accented with a double ribbon and a little rhinestone in the scroll

This Jovani pink cocktail dress had a layered organza ruffle skirt and black satin waist

 Mitzvah Details

Mom Jill, owner of Hal Prince Music and Entertainment, knew the Coliseum Nightclub in White Plains, New York, would offer the exact atmosphere Sarah was looking for without having their guests drive all the way to NYC. Diana Gould Floral and Event Design created many of the decor elements, including the red carpet in the front of the venue, giving guests that celebrity “VIP” feel. 

The "Sarah in the City" themed entrance

Sarah and her parents get the red carpet treatment walking into the venue

Sarah sharing the spotlight with "Lady Gaga"

The walls inside the venue projected NYC landmarks

Once inside the club, photos of Sarah's NYC pre-shoot were blown up and displayed

The adults sat in banquette seating nooks to enjoy the cocktail hour

The lounge area featured white furniture for Sarah's friends to hang out

There was an area in the lounge for Sarah's guests to store their giveaways

Sarah's logo was placed on LED candles throughout the nightclub

Diana Gould created the sign-in board, incorporating pictures of Sarah in New York City

The staff from the Coliseum Nightclub wore "I Love NY" t-shirts

Mitzvah Video

Before Sarah made her grand entrance, a special entrance video was shown to guests. It featured Sarah walking around Manhattan, and was set to the “Mary Tyler Moore” theme song. The video appropriately ended with Sarah tossing her hat into the air in the middle of Times Square.

Watch this clever Mary Tyler Moore-inspired entrance video here

Music & Entertainment

The emphasis of this party was certainly on dancing with Hal Prince Music and Entertainment in charge!

Sarah making her entrance

Sarah’s up!

Sarah and her guests having fun on the dance floor

There were "clubby" giveaways on the dance floor with many blinking items and fun "NYC bling" necklaces

The Teich Family having a great time!

In addition to a great DJ, MC and dancers, there was a roaming magician, a photo area where the guests were superimposed in front of NYC landmarks, a temporary tattoo artist, and a cell phone case “kiosk” that you might see on the streets of New York

Sarah and her friends loved the magician

A guest getting a tattoo

Mitzvah Moments

The candle lighting was unique and did not involve a cake.

A special candelabra was made for the candle lighting ceremony

The Teich family making a wish for Sarah

The family invited immediate family in groups, as well as Sarah’s friends, to light candles

Sarah danced with her Dad to the song “Sarah Smile,” performed by her uncle Jay Prince, singer and band leader for the company

Uncle Jay singing to his niece, Sarah

Favors & Exit Treats

 The sweatshirt hoodies were created by Par-T-Gear using Sarah’s logo. When guests were ready to leave, there were many NYC themed treats that guests could take home with them,  which really left them in a “New York State of Mind.”

Mom Jill used reusable favor bags because she wanted her guests to be able to use the bags after the party

The white zip-up hooded sweatshirt for the girls had the tag line "Live, Love, Party" in neon pink

The gray hooded sweatshirt for the boys featured a different logo on the front with the NYC skyline on the back

Guests enjoyed the authentic NYC candy stand

A NYC pretzel cart

Mitzvah Project

Sarah is interested in helping children with disabilities.  She raised money for the Molly Ann Tango Memorial Foundation by selling jewelry. The Molly Ann Tango Memorial Foundation was established in 2004 by Todd Tango and Cathy Tango Dykes in memory of their daughter Molly who was born with multiple disabilities and required ongoing extensive medical care. To honor Molly’s memory, this foundation provides support to other families who care for children with special needs.

Mom to Mom

Mom Jill offers this Mom to Mom advice:
“You want to be able to be a guest at your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah.  The last thing you want to do is be stressed at the party and worry that the room will not be decorated the way you envisioned, that the DJ or band will be late, or about when certain formalities will take place. You can do this by making sure to book a venue and hire vendors that have experience and come highly recommended. As soon as you get your date, start looking at venues, then an entertainment company. Decor and photography can be booked later unless you have your heart set on a particular photographer.  Make sure to meet with all your vendors one to two months prior to your party to finalize décor, menu, go over timing and special requests. Once everything is finalized, let the professionals do their thing, so you can be a guest and enjoy.”

Vendor Directory

The following vendors helped to make Sarah’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.

Venue/Security: Coliseum White Plains, 914 557-3401
Party Planner/Music Entertainment: Mom, Jill Prince Teich, Hal Prince Music and Entertainment, 914 241-3300
Photographer: 5th Avenue Digital, 212 741-6427
Videographer: Eddie, United Photo and Video, 914 337-2120
Décor/Sign-In Board/Red Carpet: Diana Gould Floral Design, 914 347-7134
Favors: Nancy Low, Par-T-Gear, 914-690-0852
Reusable Favor Bags: Bag Makers   
Party entertainment/Lady Gaga Impersonator: Hal Prince Music and Entertainment
Invitation: Invitations by Elyse, 203 791-1830 
Bat Mitzvah girl Sarah’s dress: Jovani
Mom’s dress: Neiman Marcus, White Plains, New York
Men’s suits:  Nordstrom, White Plains, New York
Hair: Debbie, Static Hair, 914 997-2600
Make Up: Mary Gordon Beauty, 917 626-1900

Mitzvah Inspire: JK – Just Kidding!

