November 23rd, 2013
MWD Lifestyles is recognized nationally and abroad as an experienced event planning, floral and event design studio. From A to Z, they create classically elegant, stylish and uniquely memorable environments. Their seasoned team of professionals will provide you with exceptional guidance for your Bar, Bat or B’nai Mitzvah celebration.
Recently, they produced a fun event in honor of twins, Daniel and Sarah, who love music, iPods and candy!
MWD Lifestyles took a unique approach to the theme creating a fun and festive reception at the W Hotel in Manhattan.
The place card table consisted of giant iPods that were custom designed and made of Starburst, Bubblegum Roll and Mentos. Each one featured an image of Daniel or Sarah. Blue rock candy mixed with Ring Pops, gumballs and Skittles served as the delicious-looking base!
MWD created custom designed iPod place cards to match the theme
The sign-in board was an adorable baby picture on an iPod surrounded by candy
The ballroom was lit up with special Gobos of stars on the floor, ceiling and walls
Posters of the guests of honor lined the ballroom walls
Centerpieces included musical notes covered in gumballs on a crystal and candy base. Candy consisted of Skittles, Rock Candy, M&M’s, jelly beans, Tootsie Rolls, lollipops and more…yum
For added interest, there were alternating beautiful crushed shimmer tablecloths in shades of lime green, ocean blue and purple
Each table also featured printed album covers in frames with the B’nai Mitzvah boy and girl’s faces superimposed
Of course, custom iTwins napkins tied into the theme!
The creative and delicious cake included favorite music CDs enjoyed by both teens
We thank MWD Lifestyles for sharing this creative candy celebration with Mitzvah Market!
November 19th, 2013
Who would have thought when you were choosing names for your tiny infant way back when, oh about 12 to 13 years ago, that you should have considered how the moniker would influence his or her Bar or Bat Mitzvah theme? Sure would have made life easier.
Say, you would have considered just how cute “Lily’s Pad” would sound or if you loved Nike’s “Just Do It” ad campaign, it would have been oh-so-easy to name your son, Drew with the idea of using “Just Drew It” for his future party logo! Or maybe the initials you would have chosen for your offspring would have conveniently been, OMG! How perfect would that be?!
But alas, such thoughts never entered your mind. Never fear; there are ways to turn almost any name into a cute theme or logo design.
Here are some families that either through the luck of the baby name book, family tradition or just plain creativity, cleverly came up with a theme that fit their child’s moniker that worked out great. After seeing these, you may consider re-naming your child, even at this late date!
Photo courtesy of North Shore Photography
Photo credit: Jersey Street Furniture
Photo credit: Sayings For You
Photo credit: Gotham T-shirt
Photo credit: Whimzey Events
Photo credit: Chris Jorda Photography
Photo credit: North Shore Photography
Did you use your child’s name cleverly in a Bar Bat Mitzvah logo? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
This story is from the 2013 Mitzvah Market Magazine. If you would like to request a free copy, click here.
November 19th, 2013
Roller coaster parties can be great fun for thrill-ride enthusiasts of all ages, and there are plenty of ways to play around with this party theme.
To see many some roller coaster themed Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations, please scroll down.
Amusement park theme… on acrylic from Serendipity Designs
From Balloon Artistry an amusement park themed Bat Mitzvah with roller coaster centerpieces
Party Perfect Boca created this centerpiece
Momentum Cleveland offered a real roller coaster for photo ops
Did you have a roller coaster element at your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
November 16th, 2013
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 this very special time in your life.
We love creative ideas and we thought this candle lighting video presentation was very unique!
The Bat Mitzvah girl is a big fan of Wii Just Dance; the inspiration for this alternative candle lighting idea.
A must watch! See it here
This candle lighting video was produced by VSofNY.
To learn more about The Event Of A Lifetime, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
November 16th, 2013
The Steinberg family celebrated their daughter Andie’s Bat Mitzvah on December 15, 2012, at Life…the place to be, in Ardsley, New York.
This was a modern celebration with many fun elements.
Pictured L-R: Dad Michael, Bat Mitzvah girl Andie, Sister Molly, Brother Cooper and Mom Lainee
Max Aureli Photography was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed below.
