December 22nd, 2019
When planning a Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah, everyone wants to find the most creative ideas and make them their own. Families across the country get inspiration in a variety of places and share great ideas with each other in our Facebook groups.
In the past year, we’ve seen many special touches used at Bar & Bat Mitzvah celebrations and wanted to share a few highlights below.
Entrances That Make Guests Say “Wow!”
Everyone was totally surprised by Samantha's entrance. Learn more
here
This Bar Mitzvah boy entered his celebration via a golf cart which looked like a NYC cab. Learn more
here
Marley floated into her party! Learn more
here
This Bar Mitzvah boy arrived on a swing! Learn more
here
The clouds parted as Abby entered her magical celebration. Learn more
here
Clever Logos & Taglines
For Gabi's Bat Mitzvah, her event planner mom utilized several clever, fun taglines like this one using her initials.
Learn more
here
Jared's last name allowed for several easy, fun Bar Mitzvah taglines. Learn more
here
Inspired by the brand Aviator Nation, Ava celebrated at SPACE Events. Learn more
here
Guests were asked to “Come Join The Party!,” a tagline cleverly incorporating Cassidy's initials. Learn more
here
Known for her sweet disposition, Lizzie's “Heart of Gold” theme was an easy choice for the Gold family. Learn more
here
Special Bar & Bat Mitzvah Invitations
The theme was clear when guests received this unique invite! Learn more
here
Marley's collage invitation became the jumping off point for her entire Bat Mitzvah theme! Learn more
here
For sports' loving Bar Bat Mitzvah children, you can't go wrong with a ticket-style invite like Jordan's. For more from this hockey themed Bar Mitzvah click
here
This rose gold ombre invite was created by a Bat Mitzvah mom online. For more from this creative DIY celebration click
here
Creative Ways To Sign-In
Guests left messages on small hearts which slide into the board. Learn more
here
Trendy neon sign-in boards for a B'nai Mitzvah. Learn more
here
The United States Constitution served as the perfect sign-in board for this Bat Mitzvah inspired by American politics. Learn more
here
Unique Photo Backdrops & Fun
An awesome ball pit makes for a great photo backdrop! Learn more
here
A balloon wall created a dramatic backdrop for this Bat Mitzvah. Learn more
here
Guests loved the photo booth swing at Marley's celebration. Learn more
here
A graffiti wall was the perfect backdrop for this Bar Mitzvah planned in 30 days! Learn more
here
Custom Dance Floors Branding
Della's celebration was bright, cheery, whimsical, fun and age appropriate! Learn more
here
Jordan's dance floor looked like a pool of candy! Learn more
here
For Sam's circus themed Bar Mitzvah, the dance floor was wrapped in his custom logo. Learn more
here
The custom dance floor wrap was a perfect match for Lauren's Sugar Factory theme. Learn more
here
One-of-a-Kind Seating Charts/Place Cards
The human place card table was a showstopper at this Bat Mitzvah. Learn more
here
Creative, custom graphics and decor, like these mini surfboard place cards, were featured throughout this pool party themed celebration. Learn more
here
For this equestrain loving Bat Mitzvah girl, mini horseshoes were the perfect place cards. Learn more
here
A creative hockey seating chart. Learn more
here
Guests found their seats with these mini easels at this art themed celebration. Learn more
here
At this NYC themed party, a family friend created place cards to resemble MetroCards. Learn more
here
Custom wrapped candy bars were a sweet way to tell guests where they were seated. Learn more
here about place card ideas
String art seating chart. Learn more
here
New Ideas
A "live drink wall" greeted guests with mocktails. Learn more
here
Have you seen messages on the bathroom mirrors in the ladies room at Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations? Learn more about this new trend
here
Guests love "glitter lips!" Learn more about this new trend
here
Large Lucite letters for candy bars, decor and candle lighting displays. Learn more
here
For more great ideas, follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
December 15th, 2019
Dylan Bornstein has been going to Long Beach Island (aka LBI), New Jersey for as long as she can remember. Her grandparents’ beach house is filled with special memories, and is a cherished destination for her family. When it came time to choose a theme for her Bat Mitzvah, Dylan knew she wanted to celebrate her favorite things about LBI… especially the beach. With that, the idea for “Dylan’s Beach Club” was born.
