A Sports Themed Bar Mitzvah Celebration

The Shapiro family of Plainview, New York, celebrated son Maxwell’s (Max) Bar Mitzvah during the week of Chanukah on December 20, 2014. They hired New Star Caterers at Temple B’nai Shalom in Rockville Center, New York.

A sports fan, Max’s theme was “The Max Event,” a clever take on The Main Event, a popular sports pub restaurant on Long Island.

Mom Beth, a well known custom invitation designer, created a funky, modern industrial look for Max’s invitation and room decor for family and friends to enjoy.

Pictured L-R: Bar Mitzvah boy Max, Mom Beth, Dad Craig and Sister Jenna.

The photographer was Hi-Tech Photography Events and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of the spotlight.

Mitzvah Invitation

Mom Beth has a stationary company, Invitations with Love. 

There were two invitations sent; one for the kids and one for the adults. For the kids' there was a two layer, Lucite invitation with metal bolts which was shipped in a mailer. The inside box featured a belly band to neatly hold information card and RSVP cards. The invite took stage at the National Stationery Show 2015 as a top design for the year!

Max’s custom oversized adult invite was foil embossed with tone-on-tone shades of warm grey and a leather texture with a belly band for info and accessories

Bar Mitzvah Service & Style

Max did a great job reading from the Torah and Haftorah in front of family and friends during his service at Temple B'nai Shalom

The family wore shades of black and grey for the temple service

Mom Beth and Sister Jenna continued to shine in their beaded gowns. Max and Dad Craig went for a more casual look in Robert Graham

Décor & Details

Mom Beth created the logo which was used on everything from room décor and place cards to catering favors, napkins, and guest towels.  Hi-Tech Photography Events and Party Harty Entertainment collaborated on the contemporary room décor and lounge area with Beth adding creative touches throughout.

The sign-in locker is now in Max's bedroom

The Max Event was fully branded!

Hi-Tech Photography Events created an amazing display for the place cards, including a spinning basketball

The place cards were black photo books and they were used in place of the typical frames for the photo booth. The logo colors were carried throughout the party

Some coordinated accessories with Max's logo, created by Mom Beth

A lighted decor element with the initial "M" on the bar

For a fun twist, all the basketball pictures had Shapiro on them instead of Spalding

There were both round and long tables, with piano sequin cloths from The Finishing Touch. Flameless candles in various heights were placed on mirrored table runners for a modern look

Pictures of Max from his pre-party photo shoot were hung to highlight the kids' lounge area and catwalk

Max on the awesome illuminated catwalk with seating pits created by Party Harty Entertainment

The dance floor changed colors throughout the night

Music & Candle Lighting

MC Howie and the Party Harty Entertainment team had the party in full dance mode all night long. 

Max celebrated with his friends on the dance floor

One member of the Party Harty Entertainment team jumped over the family!

The Party Harty Entertainment team with Max

Since Max's Bar Mitzvah fell during the week of Chanukkah, they bought a beautiful menorah from Pottery Barn to use for his candle lighting service

Mitzvah Favors & Exit Treats

The family worked with Lisa Willet of Print Me a Tee on the Spalding/Shapiro’s throw-aways and black hooded sweatshirts.

Max posed in front of his favors

The family modeled the cool sweatshirts

Custom branding continued with Bagels to Go

On the way out of the celebration, guests were treated to bagels-to-go and an additional gift for the ladies, slippers

Mitzvah Project

For his Mitzvah Project, Max collected over 2,000 pairs of shoes for Shoes For All ,which is a non-profit organization that provides shoes for people living on Long Island that are unable to afford them.

Mom to Mom

Some advice from Mom Beth:

“The most important part to ensure the success of a Mizvah celebration is to fill the room with the people that matter the most to your family. Everything else is secondary. Trust your gut instincts when hiring vendors. As with anything in life they are typically correct. Understand that collaboration in event planning is a group effort. Hire vendors that have earned their reputation and that you value their opinion so you can trust their capabilities. Don’t be afraid to give your vendors a budget. As someone with an invitation business, I am always working within a client’s budgets offering many different price points.   Once vendors know the budget they can focus in on what might be an option for you and not over extend your budget or set you up with unrealistic and unreachable outcomes. Bring your ideas with you on your meetings. Search sites like Pinterest and Mitzvah Market. Let your vendors expand on your vision and create an event that is uniquely your design. Day of…Take a moment to truly be present and enjoy how others are celebrating your family. Remember to relax and enjoy.”