Bat Mitzvah Service & Style
Andie’s Bat Mitzvah service was performed within the event space, Life…the place to be.
The modern invitation, which was a mirror with fuchsia and white lettering, was created by Jessica Riesel with supplies from Jam Paper NYC
Bat Mitzvah girl Andie looked beautiful in her crystal fuchsia gown from All Dressed Up
Bat Mitzvah girl, Andie, holding the Torah
Extended family surround Andie by holding the Chuppah
The whole family was involved, even Andie's little brother Cooper!
Sister, Molly, holding little brother Cooper during the service. When Andie’s dress was being altered, there were swatches of beaded fabric left over for a pocket square for Cooper's suit jacket
The Havdallah candle lighting included 13 candles and 13 kids. Above Andie is pictured with her cousins and siblings
These colorful kippot were from Mayaworks.org, a nonprofit organization that promotes the economic development of Mayan women in Guatemala
Mitzvah Details
Abigail Kirsch Catering provided the food and Angela Giannopoulos of Studio3, an event design firm, created a contemporary lounge setting that both adults and kids enjoyed. “Dream Big with Andie” was the theme. Once the logo was designed by Samantha Karofsky the collaboration between décor, entertainment, catering and venue began! All the moving parts contributed to “an uncommon and rare experience of the senses,” according to Mom Lainee.
Taking advantage of the big screens they created moving gobos, to create a dreamy effect. Clouds were projected on the walls with Andie's logo
Bat Mitzvah girl, Andie, wearing her shirt favor
Dream Big with Andie was the logo for this celebration
There were silver and purple pens for guests to leave their special messages for Andie
Music & Entertainment
Max Event Design worked it all night! The family decided on a non-traditional candle lighting ceremony.
Bat Mitzvah girl Andie made a spectacular entrance with the help of the Max Event Design dancers!
Confetti fell from the ceiling to mark her arrival
The Steinberg's having a great time!
Lots of dancing!
Talented performance artists wowed the crowd
There was live music as well
A picture perfect night!
Bubbles came down from the ceiling
Dad, Michael, making a toast
The family decided on a non-traditional candle lighting ceremony. They chose to have large glow sticks distributed to each guest. Crystal vases were set center stage and immediate family came to drop their glow sticks in the vases
Then the entire guest list was invited to drop their glow sticks into the vases. "Ultimately, everyone surrounding our family lit up our world in some aspect throughout our lives," said Mom Lainee
Mitzvah Video
For Andie’s montage, the Steinbergs found photos of just about every single person on the guest list! Additionally, there was footage of Andie growing up, a quick interview with her siblings, her school principal, and pop culture infusion of video clips of her favorite movies, TV and shows! They also found old home videos from 1999, and with the help of Jodie Cohen, (they found her on Mitzvah Market), at Movie & Montage Magic, they transferred old school tapes into readable CDs.
Watch the montage, created by Tanta Marla’s Studio here
Mitzvah Favors & Exit Treats
The favors and giveaways were designed by Samantha Karofsky.
There were yoga pants for the girls and Dri-Fit t-shirts for the boys, plus water bottles, zip sweatshirts and tube socks
Custom tube socks
They were a big hit!
Cubbies held the favors that featured the logo, "Dream Big with Andie"
Waffle Cabin from Stratton Mountain in Vermont, was on hand along with a roaming ice cream cart and a candy table for guests to enjoy at the end of the night
After Andie's celebration, she and her camp friends went back to her house in style!
Mitzvah Project
For her Mitzvah Project, Andie was drawn to the concept of conducting and presenting an oral history film. She chose a 99-year-old woman to interview, set-up her DVD laptop and video camera, and asked her questions. The interviewee was a remarkable orator, very funny and had incredible recollection of her past. Andie then edited the footage to the woman’s favorite music, images, and presented it to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Now this woman, who recently passed away, has a story that will live forever.