Mom Lauren Kohlberg and grandmother Helaine (a retired party planner and graphic designer) designed and executed the entire event – from the custom Tiki bar (made by stepdad Jeff from reclaimed wood) to the cabana stripe table linens and boogie board place cards. Much of the decor, including buoys, pales, shells and starfish were purchased locally in LBI. The finished product was a bright, whimsical take on Dylan’s life at the beach.
Photo above (L-R): stepdad Jeff, brother Brett, Bat Mitzvah girl Dylan, mom Lauren. The photographer for this celebration was VeroLuce Photography. A complete list of vendors follows at the end of this Spotlight.
Read on to learn more about Dylan’s creative DIY decor and more:
Maariv & Havdallah Services
Dylan's butterfly invitation was designed by her grandmother and assembled by the Bat Mitzvah girl and her mom
Dylan looked beautiful at her Maariv and Havdallah services
(L-R) Grandma Helaine, brother Brett, stepdad Jeff, Bat Mitzvah girl Dylan, mom Lauren, grandfather Richard.
Seasonal flowers added a pop of color to Congregation Agudath Israel
Close-up of flowers for the service
Beach Party
The beach ball logo (created by her grandmother!) set the tone for FUN
Three boogie boards were transformed into this clever place card table
Individual place cards were attached to multicolored carabiners
A bright beach umbrella adorned the sign-in table
This incredible gift box was made from a toy Woody (classic surfer car!) on top of a surfboard and topped with a box for envelopes
DIY centerpieces for the kids were made from colorful beach balls, flip flops and Dylan's logo
Close up of kids' centerpieces
Adult tables featured seasonal flowers in message-in-a-bottle style vases
Cabana stripe squares were placed over solid black table cloths; straw placemats in bright colors kept the vibe fun and beachy
A lounge area was set up in the ballroom with Adirondack chairs and towels
Decorative beach pillows added to the theme
Dylan's stepdad built this tiki bar (back right) out of reclaimed wood!
Additional beach decor included a fishing net, life preservers and other whimsical touches
The DIY candle lighting display was made from small beach buckets, wave plaques and pink letters! Thick white pillar candles were placed into polka dot pails
Dylan enjoyed a special dance with her dad
Fun in the photobooth; the step-and-repeat backdrop featured Dylan's beach ball logo
Surrounded by her friends for the last candle, Dylan is all smiles!
Black drawstring bags were filled with t-shirt favors
The Lifeguard t's were printed by a local promotion company
Logo stickers completed the look
Mitzvah Advice
Mom Lauren shares her 10 biggest pieces of advice when planning a child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah:
1. Try your best to start planning early, 1.5 to 1 year in advance.
2. Stay organized, make lists.
3. Think of your theme as early as possible.
4. Go with your gut.
5. Try to enjoy yourself.
6. Stay calm! This will help your mitzvah child tremendously as well as your marriage/relationship.
7. Allow people to help you.
8. Wear comfortable shoes!
9. Encourage your Mitzvah child to practice at least 4-5 times a week.
Mitzvah Project
Dylan collected nonperishable items for Oasis House, a shelter for women and children who are the victims of domestic violence. She also volunteers at her religious school where she works with K-2 students.
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Dylan’s celebration memorable. If you contact them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue/Security: Congregation Agudath Israel, 973-226-3600
Party Planner/Invitations/Decor/Sign-In Board: Mom, Lauren and Grandmother Helaine
Music/MC/DJ/Photobooth: Xtreme Entertainment Group, 732-536-8155
Photographer: VeroLuce Photography, 973-449-6167
Favors: designed by mom, printed by MJG Promotions, 973-575-8877
Food/Cake: Kosher Nosh, 201-445-1186
Florist: Caldwell Flowerland, 973-226-1309
Dresses: Lola’s, 732-972-5222
Suits: 580 South, 973-758-0580
Hair/Makeup: Kathleen Vybihal, 201-787-9169
December 15th, 2019
The search for a dress or gown to wear to your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah typically involves some online searching and trips to local boutiques and department stores. Lucy Segal, of New Jersey, found just what she was looking for in… the basement of her aunt’s home in Atlanta! Segal decided to re-style the 100 year old creme color satin wedding gown of her beloved grandmother, Oma. “For my son Jaden’s Bar Mitzvah, we only needed a few tweaks to literally create new memories in a dress that already held so many of its own,” she shares.