The Event Of A Lifetime, Inc. is a full service event planning company. They have extensive resources and years of experience. Not only can they save you time and money, but more importantly, you will be able to relax and enjoy your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration.

Recently Melisa Imberman, owner of The Event Of A Lifetime, produced a Bar Mitzvah celebration at The Rock in Bardonia, New York, for a boy with the initials and nickname J.K.

Jeremy loves sports, but didn’t want this as his Bar Mitzvah theme. Melisa came up with a creative theme based on his initials J.K., “Just Kidding,” inspired by Nike’s “Just Do It” campaign.

She used lots of great colors and branding to make this Just Kidding celebration, no joke!

Peter Oberc Photography provided the photos. 

Jeremy is a bit of a class clown, so the Just Kidding theme worked perfectly. These are the two logos that were used

Illuminated centerpieces and a gobo on the wall and ceiling

A fun puzzle candle lighting

The branded place card table

A better look at the illuminated centerpieces and branded tables

The kids lounge area

A mirror sign-in board

Delicious candy sushi for all guests

Red velvet dessert station in the signature color of red!

We thank The Event Of A Lifetime for sharing this Bar Mitzvah celebration with our readers.

Look What’s Trending In Party Favors From A Promos USA/ImageMaker

Meet A Promos USA/ImageMaker!

They can make your Bar Bat Mitzvah party favors the talk of the town!

With over 20 years in the industry, they distinguish themselves by creating custom designs that set the trends for the Bar & Bat Mitzvah world. 

Their talented team of artists, digitizers, support staff and production staff work hand in hand to make sure that your custom party favors exceed your expectations in both quality and creativity. They utilize the newest techniques in Screen Printing and Embroidery, offering metallic inks, glitter inks, foils, rhinestones, heat transfers, appliqués, and 3-D Puff embroidery.

Their attention to detail truly sets them apart, and undoubtedly will make your favors stand out among the crowd.

We spoke with Mindy Younger to learn about what’s trending in party favors to keep you on top of the hottest favor trends of the season!

HERE ARE 10 TRENDS FROM A PROMOS USA/IMAGEMAKER

1. VINTAGE IS BACK
Soft, worn fabrics, along with the newest print techniques and design brings ‘tween fashion back from the late 60’s into 2014. Kids want their favor not only to represent a part of them, but to make a fashion statement with a garment that they can easily find in a top trendy teen shop at a fraction of the cost since we are factory direct. We know what the kids want, since we sell to top fashion outlets nationwide. No middle man here, talk directly to the source!

2. BIG IS IN
Think Big….Big Letters, Big Words or just Oversized Graphics. Whether you decide to print one color or multi-color, our knowledgeable, patient sales staff and in-house superior design staff will make it happen!

 3. SOFT AND YUMMY
Most kids agree…Soft and Yummy fabrics are what they want to wear. Some of the hottest fabrics out in today’s market are tri-blends, burnouts, french terry, slub jersey and thinner tissue-weight fabrics. This statement also holds true with the inks we use. Some printers print with thick ink, we understand the fabric and use fashion-soft inks designed specifically for these fashion soft garments.

4. KEEP WARM MUST HAVES
For fall and winter events, why not think outside the box with embroidered hats, blankets and scarves? All embroidery is done here on premises, no job is too small or too big. For printed garments, we recommend flannels, sweatpants and polar fleece trimmed hoodies.

5. THINK GEEK
For all future Bill Gates’ and their friends. GADGETS! Our kids love them.

Some of the favorites are headphones, portable speakers, jump drive wristbands, touch screen gloves and power supplies, which will keep them always connected.

6. SUMMER SPLURGE
Neons and bright colors are always in style. Our Neon two-tone pinnies are a hit. Available in lime green, bright orange and neon pink. How about a beach towel available in vivid colors and tie dyes or a fun tote bag? Like our girly shorts? No need to worry about the boys. You can always change the ink color and change the garment so the girls get what they like and the boys do too.

7. HOLLYWOOD BLING
Bling it on baby! Stones, foil and glitter inks make all the difference. If you are looking for that added touch, enhance your garment with that little bit of bling. Foil is not just for girls anymore, boys are loving that bit of shine also. For a new look, customize each garment with a name in glitter flake.

8. THE SPORTS CRAZE
We carry all kinds of jerseys in all colors – basketball, soccer, baseball, lacrosse and football. Want just a bit more than a t-shirt? How about a dry fit t-shirt available in short and long sleeves? Check out our themed draw string bags, perfect for that special favor with a sports theme.

9. GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN
Looking for the ultimate in new, trendy, girly girl items? Check out our new fringe crop tanks, back or front knotted tanks or why not double the fun with two-tone shorty shorts? You will be the “hostess with the mostess” when it comes to mitzvah favors with these new trend setting apparel ideas. What to do for the boys? No worries…We can find a complementing favor for the boys, whether it be a tank, muscle tee, soft tee, or longer length mesh or jersey shorts with the same or similar theme.