Vendor Directory

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

Custom designed invitation/Logo/Stamps/Napkins/Kippot/Centerpieces/Branded Bags/Place Cards:
Mom Beth Shapiro, Invitations With Love, 516-314-7298
Venue/Caterer: B’nai Shalom of Rockville Center, 516-746-4100
Photography/Spinning basketball place card stand/Decor: Hi-Tech Photography Events, 631-923-2260
Caterer/Bagels to Go: B’nai Shalom of Rockville Center, 516-746-4100
Piano Sequins Table Linens: MaryAnne, The Finishing Touch, 516-827-7433
Music Entertainment/Lounge decor: MC, Howie, Party Harty Entertainment: 516-845-8585
Fun tower decor: Oriental Trading Company
Giveaways and favors: Lisa Willet, Print Me A Tee, 516-965-3084
Mom’s Gown: Eva’s of Sayville, 631-567-6650
Sister Jenna’s gown: Lord & Taylor
Makeup: Erika Jansen 917-579-3964

Bar Bat Mitzvah Dessert In A Jar

Jars by Dani started when founder Dani Beckerman wanted to share her love for baking. She came across a mason jar in a craft store and was driven to develop the next new dessert obsession!

She has a loyal following among Fashion Week party planners and New Yorkers and has started shipping nationally.

Jars by Dani caters many events including Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. There are a variety of jars in many sizes. You can choose custom, layers, colors and toppings. Additionally, your custom logo can be placed on jar.

Jars are shipped overnight on ice, need to be refrigerated upon arrival and last a week.

You can make a colorful dessert “Jar Bar” or give your guests a great Mitzvah Exit treat! Either way we think these desserts in a jar take the cake!

 Layers of decadents dessert comes in two sizes. Above is the 8 oz version

The 4 oz sizing is just as delicious

You might also like the Party bowl version shown above in the White Chocolate flavor

Jars by Dani can add a logo and or message
 

There are many options to choose from or create your own!

You can order them online or get more information on catering by visiting their Website at Jars By Dani.

Creative Bar Bat Mitzvah Menu Cards

Some Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations include creative menu cards at each guests’ seat. 

Menu cards can incorporate the theme or child’s logo or initials and make everyone feel like your celebration has a special touch of creativity. Below are some great menu card ideas.

Check out our previous story about creative menu cards.

Creative custom menus at each place setting included popular Philly Mexican restaurants. Read more about this Cinco de Mayo themed party here

Balloon Artistry used the Bar Mitzvah guest of honor’s initials and party colors

 Simon Elliot Events created a clever menu of texts letting everyone know what they would be eating

For this baseball themed Bar Mitzvah, The Event Of A Lifetime, Inc. put the menu inside an actual program from an All Star game

Beth Fink Events designed a lounge style menu card with the table number on the front and the menu on the inside

Pat Glenn Productions designed an elegant menu tucked into the napkin for Jack’s celebration

Cutie Patootie added a napkin ring of bling next to this Bar Mitzvah menu card for Joshua

A chocolate menu from Enjou Chocolat is a delicious option

 The menu for this boardwalk themed Bat Mitzvah was designed by the Bat Mitzvah girl’s aunt. On one side was the menu and the other was a picture of Brooke from her photo shoot

Did you have a great menu card idea? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.

On The Bar Bat Mitzvah Circuit…With Chloe

By Chloe Cornell

I’m a 8th grader and live in Westchester, NY. I love tennis, soul cycle, fashion, hanging with my friends, and traveling around the world. Camp Vega is my summer home and my favorite place on earth! I founded the company #Kindnessistherealcool for my Mitzvah Project, and invite everyone to visit us on Instagram @kindnessistherealcool and join the movement. I celebrated my Bat Mitzvah in March, 2015.

