May 11th, 2016
If you have been trying to find the perfect way to show off your child’s personality the RSVP card may be the perfect way to do it!
With a little creativity, you can turn a great Bar Bat Mitzvah invite into the most talked about part of the event.
And just an FYI, according to Peggy Post, great-granddaughter of manners maven Emily, it is absolutely ok for you to reach out to people to request they send in their RSVP cards once the date has passed!
This vintage sports-themed reply card from Low Schmaltz turned each element of a classic event ticket into the RSVP info
Out of the Box NY included two RSVP cards for guests to choose from
From Dara Grunberg of Dear Friends, this Basketball themed RSVP scores big time
Rsvp-to-me created a Mad Lib inspired RSVP card with a sentence that required guests to fill-in the blank, “When the invitation arrived we (past tense verb) and (exclamation phrase!)”
Becca Goldberg of Suite Paperie offers a colorful splatter paint RSVP perfect for an art-themed Bar or Bat Mitzvah
TheCoolestGiveaways.com features a great lacrosse design that is the perfect way to celebrate your child’s Mitzvah and the sport
Little Black Dress Paperie created the perfect RSVP using the girl’s name and keeping with her “sweet” theme
Your guests can RSVP via text message with their mobile phone inspired response card which coordinates with their iMitzvah invitation suite from BarMitzvahCards.net
The Invitation Lady incorporated the Bar Mitzvah boy’s name into the RSVP
Elegantly Stated used the Bar Mitzvah boy’s initials for a very creative RSVP making it more personal
Paper Works and Events created a modern 2 color letterpress RSVP on 1 side, solid mat board on the other, and an orange foil stamped address on a blue envelope
On this glow-inspired RSVP from Alexandra Bisono, there is a space for a hand written note below each response
Did you have a great RSVP card for your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah invitation? Please share it with us at: info@mitzvahmarket.com.
May 8th, 2016
The Shapiro family of Plainview, New York, celebrated son Stefen’s Bar Mitzvah over two days. On Saturday, February 6, 2016, his service was held at Temple Shalom in Woodbury, New York, followed by a luncheon at Cirella’s Restaurant in Melville, New York. Then on Sunday, February 7, 2016, there was an afternoon celebration at the Omni Diner in Uniondale, New York.
Stefen is an avid football fan and it was no coincidence that his Sunday celebration fell on Super Bowl Sunday! The party ended by 4:00pm, just in time for guests to enjoy the the second most important event of the day.
Pictured L-R: Sister Jaidyn, Mom Heather, Bar Mitzvah boy Stefen and Dad Scott.
The photographer was Howard Gorchov and the rest of the vendor information is listed a the end of the spotlight.
Mitzvah Invitation
The family worked with Ellen Futterman of Proper Notice on the custom invitation.
Along with the monogrammed football, guests received an invitation to the service and a game ticket featuring party information
Super Bowl Style
The attire was “Jerseys, Jeans and Jewels.” Incorporating their love of the Dallas Cowboys, Bar Mitzvah boy Stefen wore a Dallas “13” Jersey. Dad Scott wore a Troy Aikman throwback jersey, Mom Heather redesigned a Dallas Cowboys jersey with spaghetti straps and bling around the collar and Sister Jaidyn had her Dallas Cowboys’ jersey custom designed into a one shoulder dress.
Mitzvah Decor
Simon Elliot Events created the logo, over-sized photos and graphic displays.
Guests entered The Omni Dinner and saw SJS Stadium signage
Football Fashion: Stefen sported a custom name and number “Throwback” Jersey Dallas Cowboy Jersey for the cocktail hour, and then changed into a current Dallas Cowboy jersey with the number 13. Both jerseys were worn with Lucky Brand Jeans, and Nike Lebron “What if” Dallas Cowboy sneakers
Custom pillows with the logo
Geo Events created the centerpieces
Stefen's party logo became a giant decal on the dance floor
Mitzvah Music and Extra Entertainment
The music was provided by Geo Events with MC Nore. Simon Elliot Events provided interactive entertainment and the sign-in board which doubled as a box pool to create Stefen’s Super Bowl Sunday. During the party, MC Nore pulled random numbers at different intervals at the party based on the sign-in board. They created their own winning combinations.