10. THE SKY’S THE LIMIT
At A Promos USA, we are not just known for our super creative Mitzvah Favors. Think of us when you are in the market for School Fundraisers & Spiritwear, Team Uniforms, Business Apparel and Company Gifts, Birthdays, Sweet 16s, Family Reunions, Fire Department T-shirts and more. We offer vinyl banners and back drops, life size and table top stand ups for events and businesses, step and repeat walls, tablecloths, pillows and more. Additionally, we offer competitive pricing, an outstanding art department, knowledgeable and helpful sales staff and in-house embroidery and screen printing with 24 hour rush service.

 To learn more about A Promos USA/ImageMaker, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.

A Cupcake Themed Bat Mitzvah Celebration

The Citron family of Great Neck, New York, celebrated daughter Emily’s Bat Mitzvah on December 8, 2012, with a service at Temple Israel of Great Neck. The celebration continued Saturday evening with a party in Emily’s honor at Temple Beth-El of Great Neck.

Emily is a devoted fan of Mitzvah Market and we are excited and honored to spotlight her party.

Her theme was “Emilytown” Cupcakes, a take on the famous Georgetown Cupcakes in Washington D.C.

Pictured L-R: Brother Ethan, Bat Mitzvah girl Emily, Dad Harold and Mom Barbara.

The photographer was Classy Candids and the rest of the vendors are listed at the end of the spotlight.

Emily had a Saturday morning service at Temple Israel of Great Neck, New York, followed by a Kiddush luncheon

The purple C’est Papier invitations were from Party Excellence

Party Excellence worked with the family to create Emily’s theme, “Emilytown Cupcake,” inspired by the famous Georgetown Cupcake store in Washington D.C. The party decor included the familiar cupcake shop awning and Emily’s favorite color, purple. The place card table incorporated her theme and displayed the cupcake menu

Each place card had a cupcake flavor and matched the design on the centerpieces

The white leather lounge furniture from Cosmopolitan Caterers looked great in the kids lounge. There were small cupcake centerpieces on the coffee tables and a large marquee sign overhead

Party Excellence created these delicious-looking centerpieces for the adult tables! Each table was a different cupcake flavor 

Poster of Emily in Warhol style was placed by the bar

Danielle from Party Excellence created Emily’s logo incorporating her favorite items: a paw print, a cupcake, and a moose

Emily’s sign-in board was inspired by the Georgetown Cupcake owner’s signature look: aprons and Hunter boots

DanceJock Productions provided fun activities for guests including two caricature artists and Blackjack tables

The boys having fun at Blackjack

For the candle lighting service, Party Excellence created a cupcake-inspired display

Emily’s 98 year-old great grandmother was able to travel from Baltimore to enjoy the celebration

Emily wanted her dog Oreo to be at the party.  Mom and Dad vetoed that idea, but allowed a photo with Emily and Oreo to be used as Emily lit a candle for him

 
Emily surrounded by her friends after they lit a candle together

MC George and the DanceJock team kept the party going all night. Emily making her way into the reception

MC George with Emily

Since the theme was cupcakes, the kids enjoyed a make-your-own cupcake bar provided by Cosmopolitan Caterers

The favors were cupcake-inspired.  The girls received beautiful Juicy Couture cupcake necklaces
 

A grey blanket with Emily’s logo for the boys
 

Everyone received cupcake mints, cupcake magnets and chocolates

The photo favors featured a version of the sign-in board that was made into a photo background. Pictured here are Emily and her friends with the customized background

Emily volunteered at CLASP Children’s Center. They provide quality childcare for Great Neck’s working parents and parents enrolled in training programs. Emily attended the program when she was a little girl. She had a great time working with the kids and the staff loved seeing her all grown up.

Some advice from Mom Barbara:
“It is crucial to be organized and find the best vendors you can but I think it is a myth that everything must be done 2 years in advance.  There are so many venues and service providers especially in the New York area.  Invitations probably require the most lead time since you need to get them addressed, stuffed and out the door weeks before your affair.”

The following vendors helped to make Emily’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.

Party Venue: Temple Beth-El of Great Neck
Caterer/Lounge Decor: Cosmopolitan Caterers, 516-487-0900, ext. 209
Party Planner: Matthew Goldberg, Let’s Parti, 516-470-1624
Decor/Invitations: Danielle Mattia, Party Excellence, 516-586-5252
Music Entertainment: MC George, DanceJock Production, 631-242-0042
Party Entertainment, cubbies & lighting, photo favors: DanceJock Productions
Photographer: Classy Candids (no longer in business)
Make Your Own Cupcakes: Cosmopolitan Caterers
Girls Favors: Juicy Couture
Boys Favors: Mindy, A Promo USA, 800-987-8766
Emily’s service and party dress: Outrageous Boutique, 516-931-3331
Mom’s Service dress: Nordstrom
Mom’s party dress: En-Toto Couture, 516-829-8503
Brother Ethan’s Suit: The Annex Shoppe
Dad’s Suit: Ermenegildo Zegna