Archive for September, 2017
September 28th, 2017
Jamie & Julie of Flair Event Design + Planning in San Francisco, California recently put a creative spin on a great Bar & Bat Mitzvah theme. Family game night is a favorite pastime of the Bar Mitzvah boy and his family. It was important to them to incorporate their love of this special pastime as well as some of their favorite games into this celebration. The venue was The Jewish Community Center of San Francisco.
Get ready to spin the wheel and roll the dice…Game On!
The photographer was Scott Lasky Photography.
Bar Mitzvah Logo
One of the many standout design elements was the logo, a combination of the Monopoly logo and Scrabble letters
The logo projected on the wall
Black and white checkered dance floor with logo decal
The logo was also used on the favor bags
Special Party Details
The family gathered near the Candy Land gingerbread pieces and greeted guests upon arrival
Mini Rubik's Cube key chains with names and table numbers were perfect place cards
An oversized Rubik's Cube served as a great sign-in and is also a keepsake night stand
Guests writing notes to Ethan
The custom cocktail napkins with popular board game quotes were fun
The custom menu
Bar Mitzvah Decor and Special Party Details
The Bar Mitzvah family opted for games as centerpieces with balloon accents. They donated all of the board games after the celebration
Balloons added to the festive feel
The kids all sat at one long Monopoloy themed table
Floral arrangements featured dominoes and scrabble tiles
An oversized property sign from the game of Monopoly reserved a seat for the guest of honor
And what better to go on the cheese table display than "Mouse Trap"
Checkers anyone?
Bar Mitzvah Candy Bags
A candy buffet with the Candy Land pieces was a perfect ending
All the candy was beautifully displayed with vibrant colors
We love these candy kebabs
Bar Mitzvah Project
Two of the Bar Mitzvah boy's favorite things are board games and the San Francisco Giants. He asked guests to donate board games to the Junior Giants, a free, noncompetitive coed baseball program for youth ages 5-18
Some of the board games collected
We thank Jamie Rose and Julie Ugar of Flair Event Design + Planning for sharing this great Bar Mitzvah celebration with our readers.
Venue: Jewish Community Center of San Francisco; Party Design and Planning/Candy Buffet: Flair Event Design + Planning; Photographer: Scott Lasky Photography; Logo Design: Party Favorites; Menus/Invitations: Sarah Schwartz Mitzvah Paper Company; Music Entertainment/DJ: Denon & Doyle; Caterer: MG Events; Florals: bloomin Couture; Dance Floor and Rentals: Standard Party Rentals
September 25th, 2017
The Levine family from East Brunswick, New Jersey celebrated daughter Lauren’s Bat Mitzvah on June 17, 2017 in a perfectly preppy way.
This family loves everything that has to do with the popular clothing brand, Vineyard Vines. So they decided to play on their last name, Levine and have a “vineyard levines” themed Bat Mitzvah.
The navy and pink color palette created a summer vibe and of course, the decor, details and favors featured the iconic whale!
Pictured above: Bat Mitzvah girl Lauren in the ballroom of the Grand Marquis in Old Bridge, New Jersey.
Bobby Bates Photography & Videography was the photographer. You can find all the vendor information at the end of the spotlight.
Invitation and Service
The pink Bat Mitzvah invitation with navy lettering from It’s Your Party set the tone for the celebration
The kippot continued the color theme in pink satin with navy trim
Lauren started her special day at her service, reading the Torah in front of family and friends at Temple B’nai Shalom in East Brunswick, New Jersey
The family was dressed in navy and pink for the service. Pictured L-R: Mom Christiana, Bat Mitzvah girl Lauren, sister Allysa, Dad Paul
Lauren in between her proud parents up on the bimah
Bat Mitzvah Decor
The whale and logo were prominently featured throughout the party
Adirondack chair place cards for adults and a fun poster with the seating for kids
The party venue had a jaw dropping dome ceiling with a circular dance floor
Tables were decorated with tall floral centerpieces, alternating with low beach décor which included lanterns. Table names included preppy vacation spots like Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. The table numbers were placed in whale frames
The kids' tables included favor bags with Lauren's "vineyard levines" logo
Special Party Touches
Lauren's friends all went home with a soft navy "vineyard levines" shirt created by Spencilli Designs. The pink whale design was for the girls and the white whale for the boys
Large lettering was used for the sign-in
Fun preppy colored mocktails for Lauren's guests
Bat Mitzvah Style
Lauren changed into a beautiful gown from Dream Dresses for her party. Christiana and Allysa also wore dresses from Dream Dresses. The whole family looked great!
