February 20th, 2013
Entertainment Tonite, along with Stephen Andrews Photography are bringing us an amazing outdoor tented Bat Mitzvah celebration. This party was held in the backyard of the family’s home.
Ali, the Bat Mitzvah girl is the youngest of four, with three older brothers it was time to to pull out all the stops for the only daughter of the family.
See how it all turned out below:
The evening party was a breath of fresh air…really fresh air as Ali’s parents tented a portion of their backyard for a warm summer night reception. The color palette of pink, purple and orange was everywhere from the linens, lanterns and centerpieces to the custom accessories.
The open air tent from Nassau Tent was built in the backyard with an area to dance. There were linens and lanterns in the purple, orange and pink color scheme
There were no formal seating arrangements but lots of places to sit including a white leather lounge area
As the sun set, the pool and tent lit up…..which added to the outside chic decor
While there was no particular theme for the party, the Bat Mitzvah and her Mom share a passion for butterflies and wanted to incorporate them into many of the decor and party elements
Each table had beautiful summer centerpieces from Stefan’s Florist with a subtle addition of a butterfly on top
No glass at this outdoor party! Write Next Door customized plastic cups along with cocktail and guests’ napkins with Ali’s butterfly logo in party color palette
You can’t have a backyard party without flip flops! Write Next Door created a table of flip flops in orange, purple and pink which were provided to each guest and displayed by sizes
The food was beautifully displayed and catered by Cirella’s Restaurant
The custom water bottles were also available and handed out during the hot summer night
Ali and her friends with MC Carl from Entertainment Tonite
Ali’s cousin Tory Geismar and his girlfriend Natalie Duffy sing professionally and performed during the cocktail hour
T-shirts were given out to all the kids on the dance floor, the butterfly for the girls and for the boys it was “sting like a bee”
Young guests could get tattoos and hair extensions
A sign-in pillow from The Pieced Palette
Ali’s guests were very lucky to have both cupcakes and cake
The girl’s favors were Alternative Apparel gray drawstring pants
They were given out in hot pink duffle bags
For the boys, grey Jerzee sweatpants were given out in an orange backpack
The following vendors helped to make this celebration special.
Caterer: Cirella’s of Melville, 631- 385-7380
Favors/Custom Accessories: Write Next Door, 631-365-6001
Music Entertainment: Carl MC, Entertainment Tonite, 516-826-6900
Extra Entertainment: glitter tattoos and hair extensions, Dominique, De La Mer Salon, 516-221-3662
Cocktail Music: Natalie Duffy and Tory Geismar
Photographer/Videographer: Stephen Andrews Photography, 516-780-9100
Tenting and Chairs: Nassau Tent, 800-564-4505
Decor/Florist: Stefan Florist, 516- 239-2402
Photo Favors: The Main Event, 800-839-0918
Linens: Table Wraps, 516-334-8833
Sign-in Pillow: Jane Sheinfeld, The Pieced Palette, 914-420-1746
Cake: Nora, Noosies Bakery, 516-390-5594
Cupcakes: The Cupcake Contessa, 516-307-1222
February 19th, 2013
If you have assigned seating for your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration, table numbers are a necessary and practical addition to your reception tables.
They help guide your guests to their appropriate tables while adding to the theme or decor.
We ran a previous story called, Trend Alert: Table Numbers, now we are giving you more examples of fun ways to show your Bar/Bat Mitzvah guests to their tables.
See what we found below:
Custom Bobbleheads can be used as table numbers
From LanderDesigns on Etsy this set, available in many colors, includes 12 vase table place card settings. Each vase is wrapped with the information of a table number along with guests sitting at that table. It comes with a battery operated light that lasts between 6-12 hours. They come fully assembled, all you have to do is turn on the light when you are ready for your display
You can monogram water bottles with table numbers and initials from Very Sherry
Balloon Artistry used movie clap boards as table numbers
Simply Sweet Arrangements creates chocolate displays for your table numbers
Bubblewrapped on Etsy can make a set of table numbers out of wood blocks
From the Karen Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight, old photos of the Bat Mitzvah girl were used with different numbers photo shop’ed onto the photo. Copies were made at Walgreens and each photo was placed in a frame!