The Geo dancers, in custom football jerseys, escorted the star player
MC Nore and the team of GEO Events kept all the guests having fun on the dance floor
Everyone loved the confetti storm
An amazing sign-in board by Simon Elliot Events that also served as a box pool for the Super Bowl game
The winners were announced during the party. They won Kindle Fires and NFL jerseys
Guests checked out the prizes available for the box pool
Guests checking out the designs available for the Power Banks by Simon Elliot Events
Football Frenzy from Simon Elliot Events was a big hit
Guests enjoyed the Selfie Booth. What a great picture of Stefen!
Cake and Candle Lighting
Stefen's cake was baked by Francesca's bakery
Stefen surrounded by all his friends
Mitzvah Favors and Exit Treats
Hyman and Harry created the custom logo'd footballs, sweatshirts, T-shirts, beanies and bucket hats for the Shapiro's guests
What's Your Flavor supplied the custom to-go boxes which included: water, custom popcorn, potato chips and pretzels
What's Your Flavor also created custom candy tins with Stefen's logo and football pictures
It was a big hit!
The Fatheads, used for decor and for Step N Repeat photos, were given to Stefen's friends at the end of the night!
Mitzvah Project
We featured Stefen and friend Mikey Espinosa’s joint Mitzvah Project a few months ago. Since both are video game and football fanatics, they organized a flag football event last October 18, 2015, in Plainview, New York. The clever name of their project was the M.E.S.S.(for the boys’ initials) Flag Football Warrior Bowl. The organizations that benefited from their project are: Wounded Warriors, Rangers Lead the Way; and Building Homes for Heroes.
Pictured L-R: Stefen Shapiro and Mikey Espinosa
Mom to Mom Advice from Heather
“Have fun with the party! Let the experts you are hiring guide you…they know what works best. Stay organized and stress free – this should be an exciting and fun!”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Stefen’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com
Venue/Caterer/Party Security: Chistoper Leo, Carlyle at the Omni, 516-227-2600
Party Planner/Signage/Sign-In/Graphics/Entertainment: Simon Elliot Events 516-586-6822
Music Entertainment/MC/Centerpieces: GEO Events, MC Nore, 212-572-8323
Photographer/Videographer: Howard Gorchov, 917-653-5044
Invitation: Ellen Futterman, Proper Notice, 516-621-9523
Favors/Pillows: Hyman and Harry, 516-433-1340
Candy/Mitzvah Exit Boxes and Snacks: Kim Khazzam, What’s Your Flavor, 516-659-7567
Cake: Francesco’s Bakery, 516-931-6821
Stefen’s jersey/Dad Scott’s Jersey: Purchased at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Mom Heather/Sister Jaidyn: NFL Shop.com, Executed and blinged by Robin at Designs On You, 631-473-6363
Makeup: Vanessa Soda, All Dolled Up, 516-776-2947
Hair: ID Salon, 516-692-6400
May 8th, 2016
Who better to find the latest and greatest for all things Bar Bat Mitzvahs than our own Mitzvah Moms!
Wait till you see what this Mitzvah Mom and her sister created for Ellie’s Bat Mitzvah.
“My sister Donna and I have been creating centerpieces and decorations for family events for years,” Susan Golden tells Mitzvah Market. My sister has a degree in fashion design and I just love to craft and create things. We wanted to do something a little ‘out of the box’ for my daughter’s Bat Mitzvah. I knew it would be easier (and a lot less pressure on myself) to hand it over to a party decorator but I am a stickler for details and I knew my sister and I were up for the challenge. We decided on the theme “Everything Ellie,” and decorated mannequins in couture representing all of her favorite things.”