A couple weekends ago I attended one of my best friend’s, Paige’s, Bat Mitzvah at Brae Burn Country Club. Her theme was Lilly Pulitzer and everything from the tables, to the bar, to the dance floor reflected her theme.

Outside the venue, there was a giant Lilly Pulitzer hammock and umbrella that transported guests to a Palm Beach/Lilly Pulitzer vibe, setting the tone for the party and letting everyone know that it was going to be a great night!

Upon entering Brae Burn Country Club, there were big letters that spelled “PAIGE” in signature Lilly Pulitzer fabric and pink and green flowers continuing with the Lilly Pulitzer theme

There were many unique and fun games to choose from

Everyone’s favorite activities were the casino table and the roller coaster simulator

After the cocktail hour, we went into the party room for her celebration. The entire room was lit up pink! Lilly Pulitzer’s signature is “Xx, Lilly,” so Paige’s Bat Mitzvah signature was “Xx, Paige,” seen here on throw pillows

There were rattan couches and bamboo chairs in the party room, (very Lilly Pulitzer), for the kids to relax and take dance breaks. Giant “flowers” were hanging above the dance floor, which looked festive and unique

The tables were beautiful! The centerpieces were huge vases of green and pink flowers with a flamingo on top – very cool!

At the end of the night, outside of the ballroom, there were giveaway bags with sweatshirts featuring Paige’s logo

There was also a candy bar, so you could take home candy – all pink and green of course!

Everyone had so much fun. Mazel Tov Paige!

VENDORS: Venue: Brae Burn Country Club; Music Entertainment: Untouchable Events; Décor: Stefanie Bartell, SBZ Events; Photographer: Todd Shapera Photography

Read more of Chloe’s blog posts:

Blog #1
Blog #2
Blog #3
Blog #4
Blog #5
Blog #6
Blog #7

Bar Bat Mitzvah Football Frenzy From Simon Elliot Events

Simon Elliot Events employs a full-time creative team providing graphic design, photo and video production, extra entertainment services, large format printing, unique photo stations or booths, web development, and event planning services for Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations.

They have a passion for producing creative events that exceed their discerning clients’ expectations. They understand the challenges presented when planning an event of any kind, and pride themselves in their ability to bring a sense of clarity to your vision.

SOMETHING NEW: FOOTBALL FRENZY!

Bar and Bat Mitzvah kids are going crazy over the new game Football Frenzy. Two players compete simultaneously in a football toss. Each player has 10 attempts to beat their opponent by racking up the most points. Two screens keep track of each complete pass. A leader board is kept throughout the party and gift cards are given out to the top winners.

A custom graphic panel adds just enough customization to this already cool game!

For this ultimate football experience, your guests will have unlimited plays with two attendants on hand dressed as referees.

To learn more about Simon Elliot Events, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.

A ‘Jake Bond 0013’ Bar Mitzvah Theme

Phyllis Skolnick of Extraordinary Productions and her team recently produced a spectacular Bar Mitzvah with a James Bond 0013 theme. The event took place at the Current at Chelsea Piers; a waterfront venue in Manhattan.

The party was sophisticated and fun. The creative and cool decor elements suggested the theme, but did not scream “Hey it’s a James Bond theme.”  

Andy Foster Photography photographed the event.

 Party Decor 

Extraordinary Productions designed and printed the custom chargers at each place setting

The place cards had the signature James Bond 00 plus each guests' table number

Jake's lounge was gorgeous with chrome upholstered fabrics, illuminated coffee tables which showcased his logo and leather pillows!

The adult centerpieces sat on blue plexi glass tables in rectangular and square shapes

The center briefcase was trimmed with Jake's 0013 logo

Lucite mini briefcases designed with sleek flowers

Blue roses, and orchids added that masculine touch

A spectacular Diamond Chip bar for the adults

Party Details

The sign-in board was a replica of a James Bond movie poster in a acrylic frame

The plexi-glass menu. We love the clever title for the dessert, "You Only Live Twice"

James Bond classic car cake

Bar Mitzvah Invitation

The top secret invitation was created by Blacker and Kooby by Vanessa

The Party information card with logo

Favors

The favors and giveaways took this party to the next level. They included a watch, hat, sunglasses and a custom pack of 4 logo’d cupcakes.