Lauren wore custom Converse sneakers with anchor laces, made by Tags and Twirls. What a fun detail that coordinated with the navy and pink decor
Dad Paul pulled the theme together with his pink whale tie from Vineyard Vines
Mom and sister Allysa
Bat Mitzvah Music
Lauren making her entrance into the ballroom with the dancers from AJH Entertainment
One of the AJH dancers doing a back flip over Lauren
Dad Paul got into the action by body surfing
Lauren and Dad Paul had a special dance together
Lauren and her friends strike a pose on the dance floor
Sister Allysa, MC Adam and Bat Mitzvah girl Lauren
Cake and Candle Lighting
A whale of a cake for Lauren with a design inspired by the Vineyard Vines logo
Mason jars with floating candles were used for the candle lighting ceremony
Lauren and her family during her candle lighting ceremony
Bat Mitzvah Project
Lauren chose to team up with The Birthday Box as her Mitzvah Project. It’s an organization that helps kids-in-need celebrate their birthday. Lauren knows that her and her friends are very fortunate to have a celebration on their birthdays each year and would like those less fortunate to experience the same joy. Family, friends and co-workers were generous and donated toys, gift cards, birthday cards, boxes, wrapping paper, party decorations and supplies, as well as monetary donations for Lauren to purchase items.
Mom Advice from Christiana
“Definitely make a check-list. My daughter’s date was in June and that competes with weddings, so you must book vendors early. We decided to have a day party as we couldn’t justify paying so much more per person for an evening event, and the food was the same. We had our vendor use black out shades so you didn’t even know it was a daytime event. I also had a custom cake done for a relatively low cost for the candle lighting and pictures. We kept the torah cake that came with my package and served both cakes for dessert.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Lauren’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: The Grand Marquis, 732-679-5700
Photography: Bobby Bates Photography & Videography, 732-887-5166
Invitations: It’s Your Party, 732-431-0999
Decor/Candle Lighting Display/Flowers: Marquis Florals and Event Design by Kim, 732-441-4800
DJs/Music/Band: AJH Entertainment LLC, 732-446-1329
Favors: Spencilli Designs, 908-421-3109
Cakes and Desserts: M&M Bake Shop, 732-387-8571
Fashion for Bat Mitzvah girl, Sister and Mom: Dream Dresses, 732-607-1112
Dad Suit: Bachrach, 877-522-2472
Tie: Vineyard Vines
Custom Converse: Tags and Twirls, 732-247-3152
Makeup: Pro Makeup Artistry by Dee, 732-470-6499
Beauty: Seraphim, 732-972-5177
Kippot: Weinfeld Skullcap, 718-854-3864
September 25th, 2017
Planning a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is more than just the service and the party. It is a whole weekend event, especially when you have out of town guests. You need hotel rooms, a place for Friday night dinner and Sunday brunch, and a way to get your guests everywhere. It’s a lot to organize!
The Grounds at HNA Palisades makes it easy. They offer impeccable catering and a professional staff with your choice of elegant indoor and scenic outdoor venues — allowing for an incredible array of flexibility, creativity and imagination for your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration.
Friday Night Dinners and Sunday Brunch
The Grounds at HNA Palisades has rooms, suited for parties of any size, perfect for hosting dinners and brunch with exquisite cuisine from their chefs.
Bar Bat Mitzvah Service
The Grounds at HNA Palisades offers eye-popping elegance for as many as 300 guests. It is more than just a venue for your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah, The Grounds is an experience that your guests will never forget.
Bar Bat Mitzvah Reception
The Grounds at HNA Palisades will create a perfect Bar Bat Mitzvah for you and your family. Customized lighting instantly transforms a magnificent Bar Bat Mitzvah into a lively kids club-inspired dance-fest.
Hotel Accommodations
The Grounds at HNA Palisades has 206 guestrooms with complimentary wifi and breakfast for two. Hotel guests have access to the hotel’s blu lounge, indoor lap pool and whirlpool, fitness center and saunas, racquetball/basketball courts, and outdoor volleyball.
Transportation
During your Bar Bat Mitzvah weekend, your guests may need transportation. The Grounds at HNA Palisades has a shuttle that can take your guests where they need to go.
The Grounds at HNA Palisades makes organizing and planning your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah as stress-free as possible so that you can enjoy time with friends and family.
To learn more about The Grounds at HNA Palisades, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
September 20th, 2017
The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp is dedicated to providing “a different kind of healing” to seriously ill children and their families throughout the Northeast, free of charge.
September 18th, 2017
The Woodmere Club on Long Island is all new and a great venue for your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah.
This newly renovated club will treat you and your guests as part of their family as they host your beautiful celebration. They will handle every detail of your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah including all your special requests and make your event a unique and special memory. Their careful attention to detail ensures the success of each event that they produce.