Mom to Mom
Advice from Mom Lainee:
“Create a list or format on the computer that works for you, try and keep all your information on a spreadsheet. Include your contacts, pricing, deposits paid out, invitations and thank you cards sent and gifts received. Items to bring on the day of include a timeline and envelopes labeled with tips for vendors. Some vendors we actually tipped just as the party “began”… so they’d hopefully feel motivated & appreciated early on to put their best foot forward. At some point during the process, stop second guessing yourself and trust your instincts, your convictions and enjoy the ride. The celebration is a 3-5 hour event give or take, but the time you begin planning up until the time you send out thank you notes, is a long journey, one that should be enjoyed and appreciated from start to finish. Try and have one wingman/point person that spends 5 minutes helping you and your kids enjoy everything at the event. Look at the sign-in board, photo booth, that little detail you put in the far right corner, anything creative, because time goes by so quickly and although you get a great overview of the entire feeling of love and family and friends, the true priority of this occasion, some of the details you pained over initially, you might not get to appreciate on the actual day of your event.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Andie’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Steven and Sharon Zukerman, Life…the place to be, 914-591-4400
Décor: Angela Giannopoulous, Studio 3, 212-367-7950
Photographer: Max Aureli Photography, 203 517 4252
Videographer: Eric Model, Reel Moments, 845-623-1000
DJ and Lounge Decor: Max Event Design, 914-533-7245
Extra Entertainment: Electric violinist, percussionist, aerialists, Max Entertainment
Catering: Ed Steinberg, Abigail Kirsch Catering, 914-631-3030
Logo Design/Favors: Samantha Karofsky, 914-419-9166
Invitation Design/Cocktail napkins: Jessica Riesel, jessriesel@gmail.com
Invitation Mirror and Specialty Envelopes: Jam Paper & Envelope, 212-473-6666
Sign-In Board: Stephanie Geezees, Geezees.com, 610-438-0162
Desserts: Peter, Waffle Cabin, 802-775-0058
Montage Creator: Marla Schneider, Tantamarlastudio, 914-215-2102
Video Transfer: Jodie Cohen, Movie & Montage Magic, 516-383-0634
Friday night catering: Silvia Toth Fincsi Catering, 203-569-5859
Sunday Brunch catering: Christa Tomasulo, En Vious Events, 914-804-4785
Hotel for Out of Town Guests: Renaissance Westchester Hotel, 914-694-5400
Stamps: Zazzle.com
Yarmulkes: Mayaworks, 312-243-8050
Dresses for Bat Mitzvah girl Andie and sister Molly: All Dressed Up, 914-690-1593
Mom Lainee: Neiman Marcus
Suits for family members: Brother Cooper, Lester’s; Dad Michael, Bloomingdales
Hair: Denise Goldstein, 914-584-0622
Makeup: Kim Root, 914-588-7854
Transportation: Hummer Limo, M. Gucci Limos, 914-948-9099
November 16th, 2013
By Bari Cener
Ask a girl what her favorite part of planning her Bat Mitzvah celebration is and you’ll likely get a resounding vote for THE DRESS! For many girls, in fact, it’s several dresses; one for synagogue, one for the party, and perhaps one to change into later in the evening or for a second-day affair.
Remember that this is a religious rite of passage and the service dress should reflect that. A classic A-line or form fitting dress in a subdued tone can be paired with a ballet flat or even a nice wedge to add a little personality. Even if your synagogue doesn’t have a specific skirt length that is deemed appropriate, “the family’s values should be kept in mind,” says Rachel Pouyafar, owner of It’s Simple For You in Syosset. “If Grandma is Orthodox, there’s no way the skirt should be above the knee.”
But we know the dress your daughter is really dreaming about is the one for her party. Finding a dress that both mom and daughter love doesn’t have to be difficult as long as you both adhere to certain guidelines.
“The dress must be age appropriate,” says Cortney Cohen, co-founder of Best Dressed NY. “A lot of these dresses are made for older girls, but can be altered for a 13-year-old’s body. Not all girls should wear a deep sweetheart neckline; fit is so important.”
This season delivered some of the hottest styles we’ve seen in awhile. This year it’s about achieving a look — edgy, sweet or somewhere in between. We’ve talked to the experts, we’ve checked out the runways and we’re telling you what it’s all about.