It took Susan and her sister four months to create these centerpieces and now that the party is over, they thought someone else might be able to use these works of art. It’s easy to switch out photos and initials for another Bat Mitzvah girl. If you are interested in buying any of the below or would like more to be made, just email Susan at goldensusane@verizon.net.
This wired mannequin, covered in rhinestones and fake flowers, was displayed next to the place card table
Custom Bat Mitzvah Centerpieces
The baking mannequin features a chef’s hat with a rhinestone "E." The apron dress is made of cupcake liners and rhinestones. The belt is made of spatulas and the skirt is made of paper napkins with the Cake Wars Logo rhinestoned and attached to them. The necklace is made of measuring spoons
The selfie mannequin is a dress featuring selfies of Ellie
The french mannequin is decopauged in french magazines. The bustier is leather with purple ribbons that tie up the back. It is edged in Eiffel Towers. She has a pink flower and a pearl necklace with glittered perfume bottle chip boards. Her skirt is a feathered boa
The emoji mannequin has decopauged face emojis in the shape of a top. The glittery tulle skirt has various rhinestoned emojis. Her belt buckle is a sample rhinestoned iphone and her necklace reads "LOL"
This art mannequin has a top made of paintbrushes, paint tubes, and crayons. The skirt is comprised of paint sample chips
The music mannequin is decopauged in sheet music. She has a large glittered g-clef necklace and rhinestone headphones. Her skirt is also made up of rolled sheet music, sheer ribbon, and gold sparkled trumpets
Centerpieces By Bat Mitzvah Girl Ellie
Bat Mitzvah girl Ellie is also very talented and she created the candy mannequins below. They are made of styrofoam and covered in candy couture with tulle skirts. They are 15 inches in height and were used on the kids’ tables on top of white cake plates.
This one was created with individual slices of gum, glitter covered sour worms, a candy necklace and a glittered covered gummy
This centerpiece is made up of Starbursts and Nerds. The flower on the top is also molded from Starbursts
This green skirted creation was made using Nerds, gumballs, Twizzlers, and Sweet Tarts
Crushed Jolly Ranchers and Twizzlers were used to create the top of this hot pink tulle skirt
All of the themed mannequins can be adjusted in height. The can be anywhere from 52 inches to 64 inches. Each mannequin stand is glittered in either black or white.
Again, if you are interested in buying any of these centerpieces or would like more to be made, just email Susan at goldensusane@verizon.net.
See more Mom Finds here.
May 4th, 2016
Jodi Raphael Events from Newton, Massachusetts, designed and planned all of the events for a Bat Mitzvah girl who wanted her celebration to be in her backyard. It was both playful and sophisticated and the perfect place to entertain guests. The Bat Mitzvah girl is a fun-loving young woman who likes color, pattern and roller coasters! The gorgeous linens were chosen with her favorite colors in mind.
The photography was done by Person + Killian Photography.
Family and friends gathered in a draped section of the tent that held the beautiful, traditional service
After the service, guests enjoyed the cocktail hour outside
High top tables with beautiful yellow linens decorated the pool patio
Inside the tent there were lots of fresh and fun elements, such as the white dance floor with the Bat Mitzvah girl's monogram in bold colors
The color palette of turquoise and lime green reflected in the chic linens and floral arrangements, was chosen with the Bat Mitzvah girl's love of color in mind
Each guest had a lime green custom menu and each napkin was placed in an acrylic napkin holder
The modern curved bar featured a neon green "soda" sign
The Bat Mitzvah girl loves roller-coasters, so there was a virtual ride available for guests
Air-brushed Mitzvah favors given to young guests at the end of the evening
A beautiful glow from inside the tents and the outside sky
Watch this backyard transform into a great party space right before your eyes!
We thank Jodi Raphael for sharing this beautiful backyard Bat Mitzvah with our readers.
Decor, Design and Coordination: Jodi Raphael Events, Photography: Person+Killian Photography; Music Entertainment: Northern Lights Entertainment; Linens: Table Toppers of Newton, Party Rentals: Creative Event Services, Inc., Be Our Guest, Inc., and Tommy Wholesale Products.