The country club is steeped in the history and tradition of Long Island’s South Shore. The food is of the highest quality and the venue with its views overlooking the bay and gorgeous greenery speak for themselves. Their presentation from start to finish will provide your Bar or Bat Mitzvah guests an experience like no other.
Come take a virtual tour of The Woodmere Club and see why they are the perfect venue to select for your child’s a Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebration!
To learn more about The Woodmere Club, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
September 18th, 2017
For Mia Silverman’s Bat Mitzvah project, she is raising money and awareness for Kids of Courage, a cause very dear to her heart. Kids of Courage has changed her cousin Danny’s life. This extraordinary non-profit organization makes dreams come true for children and young adults who are living with life-threatening illnesses, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. She has reached her initial goal of $3500 hoping to get to $4000!
Pictured L-R: Danny Goldstein and Mia Silverman
We asked Mia a few questions about her Mitzvah Project.
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
MS: Many of my friends and I are lucky enough to attend sleep-away camp and have wonderful experiences. My cousin Danny has a life threatening disability, which requires daily medical care and assistance. Danny is unable to go to a traditional camp program or teen tour because of his complex health issues. For the last 6 years, Kids of Courage has given Danny the opportunity to have amazing adventures in a social and safe way by offering one on one counselor assistance and a full team of doctors and nurses to provide round the clock medical support. Danny has been to San Francisco, San Diego, Dallas and Orlando and has had non-stop fun for that week. I want to raise money for Kids of Courage so another lucky “Courager” can have a one week teen tour/camp like experience and forget about their various diagnoses and just be typical campers!
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bat Mitzvah?
MS : To me, a Mitzvah Project is doing kind acts for others, not for pay or a reward but because you truly want to do it. Being able to do a Mitzvah Project gives me the opportunity to think how I can give back to people who need help.
Mia's cousin Danny Goldstein has participated in many amazing events over the last few years thanks to Kids of Courage!
MM: How long and how can people donate to this charity?
MS: My Bat Mitzvah is on Saturday, September 23. I have reached $3500 hoping to raise $4000. I want to thank so many of my friends and family who have already contributed. I have a GoFundMe page and people can always donate to the Kids of Courage organization or visit their site at www.kidsoc.org.
MM: What are you doing to spreading the word?
MS: For further information about Kids of Courage, you can call them at 888-954-3762. You can also private message my dad Rob Silverman through Facebook.
We thank Mia and her family for sharing her great Bat Mitzvah Project with our readers and wish her much success in reaching her goal!
September 18th, 2017
We know our readers loved our story, Bar/Bat Mitzvah Themes From A-Z, so we thought we would do a round-up of the themes we have previously profiled. These stories show how the reception can be modern and fun for guests and still filled with meaning and memories.
So scroll down and join us on a trip down Mitzvah Theme memory lane as we share some of our readers most creative ideas.
The Hunger Games: In anticipation of this hugely popular movie, this Bat Mitzvah girl decided to go with her favorite book series as her theme
Ice Hockey: This Bar Mitzvah boy made a grand entrance not on ice skates, but the next best thing…roller skates
Winter Wonderland: This elegant Bat Mitzvah had a life sized snow globe that was the center of the decor for all to admire and have fun playing inside
Grand Prix Racing: For a Bar Mitzvah boy who wanted his celebration to be unique, sporty, off the beaten track and exciting, his racing themed party was a big hit
Flip Flops: This outdoor Bat Mitzvah in Atlanta had the guests flipped out over their creative celebration
Science: For this science themed Bat Mitzvah, for a very cool seventh grader, an interactive “mocktail bar” featured beakers of colorful juices and steaming dry ice
The Jewish Star: For this celebration, the Jewish symbol of the Star of David tied all their party elements together beautifully
Saturday Night Live: Very clever, “Saturday Nat Live” was the theme for a Bat Mitzvah girl named Natalie, with a SNL inspired poster and lots more
Facebook: Guests knew the theme of this Bat Mitzvah the moment they arrived
Hoedown: This Western Bat Mitzvah hoedown actually took place in New Jersey and featured bales of hay as part of the decor
Rock N Roll: A great Save-the-Date set the stage for this rock n roll themed Bar Mitzvah
High Flying Trapeze: This Bat Mitzvah really soared to new heights
Pink: The color pink was the perfect theme for two sisters who had a hard time agreeing on a theme, but both loved the color
Chocolate: The sign-in board for this celebration was a mirror in the shape of a chocolate kiss personalized with the Bat Mitzvah girl’s name and Mitzvah date
Sisters: It was double the fun for this B’nai Mitzvah for sisters at Lucky Strike Bowl
Football: This football themed Bar Mitzvah even had a tail-gate party!