We thank Extraordinary Productions and the Deutch Family for sharing this amazing party with our readers.

Event Stylist/Decor: Extraordinary Productions; Venue: Current at Chelsea Piers; Caterer: Abigail Kirsch; Entertainment: MC Chris Porter, Total Entertainment; Photography & Video: Andy Foster Photography; Lighting & Staging: Fusion Productions; Invitation: Blacker and Kooby by Vanessa; Cupcakes/Cakes: Janet, Hey-Cookie, Favors and Giveaways: Lori Bland, LB Squared

A Beach Themed Bat Mitzvah Celebration

The DelAngelo family celebrated daughter Melanie’s Bat Mitzvah at Congregation B’nai Israel in Bridgeport, Connecticut, with a Kiddush luncheon following the service. Later in the evening there was a party at the Stepping Stones Museum For Children in Norwalk, Connecticut.

The theme, Life’s a Beach, was done with a great logo, decor, fun food and an amazing dance party.

We featured Sister Caroline’s Bat Mitzvah a few years back.

Pictured L-R: Brother Andrew, Dad Henry, Bat Mitzvah girl Melanie, Sister Caroline and Mom Jennifer.

The photographer was Cari Miller Photography and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of this feature.

Mitzvah Invitations & Style

The family worked with Leslie Goldberg of Out of the Box on this beautiful invitation suite which hinted at the theme with the beautiful color.

Their invitation ensemble even included a camp sleepover information card!

Melanie as a baby at the beach on her custom stamp

Bat Mitzvah girl Melanie looked stunning in a beautiful custom turquoise gown accented with crystals

They also worked with clothing designer Jennifer Butler on the service and party clothes, highlighting the beautiful blues in all of their clothing

Décor & Details

Graphic artist Stacy Rosenthal created the logo similar to the popular “Life is good” logo incorporating the theme Life’s a Beach. Party coordinator Arlene Rosenthal of Party Ideas helped bring the beach theme to life creating a cool hip beachy vibe.

For Melanie Del Angelo's Bat Mitzvah, they incorporated a girl with red hair into the logo which looked just like Melanie!

Melanie's sign-in was her bedroom door with a logo painted right in the center. It looks so good!

Place cards were beach pails with chocolate rock candy and a shovel

Each shovel told guests which beach (table) to go to

Enhancing the beach theme was Melanie’s name projected onto the screen for all to see

Beautiful beach centerpieces filled with shells and a rose. A painted rock with the name of the beach sat on each table

The floor was interactive and had Melanie’s logo

The logo was wrapped around clear vases

The ceiling treatments had hanging shells and turquoise lanterns

Melanie holding the lemonade sign

Custom lemonade cups that read “Mel’s lemonade stand”

Custom t-shirts worn by party servers and wait staff

Bat Mitzvah Video

Mom Jenn owns Caramel Studios which creates montages and videos for special events. Jennifer worked her magic for Melanie!

For her entrance video, guests watched Melanie go from birth to 13 years old in just 2 minutes!
Watch here

Check out more of Mom Jenn’s work with Melanie’s Bat Mitzvah video
Watch here

Music & Entertainment

Starlight Express and MC Kayo played great music and had Melanie and her guests on the dance floor the whole night.

Melanie up in the chair for the Horah!

Here she is with MC Kayo belting out a tune

Melanie surrounded by her friends in front of the interactive dance floor

At the end of the party beach balls were tossed around

There were many interactive activities for the guests, like a green screen from Capitol Photo Booths, as well as tattoo/hair braiding stations from Artemix Entertainment

Candle Lighting

Melanie during her candle lighting service

There was also a puzzle photo of Melanie which started as a baby picture and turned into a current picture of her on the beach as pieces were added to create the new photo

For her candle lighting ceremony, mini Adirondack chairs held the candles and fit in perfectly with her theme

The happy DelAngelo family

Mitzvah Favor & Idea

The long-sleeve shirt favors from Arlene Rosenthal featured Melanie’s logo, “Life’s a Beach” on the front.  There was a note attached to the water bottles, which reinforced Melanie’s Mitzvah project – encouraging her friends to use a reusable water bottle instead of buying water when possible.  