It’s All About The Texture
Custom Blue dress for Best Dressed NY, Photo credit: Sarah Merian Photography & Videography
The edginess of leather with the femininity of lace, or the richness of velvet paired with the wispiness of chiffon adds instant drama to a dress. “The mixing of materials, particularly the heavier fabrics that are associated with a more mature look, is an easy way to accommodate a younger woman,” says Erica Serotta, also co-founder of Best Dressed NY. Lace dresses in every possible color walked the runway this season. “A dress done completely in lace can be overwhelming,” says Cohen. “But paired with an airier fabric like tulle, it looks youthful and elegant.”
It’s All About The Hardware
Photo credit: Sherri Hill, Photo credit: Cortney Cohen
Drawing inspiration from Valentino’s Rockstud collection, nail heads and studs are edgy little details that add dimension. Graduated beading has been a long-lasting trend, and it’s a good way to incorporate a lot of bling. “The look you want is one of elegance and fun. Heavy beading on the neckline that sprinkles down onto the skirt won’t overwhelm the girl,” say Serotta. For those who want something a little different, consider a dress with a high, embellished neckline or one with a necklace already built in.
It’s All About The Investment Piece
Custom dress for Best Dressed NY, Photo credit: Cortney Cohen
No matter which denomination of Judaism, it is in good taste and proper form to keep your shoulders covered in the sanctuary. Many girls find a suit “stuffy,” and prefer to wear a dress. If so, consider a feather shrug or a fur wrap over your arms. “It’s an investment piece that you can wear with anything from jeans to a party dress for years to come,” says Serotta.
It’s All About The Heavy Metal
Sherri Hill Dress, photo credit: Rebecca Weiss Photography
Forget black, white or tan…the new neutrals for the season are metallics like nickel, gold, silver and copper. “The metal colors photograph really well and you don’t have to worry about it clashing with your party’s color scheme,” says Serotta. On ombre dresses (where the color goes from light to dark lengthwise) jewel-toned sparkle pairs nicely with dark grays and other deep colors.
Mitzvah tips for getting the right look:
• There’s nothing like the classics: Pastels like baby pink and light blue will always be popular- and why shouldn’t they be? These are 13 year old girls after all! If you’re looking for something a little less cutting edge, there’s nothing like a beautiful ball gown in a soft color. Something in between? Try a jewel-tone cocktail dress in emerald green. “It’s universally flattering on all different skin tones and hair colors,” says Cohen.
Custom Dress It’s Simply For You, photo credit: Ira Rosen Studio
• If the shoe fits: The biggest fashion faux pas is wearing shoes that you can’t walk in, “says Cohen. Do a walk test, she suggests. “If you can walk comfortably, then the height of the heel is fine.”
• Shine on: “A bracelet and earrings is all the jewelry that a girl needs,” says Pouyafar. “It’s the old saying of ‘less is more’– you don’t want your jewelry to compete with your dress.” That said, a stunning clutch dripping with beading is nothing to shy away from to complete the total look.
Photo credit: Cortney Cohen
• Synagogue cover up: In most synagogues, it’s appropriate to cover your arms and shoulders for the service. “A girl can wear a sheath with a bolero, or we have a wrap that attaches to the dress and isn’t annoying,” says Rachel Pouveyer of It’s Simply For You in Syosset. Or why not try a dress with a classic cap sleeve; a look, Sherri Hill debuted in their Fall 2013 look book.
• Think custom: When you’re truly looking for something one-of-a-kind, a custom dress is the best way to get everything you want. It also might be the best choice when mom and daughter don’t see eye to eye. “Sometimes a custom dress is a good compromise that will satisfy both of them,” says Pouyafar.
Custom Dress It’s Simply For You, photo credit: Art Photographers
Boy’s fashion
While the girls have all but abandoned wearing a suit for their service, it’s still a must for a boy. “Everything is a little trimmer and slimmer,”says Steve Worby, owner of The Clothing Center in East Brunswick, N.J. “The trend is slim fit, two button side vented jacket with a flat front trouser in navy, gray or black.” Dress shirts have also been given a revamp, and colors like aqua, lavender, and raspberry are replacing a classic white shirt.