Did you have a great Bar/Bat Mitzvah theme? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
September 14th, 2017
Lauren Perry Events worked with a great group of vendors in creating a Bat Mitzvah for a world traveler. This celebration was held at the historic Prospect Park Picnic House in Brooklyn, New York. Bat Mitzvah girl Sadie, who lives in New York City, is very well traveled so the theme was perfect and there was an abundance of first-class details incorporated.
Below are the globe-trotting details. The photographer was Ryan Jensen Photography.
Bat Mitzvah Decor
The theme was evident as guests entered the front of the venue
Actors who dressed as a flight attendant and pilot greeted guests and handed out "boarding passes"
The room decor was designed by Ed Libby Decor. There were acrylic tables with blue lighting and acrylic chairs for a modern sleek look
The front of the bar featured a map of the world
Centerpieces were designed beautifully to represent a travel destination
Vintage suitcases and globes were also incorporated
Guests knew the time in New York, Tel Aviv and Beijing
Bat Mitzvah Printed Material
Julie Maloof Designs did a beautiful job on the invitation
On the bar were custom cocktail napkins designed just for the Bat Mitzvah girl
The custom dinner menu
"Boarding passes" from Sadie Airlines were cleverly used as place cards
Special Party Touches
Cute signage to direct Sadie's friends
A globe was the perfect way for guests to leave Sadie a note from "all over the world"
A note asking guests to sign the globe
The dancers from ESP Productions were wearing Sadie's custom t-shirt which included iconic landmarks from around the world
Food From Around the World
A Falafel Bar
Crepes, Churros and Cakes
Peking Duck and Noodle station
Mitzvah Exit and Favors
An authentic news stand awaiting guests as they were ready to leave
Magazine covers had Sadie's picture on them
Classic airline travel bags were used for the party favors and looked great in the cubbies
We thank Lauren Perry Events for sharing this great Bar Mitzvah celebration with our readers.
Venue: Prospect Park Picnic House; Photographer: Ryan Jensen Photography; Mitzvah Exit News Stand: Creative Games; Invitation/Custom Menu: Julie Maloof Designs; Decor: Ed Libby Decor; Giveaway Bags: Jackhammer Promotions; Catering: Bartleby & Sage; Music Entertainment: ESP Productions
September 14th, 2017
Platinum NYC Events is a one stop, full service entertainment company with meticulous party planners to organize your event, servicing Long Island and the tri-state area. They have DJs, MCs, party motivators/dance teams, photography, videography, photo booths, and exceptional lounge décor and staging. They also offer games, LED dance platforms, LED dance lights and HTC Virtual Reality.
Their party planning is built around offering the best service and price available and everything is handled by their experienced specialists. They have a unique and interactive showroom that allows their prospective clients to see and experience all they have to offer.
With over 15 years of experience in planning Bar and Bat Mitzvah parties, Platinum NYC Events knows how to create a memorable party at an affordable price. Platinum NYC Events feels the key to a “wow factor” event is the extra entertainment, such as Robot Man, Mirrored Photobooth, Glitter Tattoos, and specialty games they provide. They know what will keep guests of all ages entertained, whether it be a traditional game with an extra twist or the newest technology. Check out some of the many extras they offer below.
Entertainment Loved By All Guests
Pop-a-shot and foosball are crowd pleasers
A 16 foot foosball table is a perfect way to keep lots of guests happy
Pony pong is fun for up to 8 people
Air hockey for multiple players is great
A football throw is always a hit
Air hockey foosball is a winner
Wow your guests with Virtual Reality games
A Virtual Graffiti wall is hot
Event planners at Platinum NYC Events are happy to help you decide what entertainment works for your celebration and help you stay within your budget.
For more information about NYC Platinum Events, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
September 11th, 2017
When the time comes for a vendor to plan a Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah celebration for one of their own children, the pressure is on! These experts have seen it all and have the difficult task of thinking of something uber creative for their own family.
Stacey Levy, the owner of Planned to Perfection runs a full-service event planning company that offers a wide range of services from full coordination to “day of services.”
For her daughter’s Bat Mitzvah, she decided on an Emoji theme with lots of creative and eye catching ideas!
When guests entered the celebration, they were greeted by a poster created by Amy Wohl of FabuDesigns.com. Various emoji's were strategically placed in the sentences with a clever result. Everyone knew the theme and their instagram hash tag!
Amy Wohl also designed a colorful Emoji floor decal
To learn more about Planned to Perfection, visit their profile page in our Vendor Directory.