May 1st, 2016
One of the small details that comes up as your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah date approaches is the bathroom basket filled with amenities. It’s one of those optional items that isn’t absolutely necessary, but many put together at the last minute.
Some venues and/or decor vendors will take care of this for you. BUT…if you want to DIY, we created a list that will get you started. Usually it’s the ladies room that has a basket, but just in case, we have listed items for the men’s room too!
Our list has some suggested items — you can add or delete as you see fit:
Ladies Lounge Toiletry Baskets:
Anti Frizz Lotion * Tampons & Panty Shields * Sewing Kit * Clear Nail Polish * Eye Drops * Static Guard * Spray Deodorant * Hand/Body Lotion * Dental Floss * Mints/Gum * Emery Boards * Hair Comb & Small Brush * Bobby Pins * Safety Pins * Band-Aids
Men’s Lounge Toiletry Boxes:
Hand Lotion * After Shave Lotion * Emery Boards * Combs & Brushes * Mints * Spray Deodorant * Band-Aids * Eye Drops * Hair Gel/Spray * Lint Brush * Dental Floss * Gum/Mints
Bathroom Baskets From A Few Of Our Mitzvah Family Spotlight Stories
The cheerful bathroom basket filled with all the necessities and a cute note that read:
Fix your hem or tie up your hair, freshen your breath or mend a tear.
This basket holds the kitchen sink
and much more…
Feel free to use what you need & head back to the dance floor! From a
Candy Themed Celebration
If you have Bar Bat Mitzvah tips for our readers, we’d love to hear them. Contact us at info@mitzvahmarket.com. Thank you!
May 1st, 2016
The Caress family of New York City celebrated the B’nai Mitzvah of their daughter Amanda and their son Ryan on December 5, 2015, at Temple Israel in New York City. There was an evening reception at the Edison Ballroom, an event space, also located in New York City.
They used the first initials of both Amanda and Ryan for their logo. This was one amazing pARty, enjoyed by family and friends.
Pictured L-R: Bat Mitzvah girl Amanda, Dad Jeffrey, Mom Tammy and Bar Mitzvah boy Ryan.
The photographer was H&H Photography and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
Invitation and Service
Ryan and Amanda’s service was at Temple Israel. They both did a beautiful job chanting their Torah and Haftorah portions.
The family worked with Reed Cohen Paper and Events on the Tiffany blue and gold layered invitation
Amanda at the bimah
Ryan at the bimah
Tammy and Jeffrey Caress along with grandparents Dr. Danny and Madelyn Zelman and Dr. Donald and Amy Caress were beaming on the bimah with Amanda and Ryan
As guests entered the temple, there was a beautiful picture of Amanda and Ryan on display along with the kippot in a basket, candy and a framed note to guests
Mitzvah Style
The family was all smiles ready for the celebration to begin
Amanda posed in her cream and gold service dress
Ryan looked handsome in his suit and coordinating tie
For her celebration that evening, Amanda changed into her Jovani gown from Party Girl
Ryan looked sharp in his black DKNY suit and silver tie for the evening party
Mitzvah Decor and Details
The place cards, signage, posters and sign-in were created by Balloon Artistry.
The Edison Ballroom is a historic private event space in Manhattan
Twinning: Amanda sparkled in a long beaded
and sequin Tiffany blue Jovani dress from Party
Girl in Tenafly, New Jersey, while Ryan wore a
crisp, black DKNY silk suit from Lubin’s, which
was accented with a silver pocket square and
worn over a white shirt and silver tie
Amanda in front of her oversized poster
Ryan in front of his poster
Their party logo, which featured the first initial from each of their names, looked great on the place card table by
Balloon Artistry
Each table featured glowing custom lampshade centerpieces with pictures of Ryan and Amanda
Elegant table linens were used to complete the look
The party logo and monogram were alternately placed behind the bar
Small arrangements of roses completed the look
Iluminated custom centerpieces personalized the tables
The ballroom was lit in turquoise and blue uplighting accented with a gobo monogram on the dance floor
Customized lamp shades with wine glass bases dazzled the room
Pillows were made in navy, teal and silver with 'ACRC' and 'pARty' logos
Balloon Artistry created life size posters of Amanda and Ryan framed in lights
Ryan's poster
Balloon Artistry designed sign-in boards with over-sized pictures and Lucite overlays
Mitzvah Logo
Top Elements designed many logos which were used for the room decor and favors.