With the help of a local seamstress (also named Lucy, of Lucy Cleaners), Segal shortened the bell sleeves of Oma’s gown and removed much of the 6-foot train, which was repurposed into a wrap skirt at the waist. The finishing touch? “A special crystal pin from the other side of the family, a gift that my mom’s dad gave to her as a teen,” she says. “I felt like a princess-with-a-purpose, carrying mementos with meaning, from our own family monarchy! This vintage dress filled my heart and soul with such joy on a day that was already over-flowing with love. It personally fulfilling in terms of religion and spirituality.”
Never one to shy away from a major fashion moment, Segal enjoyed not one but two more wardrobe changes on that special day. “I wore a purple gown for portraits and then a black one for dancing and candle lighting — all of which make our fabulous day look like a three day event!” she laughs. Son Jaden’s service was at Temple Ner Tamid in Bloomfield, NJ and the reception was held at Glen Ridge Country Club in Glen Ridge, NJ.
Photo above (L-R): husband Andrew, Bar Mitzvah boy Jaden, Lucy, son Asher, daughter Skyler. The photographer for this event was Giulianna Maria Studios in New Jersey.
Style & Substance
One of a kind: the re-styled 100 year old dress Lucy Segal wore to her son Jaden's Bar Mitzvah service
The original gown, worn by Lucy's grandmother Oma
Before... and after!
The dress, as found in Segal's aunt's home in Atlanta; Segal hopes the next generation will wear the dress or have it made into handkerchiefs, baby blankets or other keepsakes
The Segal family before Jaden's service
Lucy and her husband Andrew strike a pose before the kiddush
Dress #2- Lucy changed into a sophisticated purple gown for family portraits
Dress #3- a black cocktail gown for the party
Jaden during the horah at Glen Ridge Country Club
We thank Lucy Segal for sharing this touching story with our readers. Lucy is a Communications expert who upon utilizing her own services for Jaden’s big day, expanded her business to include Creative Media for Party Planning. She now also works with other families on momentous events like Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. She can be reached at The Media Cure at 917-273-2437.
Looking for your own fashion inspiration? Check out what people are saying on Mitzvah Market’s 17 regional Bar and Bat Mitzvah planning groups on Facebook. Join here!
December 9th, 2019
By Penelope Sheer
As a Jewish, thirteen-year old girl, you better believe that I have been to a lot of Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. My calendar has been filled almost every weekend. Sometimes, I’ve even had two or three services and parties to go to, and I have to choose between them.
Bat Mitzvah season is the year when everything changes. Suddenly, invitations pile up. The fridge is covered with them., My social life has gone crazy! The parties are new and exciting. Girls and guys are mingling, and friendships are forming.
After morning services, on Saturday nights we go to clubs, hotels, and ballrooms. It wasn’t like anything I have ever done. Most Saturday nights before my friends and I turned 13, I’d stay in and watch Netflix with my girlfriends and order a pizza. Now, I’m usually out till at least midnight or later. And then it’s time to start again the next Saturday.
I lost my voice every weekend from all of the singing and screaming over the DJ’s music. But who cared… it was so much fun.
In order to prepare for my new social life, my friends and I went on shopping sprees, buying many different versions of black dresses that basically all look the same. Most of us had at least 10 of them so we didn’t have to wear the same thing every weekend.
We bought tall heels that were impossible to walk in… and then we took them off as soon as we got on the dance floor and put on the socks that usually got handed out. We spent hours on our hair and make-up.
It was so exciting to get glammed up with my friends, hang out with boys, dance to my favorite songs, and stay out so late.
At my first Bat Mitzvah of the season, I had no idea what to expect. I prepared for hours. This was my first girl-boy party. At all the other birthday celebrations I had been to, it was just girls going out to dinner, or maybe having a sleepover. Going into this party, I had no idea of the extravagant Bat Mitzvahs that I was to encounter.
This year, I’ve been to at least 30 Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. With a few exceptions, most of the parties are the same. There is a cocktail hour, where most kids walk around drinking soda, Shirley Temples, or mocktails named after the girl or boy we are celebrating; (I had “Pina-Lope Coladas”), snacking on appetizers, and waiting for the party to begin. There is always a photo-booth where you can take tons of goofy pictures. There is a meal and dessert to follow. Usually for the kids there are sliders, mac and cheese, and Caesar salad. Desserts can be outrageous – donut walls, candy bars, cotton candy machines, and rolled ice cream stations. One friend had a Cookie Monster cake and others were at least six tiers.