And-deep breath, parents: the biggest change has been the attire worn to a Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration (if it’s not directly after synagogue). “It’s really changed from sports jackets to a pair of nice dress pants and a non-tucked-in shirt,” says Worby. “Most boys change into the favor t-shirt or simply take the jackets off.”
Having a more traditional celebration? The classic approach, a pleated pant and jacket in a conservative, pinstripe gray or navy never goes out of style.
This story is from the 2013 Mitzvah Market Magazine. If you would like to request a free copy, click here.
November 12th, 2013
Zak Levitt and Daniel Stein are best friends from the Orlando area who decided to celebrate their Bar Mitzvah together. They both love college sports and enjoy their friendly rivalry rooting for their favorite teams, The University of Michigan and The Ohio State University.
Coming up with a theme could be a problem for some, but not for these best friends.
The families decided on “A House Divided” as the theme, and with the help of Faye Novick of Just Celebrate! and Raining Roses Productions, they scored on every level.
David Basher of A Magic Moment photographed the event.
The Winter Park Florida Farmers’ Market served as the venue
Both teams were equally represented at the entrance
Team pennants and personalized jerseys added to the decor along with referee-striped tablecloths. Game time favorites included pizza, pretzels, popcorn and hot dogs
The tables looked great with pennants from both teams
Football lingo on the centerpieces
Guests had to make some tough choices
A stadium filled with cheering fans
The guests of honor making their entrance
Everyone was in on the action
Donut Limbo – the kids try to eat a donut off of the limbo stick
A tailgating party made it authentic
Desserts coordinated with team colors
The following vendors helped make this party:
Event Planner: Faye Novick, Just Events
Photography: David Basher, A Magic Moment
Decor and Signage: Raining Roses Productions
MC and Music: Niekko Chin, Cirque USA
Catering: Arthur’s Creative Events and Catering.
We thank all these vendors for sharing this great B’nai Mitzvah with our readers.
November 12th, 2013
Gobo lighting is a unique way to highlight your child’s name, logo or theme. Check out our past gobo story here.
You can project names, initials, or a design on a dance floor or wall.
A Gobo name creates a focal point as room decor and/or provides wonderful photo opportunities.
Here are some of the creative ways families used Gobos at Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations:
Casual Candids captured this Gobo that looked great against the pink uplighting of the room
Bart Gorin Photography projected this image on a curved wall
The Inn At New Hyde Park projected the name “Adrienne” onto the dance floor
November 12th, 2013
Candle Lighting Alternatives, By Bari Cener
To do a candle lighting or not to do a candle lighting…that is the question that faces many families when planning their Bar/Bat Mitzvah parties. It can be one of the most interactive parts of a celebration and a great way for the host family and guest of honor to show love and appreciation to family and friends. “In a practical sense, it’s a photo opportunity for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child to get a picture with the people closest to them,” says event planner Melisa Imberman, owner of The Event Of A Lifetime in Millwood, NY.
But for some, a traditional candle lighting ceremony doesn’t fit into their vision of the perfect event. Many families have a less informal celebration at an event space or sports facility, while others feel that they don’t want to interrupt the party or have something that runs so long that people start getting bored. And yet others run into a situation where there are too many people they’d like to include and they worry about leaving somebody out and causing hurt feelings.
Instead of letting these issues cause you to forgo the entire thing, why not get inventive and think outside the box by finding alternatives to the traditional 13 candles on a cake. One way to capture the essence of the ceremony, but still keep it short and sweet, is to light three candles representing the child’s past, present, and future.
With so much food at most parties, no one will mind if you can forgo the cake completely. Instead, you can use anything from cupcakes to candy, flowerpots to toys to hold the candles. It’s the perfect way to incorporate your theme, using miniature team shirts for a sports-themed party, for example, or bulbs that get lit up on a sign with the child’s name for a Broadway-themed event.