Creative seating from Terry Saxe of Special-t-events
We found these burlap flowered topiaries from Tater Tots and Jello on Pinterest.com
Did you have a clever table number? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
February 19th, 2013
A few readers have asked about pillows! While many Bar Bat Mitzvah vendors can use your logo and create a custom pillow, we wanted to share another option.
West Elm is an upscale retail store with locations all over the country that features contemporary furniture designs and other house wares.
Pillows at Bar Bat Mitzvahs can be customized with your child’s logo or party colors. Why not use pillows that you can also make use of in your home after your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration?
These super soft solid velvet pillow covers would look great on any type of couch or lounge furniture.
They come in 4 different trim styles – and the dimensions are 12” length x 16” wide. All are machine washable and you can see how your initial or name will look on their pillow prior to ordering.
For more information, visit their Website.
February 13th, 2013
Gotham T-Shirt is a full service screen printer who uses award winning artists to create logos and designs for all Bar/Bat Mitzvah needs.
They recently expanded to a new location with a larger showroom featuring new state-of-the-art screen printing/embroidery equipment bringing their customers even better quality. They welcome our Mitzvah Market readers to stop by for a consultation.
Gotham T-Shirts offers personalized custom screen printing , embroidery, art and theme designs for your Bar and Bat Mitzvah. Their fashion designs look best on hooded and zipper sweatshirts, T-shirts, flannel PJ sweatpants & nylon draw string back packs.
Their new location is almost finished, here’s a sneak peek
Known for their unique original designs, they screen print on fashion brands including Alternative & American Apparel & classics including Gildan, Anvil, Jerzees & Champion. All work is performed in house by their master screen printer.
They print over 130,000 hooded sweatshirts and t-shirts a year!
For more information and to see many samples of their work, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
February 13th, 2013
In honor of Valentine’s Day we are giving you some delicious inspiration on unique ways to incorporate chocolate into your Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration.
Who doesn’t like the sweetness and indulgence of chocolate? With chocolate for your guests, you can’t go wrong! From the color combinations, to the custom candy bar wrappers, to Chocolate Martinis, it goes on and on.
Just beware you might have to go out and buy some chocolate after reading this.
Favor It Things offers this picture frame place card in solid chocolate with an edible image affixed inside…beautiful to look at and delicious to eat!
The Event of a Lifetime created these place cards for a “Peace Love Chocolate” themed Bat Mitzvah
Choco Rocks from Unique Accents looks like a bowl of decorative rocks from a garden, but it’s actually chocolate!
A Wonka inspired fountain from Rafanelli Events
From the Milbauer Family Spotlight these are chocolate hockey pucks which served as place cards for their hockey themed Bar Mitzvah
Your guests will hollah for more of this challah from Challah King
Party Favorites created a chocolate menu that is 100% edible
The Bat Mitzvah girl had her named spelled out in chocolate letters for her candle lighting from the Lee Family Spotlight
This invitation was dark chocolate brown with a light blue boarder from the Brett Family Spotlight
Chocolate Promises can print your guests’ pictures right onto lollipops at your event
Angies Cake put together this sports cake ball dessert filled with chocolate
Event Savvy Atlanta put together this event including a custom pillow for a chocolate lover’s Bat Mitzvah
Favor It Things creates chocolate torahs which guests love
How about some chocolate Babka cake by It Events by Julie for a sweet send-off
Fancy Nancy Wraps can create custom chocolate for any occasion with many different patterns and themes available
Did you have a chocolate party element at your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
February 13th, 2013
The Weiss family celebrated their son Zach’s Bar Mitzvah on April 21, 2012 and hosted the party at Silver Spring Civic building at Veterans Plaza in Maryland.
The basketball themed bash was planned by SAVE THE DATE, LLC, an event planning company that Mom Cara runs, and took place inside the “Zach Center,” a play on “Verizon Center.” SAVE THE DATE, LLC made sure the party was a slam dunk hit. Read on to see how they transformed the venue into the Zach Center.