There is a montage, where everyone oohs and aahs over baby pictures. There are male and female dancers who get the party moving. Sometimes there’s a magician, a caricaturist, or a glow-in-the-dark face painter.
Then there are the presentations. These are usually done at Bat Mitzvahs, where the girl’s best friends prepare speeches and gifts such as blankets, pillows, and posters with funny sayings, inside jokes, photos, and special personal messages.
There are games, like Coke and Pepsi that involve running around with a partner till the last couple is left standing. There is always dancing to the same rap and party songs where we know all of the lyrics. Everyone makes their way to the dance floor and jumps up and down, screaming the words to their favorite music for hours. I’m right in there, busting out my best moves.
And then there is always merchandise. I have so much stuff, I can’t even begin to count it all. My closet is overflowing with all the hoodies from these parties. I have pop sockets, fuzzy socks, pajama pants, blankets, beanies, baseball caps, t-shirts, sweatpants, long sleeve shirts, sunglasses, bucket hats, and quarter-zipped sweatshirts with my friend’s names and the date of their celebration. I have never left a Bar or Bat Mitzvah empty handed.
Some of the parties have definitely been over the top. At one, there was bungee jumping during the cocktail hour. At another, the Bat Mitzvah girl entered the room on a giant rainbow pool float. One girl had a professional music video filmed just for the night and I’ve seen girls wearing long white dresses resembling wedding gowns.
There have been silent disco raves, virtual reality roller coaster experiences, and live performances from famous musicians. Can you believe Cardi B made a surprise appearance at my friend’s party, but I missed it! I had to leave early because I had to go to another Bat Mitzvah.
Unfortunately, I think the idea of celebrating the Jewish coming-of-age milestone has been virtually lost in the planning of some of these over-the-top parties. Kids deserve to be rewarded for all the work they do studying and learning Hebrew and their Torah portions, and doing mitzvah projects, but they sometimes seem to forget what the whole celebration is really all about and the meaning behind it.
You might think I would be sick of these Bar and Bat Mitzvahs by now. In a sense, I’m worn out. However, this year was life-changing for me. I got a chance to socialize with the kids in my grade outside of school. I got an excuse to visit my camp friends who live far away. Every weekend, I always had a party to look forward to. It was a social experience that I will never forget. My own Bat Mitzvah was the best night of my life.
I made the most of every second of every party. No matter how many times I heard the same song, I sang it as loud as I could. For every girl my age, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs are a chance to come out of your shell and make new friends… which I did.
This year was a pretty significant one for a girl like me. I was able to have unapologetic fun every Saturday night. I gained confidence in myself. I made everlasting memories. I will miss this mitzvah season.
Now, I wonder, what am I going to do every Saturday night?
Get your copy here
December 9th, 2019
If you’re planning a Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah for 2020, you might want to add “Classic Blue” to your decor and color palette. Pantone, the company that nearly everyone turns to when it comes to color trends, has selected PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue as the color of the year for 2020. The company’s annual “color of the year” influences everything from interior design and fashion to event planning. According to Pantone, Classic Blue instills calm and confidence, is a timeless and enduring blue hue and is elegant in its simplicity.
With that in mind, let’s get some Classic Blue color inspiration from Mitzvah Market’s Bar and Bat Mitzvah experts in logos, invitations, decor, fashion, favors and more!
Invitations & Logos
Decor & Lighting
Fashion & Favors
For more Bar and Bat Mitzvah color inspiration, check out how Pantone’s previous colors of the year have been utilized in Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations: 2018 Color of the Year Ultra Violet, 2017 Color of the Year Greenery, 2016 Colors of the Year Serenity & Rose Quartz.
For Bar and Bat Mitzvah advice and planning ideas in your area, join one of Mitzvah Market’s 17 regional Facebook groups here.
December 2nd, 2019
Incredible views, award-winning cuisine and VIP service are just a few of the amenities that make Terrace On The Park an amazing NYC venue to celebrate your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah. This iconic site, located in Flushing Meadows Park, features a variety of spaces to meet your needs: the exclusive Penthouse with VIP services, the Grand Ballroom, several Garden Suites and a Rooftop perfect for cocktails (and mocktails).