This logo was used around the room
Ryan's logo incorporated tennis
Amanda's logo incorporated dance and piano
Music Entertainment & Special Moments
MC Benny and the crew from EK Productions provided non-stop fun and dancing. Ryan and Amanda each had a special entrance.
Ryan made his entrance with a big smile
Amanda entered escorted by two dancers
The Horah, twice as fun!
Nice moves Ryan!
The dance floor was packed all night
Costume Change: After the candle lighting,
Amanda changed to a silver-beaded cocktail
dress by LEXIE from Party Girl and Sarah Jessica
Parker rhinestone stilettos for the father-daughter
dance. After the dance, she changed into high heel Nike sneakers that were blinged-out with rhinestones
Ryan and his Mom danced to Ed Sheeran's song, “Thinking Out Loud”
Mitzvah Entertainment
Mentalist and magican Oz Pearlman from America's Got Talent fame was on hand to wow guests
Phil the Magic Man entertained during the cocktail hour
Guests enjoyed the Poker table and a Blackjack table where the dealers used custom playing cards with the pARty logo
Some fun hockey action
Ryan being roasted by his friends
Candle Lighting and Challah
Balloon Artistry created candle lighting displays for both Ryan and Amanda.
Amanda and Ryan lit the candles with their parents
With their friends
Grandparents Madelyn and Donald are being honored with a candle
Prayers over the challah with Grandpa Don Caress and Grandpa Danny Zelman
Favors
The girls got shopping bags and the boys got gym bags with the pARty logo
All the kids at the party customized sweatshirts from the Bling Bar from Top Elements
Ryan wearing his sweatshirt favor
Amanda enjoying her beanie cap with custom logo which was also given to each friend
Mitzvah Project
For their B’nai Mitzvah Project, these siblings raised money and awareness for stomach cancer, specifically for www.DebbiesDream.org, which was started by their Aunt Debbie. They organized multiple promotions and sold lemonade and cookies and sold tickets to a NYC event, Night of Laughter. Mitzvah Market recently profiled their great Mitzvah Project.
Amanda baking the cookies they sold
Delicious cookies and poster at the all day lemonade stand
Ryan working the booth
Mom to Mom Advice from Mom Tammy
“Start going through your pictures for your montage early, The day of bring slippers and make sure to take a family photo at the photo booth. Start your speeches early. Make a timeline of the night and stick to it! I hired a ‘day of’ person and I highly recommend that if you are not working with a party planner.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Amanda and Ryan’s B’nai Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Edison Ballroom, 212-201-7650
Day of Event Person: Laura Goldstein
Cocktail Party Musicians: Metro Electric Trio
Music Entertainment: MC Benny, EK Productions, 718-982-6000
Signage, sign-in board, candle lighting and blow-ups: Balloon Artistry, 845-352-2828
Photographer/Videographer: H &H Photographers, 914-591-4200
Favors/dancer T-shirts: Top Elements, 732-972-8290
Décor and Florist: Atlas Floral Decorators, 212-707-8355
Photo lamp shades: Illuminaria, 978-706-1797
Party entertainment: Oz Pearlman
Magician: Phil the Magic Man, 914-260-5686
Invitation: Reed and Cohen Papers and Events, 212-757-7702
Cake: Cakes N Shapes, 212-629-5512
Linens table clothes: The Finishing Touch, 516-827-7433
Dresses for family members: Party Girl, 201-568-8804
Suits for family members: Lubins of Westchester, 914-713-0300