Party photography was by Jason Weil Photography and Sean Cooper Photography, and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
Pictured above L-R: Dad Joel, Mom Cara, Bar Mitzvah boy Zach, Sister Marci
Zach’s theme was a twist on the Verizon Center, complete with this clever logo.
Verizon Center? Nope it’s the Zach Center
Zach’s invitations were designed by SAVE THE DATE, LLC and Pioneer Announcements Inc. The invitation was classic and sporty, setting the tone from the beginning
Zach’s guests found out where they would be seated with a realistic VIP ticket instead of a traditional seating card
The seating card featured a photo of Zach playing basketball
Instead of a traditional sign-in board, Zach had a sign-in basketball backboard!
Guests signed the backboard instead of a traditional sign or book
SAVE THE DATE, LLC and Da Vinci’s Florist worked on the decor, and together they transformed the Verizon Center into Zach’s special place for the night. The room was spacious and the centerpieces were elegant and simple
The basketball court served as the dance floor
Zach posing with his floor logo
The entire room was set up as a VIP area, with five tents around the space with a bar inside each tent — a few of the older guests were assigned to specific sit-down tables but for the most part the guests could roam between tents as they pleased
The tents each had bright white and elegant black furniture and red and blue accent pillows
Napkins with Zach’s initials added a special touch
These referee napkins are from Theme Naps and were used for cocktail hour stations
These coasters were unique and could be kept as a memento after the party
There was a whole station set up with Zach’s sportswear called “Zach’s Hall Of Fame”
Washington Talent provided the music and entertainment and got the crowd pumped. LA was the MC
Zach was completely cool during the horah
The dancers interacted with all the guests and made sure everyone had a great time
Zach “makes an entrance” with a dancer from Washington Talent. Zach’s dancers wore referee shirts to get guests in the mood for sports
This party had some really unique food stations! Dunkin’ Donuts to go were displayed in a unique way
Sushi on a spoon
Instead of McDonald’s this party had ZDonald’s
Elegant single serving appetizers. The salmon and cream cheese were a major hit
SAVE THE DATE, LLC and Promotions Your Way took care of the party favors for the kids. Zach’s favors were cool sweatshirts with individualized names on the back
Zach’s friends model their favors
Every child got a basketball shaped bag that they could write their name on and keep their favors in
There were also cubbies for the kids’ favors
There was a lot of fun to be had at Zach’s celebration! He had a photo booth, actors, a red carpet dress lady, and much more!
A “basketball player” on stilts with tiny basket balls entertained guests
Guests could pose for “magazine covers”
At the end of the celebration, bus transportation was provided for Zach’s friends. Mom Cara decided the parents should have something to do while they waited for their kids…so she organized “breakfast” for them! Parents saw this sign when they drove to pick up their kids from the bus drop off, and they got to drink hot coffee and eat some breakfast food while they waited
Mom Cara has both practical and sentimental advice:
“Hire an event planner to keep you organized and have fun planning! Enjoy watching your child see what he or she wants to become.”
Zach held a fundraiser for the Brain Aneurysm Foundation.
The following vendors helped to make Zach’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza, 240-777-5315
Party Planner: Mom Cara, SAVE THE DATE, LLC, 301-983-6222
Music Entertainment: MC LA, Washington Talent
Photographers: Jason Weil Photography and Sean Cooper Photography
Videographer: Cliff Mattheson Productions, 301-652-5754
Favors: SAVE THE DATE, LLC, 301-983-6222
Party entertainment: Elite Productions, 724-864-6823; Talk of the Town, 301-738-9500; Stage Right Entertainment, 240-401-3071; Sandy O Studios, 215-487-9544; Fotographix, 301-928-2240
Invitation: SAVE THE DATE, LLC, 301-983-6222, Pioneer Announcements Inc., 305-573-7000
Cake: Cakes by Leslie, 301-652-9390; Savvy Treats, 202-422-5173
Décor: Da Vinci, 301-588-8900
Sign-In Board and Logos: Sublime Creations, LLC, 703-347-1795, SAVE THE DATE, LLC, 301-983-6222, Promotions Your Way, 515-250-1766
Special Napkins: Theme Naps, 678-720-0702
Dresses for family members/Suits for family members: Nicole Miller, Nordstrom, Haute Hippie, Nordstrom, and Florida stores
Hair/makeup: Progressions, 301-231-8757; Makeup by Jan
Transportation: International Limo, 202-388-6800
Party security: SAVE THE DATE, LLC, 301-983-6222
February 12th, 2013
At this time of the year, we have Mardi Gras on our minds, so we wanted to show you a masquerade themed Bat Mitzvah by Photos Galore and More.