For the girls, their shirts included a blue rhinestone and name in blue. The boys' shirts had their name in black and no rhinestone

At the end of the night, reusable water bottles with Melanie's logo were given out at the candy bar

Mitzvah Project

Melanie chose to do 26 Mitzvahs, although she had one as her main focus. Since her Torah portion was Noah’s Ark, Melanie decided to double her Temple’s 13 Mitzvot program to make the connection with Noah’s Ark and the animals traveling in twos. She also chose 26 Mitzvahs to honor the 26 lives lost in Sandy Hook. Melanie baked and sold cookies for the Sandy Hook Promise.  Another mitzvot included Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, organizing a team in memory of her Grandma Carol. She also baked cookies for people who could use a smile. She raised money for Relay for Life as well. Her big project was collecting water bottles, recycling and redeeming them. She took the money from redeeming the bottles and donated it to Nourish the Children, which feeds malnourished children around the world. She worked on this for 18 months and still continues with it today. She wanted to involve her family and friends in her projects, so she asked if they could drop off water bottles, which helped her to recycle and donate even more. By her Bat Mitzvah, Melanie was able to donate 3,600 meals, which was her goal. These meals all went to Malawi, Africa and her hope is to one day visit and meet some of the children she is helping to feed. Melanie created a website, www.recycle4meals.com, so she can continue her Mitzvah project.

The creative way Melanie got the message out about her Mitzvah Project

Some advice from Mom Jenn:

“My advice is to enjoy the year leading up to this special day. As we all know, the day will come and go way too quickly. Each part of the process is so special. Spend time with your child and listen to him/her practice – you will be amazed at the progress they make. Talk with your child about the Mitzvah project and help him/her choose something he/she can be passionate about. Melanie’s project was very meaningful and it’s still going strong, 2 years later.

As far as planning for the big day – be organized and plan ahead. Involve your kids in the decisions – but do the leg work ahead of time- so you only present them with options you will be ok with! My goal was to have everything 100% complete a week before Melanie’s Bat Mitzvah. I wanted the final days to be calm so I could focus on my daughter without feeling distracted. Even if you plan to get it all done, no doubt that something will come up last minute, so do as much as you can, and then you won’t get frazzled if an issue comes up in the final week!”

Vendor Directory

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

Venue: Stepping Stones Museum For Children, 203-899-0606
Party Planner: Arlene Rosenthal, Party Ideas, 203-984-0610
Photographer: Cari Miller Photography, 203-722-4509
Music Entertainment/Videographer: MC Kayo, Starlight Express, 516-742-1100
Caterer: Marc Weber, On the Marc Events, 203-274-6808
Invitation: Leslie Goldberg, Out of the Box, 914-934-2323
Custom stamp: Stamps.com
Candle lighting/T-shirt favors: Arlene Rosenthal, Party Ideas, 203-984-0610
Montage & Entrance Video: Jenn DelAngelo, Caramel Studios, 203-610-0015
Party Entertainment: Green Screen Photos, Capitol Photo Booths, 203-635-0017
Hairbraiding/tattoos, Artemix Entertainment, 718-886-2253
Sign-In board: Melanie’s bedroom door
Service and Party Dresses: Jennifer Butler, 203-256-5768
Custom Ties: Jennifer Butler, 203-256-5768
Hair/makeup: Leslie Atiles, ESPN Make Up Artist, 203-257-0591

A Winter Wonderland Bat Mitzvah Theme

From creating the menu to decorating the room, the staff at The Westin Governor Morris takes pride in planning a Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration that is unique with every element artfully arranged and stylishly presented.