Photo credit: Linda Morrow
The Levitan Family decided on a creative candle lighting ceremony with neither cake nor candles since their synagogue didn’t permit them to be lit on the Sabbath. Instead, each person honored was asked to pour a glass of wine into an oversized goblet for a “Cup of Life” ceremony. Each glass of wine had a theme, such as Cup of Good Health, Cup of Love and Cup of Happiness.
Photo credit: Casual Candids
Another non-traditional idea is to use sand. As each person or group is called up to be honored, they fill a Lucite container with cups of different colored sand, creating a sand sculpture that can be kept as a treasured keepsake, explains Hillary Meisner of Meisner Art. Or how about filling a container with Hershey’s kisses wrapped in colorful foil, marbles, shells, pretty stones or even colored water. After all, it’s the thought that counts.
At another Bat Mitzvah, Sarah Merians Photography and Videography captured family and friends as they added dirt, seeds, water and plant food into planting pots. Later, as the plants grew, it was a regular reminder of the special occasion.
One of the most modern candle lighting ceremonies we’ve seen is a video that played off of the Wii game “Just Dance.” “This game was something the whole family enjoyed together, as there was a big age difference between the siblings,” says Imberman, so they decided to include it in their celebration. On the video monitors around the room, guests watched as the family of “Mii” characters danced on screen with a piece of cake and a flame for each person honored.
For more information on this type of candle lighting game, contact The Event Of A Lifetime
This family’s candle lighting ceremony was a big hit at their party! Just as it started, the Party Harty Entertainment dancers handed all the guests a Safe Flame candle. As guests were called up, they first lit their candle (battery operated) and then came up to the cake for a picture. Everyone in the room was asked to come up at some point so the whole room was lit up by the end of the candle lighting.
The bottom line is that however you choose to perform your candle lighting ceremony, be assured that there is no right or wrong way. Have fun with it and so will everyone else.
This story is from the 2013 Mitzvah Market Magazine. If you would like to request a free copy, click here.
November 10th, 2013
Chloe Dichter of Livingston, New Jersey, designed a unique pair of leggings for her Bat Mitzvah Project with New York City fashion designer Zara Terez.
The leggings were such a big hit they sold out in one day!
Sales from the leggings will go to Camp Sunshine, a retreat in Maine for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.
We couldn’t wait to hear how Chloe started this Project.
MM: Please tell us about your Mitzvah Project?
CD: For my Bat Mitzvah project, I designed a unique pair of leggings with fashion designer Zara Terez. The leggings were sold at Precious Cargo a store in Livingston, New Jersey. Ten percent of the sales will go to Camp Sunshine, a retreat in Maine for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. The pattern, which we created together, is filled with all of my favorite things like flip flops, palm trees, Converse high tops, yogurt, coffee, ear buds, bunk, a bicycle and s’mores. Many of my friends like these things too, so I thought they’d be a hit in the stores.
Chloe’s design
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project?
CD: My sleepaway camp, Camp Mataponi, works with Camp Sunshine every summer and I wanted to help out. It’s a great group that helps sick children and their families. I love summer camp and I wish all kids could have a similar experience like I do filled with friendship, bonding, spirit and camaraderie. So I worked with Zara Terez to create a one-of-a-kind legging and 10% of the proceeds of each sale was donated to Camp Sunshine. I teamed up with Terez’s printed leggings which are made in New York City. They are very popular among girls of all ages. The original patterned poly spandex leggings (think prints of unicorns, cheeseburgers, newspaper print or macaroni and cheese!), which have become a staple in many closets throughout the United States.
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bat Mitzvah?
CD: It means so much to me to help children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.
MM: How did you spread the word?
CD: Precious Cargo, a kids store in my town, hosted a launch party for me and the launch of the leggings. They posted flyers around town, there was a feature in the West Essex Tribune and online at the Livingston Patch. It was also posted to Facebook and Instagram. Also, my camp featured the project in their newsletter.
MM: How long can someone donate?
CD: Anyone can donate to Camp Sunshine at any time.
MM: Anything else we need to know?
CD: We sold over 130 pairs of leggings in one day! We are so excited!
We thank Chloe and her family for sharing her great Bat Mitzvah project with Mitzvah Market.