The team behind Photos Galore and More created their business for those who are planning an event on a budget.
Their specialty is creating professional photo boards as well as themed thank you cards, return address labels, silk screened shirts/sweatshirts for all special occasions to be used throughout your party.
Using photography to personalize a party is a great and inexpensive way to put your child right at the center of their theme.
The photos below are from their daughter’s Bat Mitzvah.
The theme and party palette was set with this colorful invitation from Arlene Segal Designs embellished with feathers and a turquoise stone
Jyllian posing before the party with one of her masks in a beautiful dress from Ask Alice boutique
Guests were greeted at the entrance of the club by Jyllian’s logo in her color palette on poster board
One of the photo boards created by Photo Galore and More
Balloons, over sized masks and pictures of Jyllian are all the decor needed in this club
Bat Mitzvah girl Jyllian standing next to her masked image
A centerpiece with colorful feathers and a mask
All boards can be customized with graphic logos
Jyllian on the dance floor surrounded by her family and friends
Jyllian’s guests received comfy sweatshirt with her colorful pink and turquoise logo on the front
and on the back
The last thing guests receive are the thank you notes. Photos Galore and More created a card with her logo on the front.
To learn more about Photos Galore and More, email them at photosgaloreinc@yahoo.com.
February 8th, 2013
By Molly Alexander
Hi! My name is Mölly. I’ve recently started going to Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and I’m so excited to start writing about them. I love attending Bar/Bat Mitzvah parties because I feel like each celebration has a unique touch, and I love finding out what it is! I’m excited to bring my perspective to MitzvahMarket.com.
On Saturday, I attended my camp friend, Casey’s, Bat Mitzvah. It was a gorgeous party, very roomy for the guests and she looked amazing the entire night.
For her service, she wore a beautiful, silver strapless ball gown dress. At one point during the party she changed into an adorable silver ensemble, consisting of a bedazzled bustier with a tight silver skirt. Throughout the whole night she looked gorgeous.
Something unique and different I found at Casey’s was a photo booth from Superstar Photobooths, customized for her party with her logo on it. I found this clever because it was more convenient than your average photo station. The photo booth printed two copies of the photos you take, and they were easy to take home. I took about five or six turns in the photo booth with my camp friends and I came home without a huge stack of photos. The photo strips are sweet to hang up, frame, and put in scrapbooks and journals.
Another unique and fun thing I found at Casey’s was her lovely performance. She and her sisters are amazing dancers, so at one point during the party, they performed for the guests, doing a pop mix in their adorable outfits. It was a great performance and it was something I had never seen done before.
I also loved her sweatshirt favor because it’s cropped with thumb holes! It’s also super warm, cute and comfortable!
Clockwise from top left: Her logo was the C & G, the left hand sleeve read, “It’s All Good,” with the date of her party, the sweatshirt was cropped at the bottom, the sleeves had thumb-holes
All in all, I had an amazing time celebrating with Casey and I know she did too! Mazel Tov to Casey and her family!
Read Molly’s first post here.
About Molly Alexander
I’m in 7th grade at Seven Bridges Middle School in Chappaqua and I love to write. Every summer since 2010, I’ve been writing a summer column in my local newspaper. I also do Bat/Bar Mitzvah reports on Instagram. Follow me @mitzvahgirl!
I will mostly likely attend 60-80 Bat/Bar Mitzvah celebrations before I finish eighth grade. I am so excited to be writing for Mitzvah Market!
February 8th, 2013
Once your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah service and celebration are over, you are left with great memories. Your photographer will create a special album, the videographer will produce a fun video and now we have ideas on how to preserve your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah invitation too!