As the trendsetter in Morristown event locations, their specialized services include: complete Bar or Bat Mitzvah planning, personally tailored catering menus, licensed and hotel-approved outside Kosher caterers, separate kitchen available for Kosher functions, separate room for children’s parties, and deluxe overnight accommodations for guests.

Recently their ballroom was transformed into a Winter Wonderland Celebration for Danielle Singer’s Bat Mitzvah.

Take a closer look at all the “cool” details:

Draping around the outer walls and up-lighting created an “icy” atmosphere

As guests arrived, they were greeted by a custom seating chart for the adults and kids

A large white dance floor with white leather furniture and light-up tables

A clever gobo was projected onto the dance floor
“Made from the best stuff on earth – Sweet Ice D”

Custom signage flanked the tables

Highboy tables on the edge of the large dance floor

Specialty drinks included Blue Ice D Martinis for the adults

Guests enjoyed “glowing” cotton candy

Minimal centerpieces were needed to create this look

Cozy setting in the kids’ lounge area

Some of the tables featured feather centerpieces on sequined linens

An “ice” tree looked beautiful in the center of oval white leather seating

A candle lighting display matched the winter wonderland theme

Guests received Sweet Ice D luggage tags as their favor

VENDORS: Venue: Westin Governor Morris; Photographer: Rebecca Weiss Photography; Entertainment: Noble Productions;
Design and Decor: realKreative, Jeffrey Klein; Caterer: Foremost RAM Caterers

Let The Westin Governor Morris create special memories for your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah event. Learn more by visiting their profile page in our Vendor Directory.

Bar Mitzvah & Bat Mitzvah Football Theme Ideas

The teams are set and everyone is counting down to Super Bowl 50 on Sunday, February 7, 2016.

We wanted to share some great ideas for a football themed Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration.

To honor this fun time of year, we have highlighted several ideas that you can incorporate into your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah event whether your child is a player or a fan.

From tailgating to game gear favors, these ideas will help you tackle the big day!

See more football inspiration here.

 
A Promos USA/ImageMaker has created many football themed sweatshirts and shirts

 
Football themed balloon decorations from Balloon Artistry

The obvious choice for the #1 draft pick, the Bar Mitzvah boy. Great signage and decor coordinated by Melisa Imberman of The Event of a 
Lifetime, Inc.  To see more great pictures from this party, click here.

MazelTovGear.com artists created this football logo used on favors at the Ben Bowl

Hi Tech Events created a great sports lounge with pictures of the Bar Mitzvah boy in uniform flanking a football field backdrop and custom team pillows on the white furniture

Great decor at a stadium sports themed Bar Mitzvah at Chelsea Piers Connecticut for 200 guests

For a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan, Lighter Than Air Events created Mason Nation.  To see more great pictures from this party, click here

The Mitzvah Mavens created a great football logo that was placed on sweatpants

For this Super Bowl weekend Bar Mitzvah, theCoolestGiveaways.com created the sweatshirt, beanie and blanket 

Mindi Harrison Shaevitz of Flower Power Designs created this impressive sign-in football helmet

 
The Pieced Palette created this pillow keepsake from a football themed invitation by Staci Rahamin of Sincerely Staci.

This chocolate football helmet lollipop from Enjou Chocolat makes a great favor

Beth Fink Events recently created a football themed Bar Mitzvah which included a team store where kids got their favors: a customized long sleeved shirt inside a cooler bag

Simon Elliot Events has a new football frenzy game for those die hard football fans!

How about a football themed invitation from Cutie Patootie Creations?

Did your child have a football themed celebration? Send us a photo at info@mitzvahmarket.com. Thanks!

Best Ideas For Bar Bat Mitzvah Candle Lighting Ceremonies

Are you searching for a great Candle Lighting idea for your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration?

With nearly 300 Mitzvah Family Spotlight stories since 2008, and new features each week, we know it’s hard to remember everything these creative families have done to celebrate their child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah milestone event.

Many families are getting creative with their Bar and Bat Mitzvah Candle Lighting ceremony.

Here’s a round-up of some of the fun candle lighting ceremonies that have been featured. We’ve linked them back to their spotlight story so you can read the deets on each.

Enjoy….