Many invitations set the tone for the type of party you will have and it’s an important party element. We have come across some great keepsake ideas that also make great gifts.
From creative frames to stained glass boxes and more, you can hold onto your Bar Bat Mitzvah invitation in a number of ways. Your child might even thank you for doing it…one day!
The box above is from Ribbon Made Designs, and can be made in any color combination you need or to match any decor.
Here are some other ideas we found:
From Carol Colman Creations, this collage type keepsake can hold many elements from your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah
Sew Many Gifts uses the Bar Bat Mitzvah invitation to create a keepsake pillow. The one above was done in sophisticated Pink and Brown fabrics to complement the invitation. The original ribbon from the invitation was used on the pillow
Traditions Jewish Gifts can take your invitation and create a beautiful custom made handcrafted glass version
It Could Be Verse has a popular item: the Framed Invitation. They mount the actual invitation and surround it with fun and whimsical 3-D graphics, depicting all of your child’s favorite things. It is then matted and framed
From Lexington Studios, this personalized box features your child’s invitation painted on the outside and a special message from the gift givers on the inside. Each album comes with ten 8.5 x 11″ sheets to hold your favorite photos and can also serve as a guest sign in book!
The Pieced Palette uses your invitation to create a sign-in pillow that your guests sign during your celebration. It can be done as shown above or she can take your invitation and print it on heavyweight cotton twill. The fabric is mounted taut so that it can stand on an easel at your party for your guests to sign with permanent marker. After your celebration, she will take back the fabric and create a comfy floor pillow for lounging
Unique Glass Gifts created a smiley face Bat Mitzvah invitation memory box
So Shani on Etsy creates unique and personalized memory boxes for your child to store all the mementos from the big day. She uses pictures, programs, place cards and even parts of your yarmulkes
Artist Jacqueline Winch can created a customized jewelry box with two hinged lids using your invitation
Did you create a unique keepsake for your child’s invitation? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
February 7th, 2013
Families looking for an unparalleled musical experience for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah will find it in Rockmitzvah—a band who makes the child the star of the performance.
Rockmitzvah’s entertainment model has broad appeal, yet it serves many interesting niche audiences. For example, Rockmitzvah has been serving the special-needs community of the tri-state area since 2007. The group caters to families whose children are looking for a different experience. In some cases the child may have behavioral issues, autism spectrum disorder, and other challenges.
Lynne Whitman says she chose Rockmitzvah for her son Ethan’s Bar Mitzvah because she says, “Our son loves music. When we asked him how he’d like to celebrate becoming a Bar Mitzvah with his family and friends he said that he wanted to rock out. So we wanted to make that happen. After a few discussions with Rockmitzvah, we knew that our son would have the opportunity make music with and for everyone in the room. And despite our initial concerns, we were assured that Rockmitzvah would work with our son and not in a cookie cutter format. This was critical to us given his love and gift for music and special needs.”
Lynne says her son’s experience was amazing. “He loved every minute of it. He’d do it again in a heartbeat.” When asked how Rockmitzvah made her son’s day special, she said “They listened to us. They listened to our son. During the rehearsal they became a band. They focused on making it work for our son and our family.”
Rockmitzvah is a band whose roster is comprised of real rock musicians. The group works with each family in advance of their party to make the child the star while also incorporating guests into the day’s performances. The band will customize the music to match the needs and tastes of those in attendance. The musicians can easily offer today’s pop music, rock music, R&B, Broadway show tunes, popular Jewish music, and classics appealing to older generations.
Guests have fun with Rockmitzvah too!
“Families immediately understand that we are all about the child and the child’s comfort level on stage,” says Marc Jacoby, founding member of Rockmitzvah. “We are life-long musicians, performers, and music educators. But first and foremost, we are dads. We understand that every child has unique needs and every child deserves to be respected and listened to.”
A happy Bar Mitzvah boy posing with the Rockmitzvah band
Rockmitzvah is a great option for kids and families seeking an alternative to the typical DJ or loud over-the-top musical experience.
For more information on Rockmitzvah, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