Terrace On The Park’s ballrooms have an elegant, contemporary style. There are two additional event spaces on the Promenade level and three private gardens perfect for on-site ceremonies or outdoor receptions. Advanced LED lighting systems are already in place – allowing you to transform the spaces into the theme/decor of your dreams.
Contact Terrace On The Park’s Banquet Staff at 718-592-5000, to create a Bar or Bat Mitzvah tailored to your needs and budget.
See below for photos of Terrace On The Park’s unique event spaces.
Set in an iconic location, adjacent to the 1969 World's Fair grounds, Terrace On The Park is a unique venue
Breathaking views are just the beginning
The Penthouse offers exclusive VIP services to your family and guests
The Grand Ballroom
Traditional decor works beautifully in the space...
Or you can create a contemporary look for your Bar or Bat Mitzvah
The space can easily be transformed for any theme
Music and cocktails on the Rooftop are a crowd pleaser
Looking for a more casual vibe? Terrace On The Park has several outdoor spaces suited for your Bar or Bat Mitzvah service...
... or cocktail hour
Amazing sunsets will add to the beauty of your simcha!
For more information about Terrace On The Park, visit their extended profile page on MitzvahMarket.com.
Check out Mitzvah Market’s regional Facebook Groups for more Bar & Bat Mitzvah planning ideas. Join here.
December 2nd, 2019
Twelve-year old Tamar Fogelman loves makeup. “Tamar comes home and plays with makeup. She keeps forgetting she’s 12 and she’s not going out of the house with a full face of makeup on,” laughs mom, Amy, who embraced her daughter’s love of all things beauty when planning her Bat Mitzvah celebration.
Mom was inspired by the Beautycon festivals that are held each year in NYC, LA and Tokyo. Tamar’s logo incorporated her first and middle initials (Tamar Bracha) and was a near-perfect match for the official Beautycon logo. This branding was featured on everything from cookies to party favors.
Place cards were designed as VIP badges and lanyards (worn at the festivals) and unique centerpieces were built around Tamar’s favorite beauty brands and spa products. The color palette for the event – rose gold and blush – created a Beauty-full glow over the room at Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fair Lawn, NJ.
Read on to see more from this creative Bat Mitzvah filled with many DIY ideas.
Photo above (L-R): sister Ariella, sister Naomi, dad Joshua, Tamar, mom Amy, sister Shoshana. The photographer for this event was Shmuel Heinemann Photography. A complete list of vendors follows at the end of this Spotlight.
Service
Blush tone invitations (ordered through a family friend's business) established the color palette for the entire celebration
Tamar was poised and confident during her service and speech
The (color coordinated!) Fogelman family
Beauty-Filled Celebration
Tamar strikes a pose before the fun begins
Place cards were inspired by the VIP badges and lanyards worn at Beautycon
Mom Amy made the framed, mirror sign-in board herself!
The Bat Mitzvah girl entered the room under a canopy of friends and family
Each table was named after a beauty brand. Adult tables linens included a beaded, sheer topper over a pink cloth. The kids' dais repeated the same pink cloth
Unique centerpieces, also created by mom Amy, were made with beauty and spa products. Custom benchers (prayer books for after meal prayers) featured Tamar's logo
The step and repeat, with Tamar's logo, also served as a photo op moment
Beauty inspired photo props were set up for guests to have some fun
The DJ kept Tamar and her friends on the dance floor
Guests wearing their VIP lanyards
Food stations included a pizza bar...
... and multiple pasta options
Who doesn't love a chocolate fountain dessert bar?
Logo cookies and makeup cookies were displayed on a pretty in pink candy table
Special Moments
The Bat Mitzvah girl was all smiles for her reception
Tamar's friends presented her with sentimental gifts celebrating her friendship
These gifts will be cherished for years to come!
Waiting for each child when they entered the reception was a logo backpack favor
Inside each backpack was a branded cosmetic case, lip gloss and sticker
The DJ gave out beauty-inspired prizes including makeup brushes, cosmetic bags and these blush pink cosmetic boxes
Tamar couldn't wait to fill it up with... more makeup!
To create these custom makeup cookies, mom Amy went back to a local baker she had worked with on one of her other daughter's Bat Mitzvahs: "I easily found makeup-themed cookies in the shape of palettes and lipsticks on her website, and we also made logo cookies."
Friends show off their favors and giveaways
Surrounded by friends blowing kisses, Tamar could feel the love in the room
Mitzvah Advice
“I enjoy creative projects and I have worked on special events so this was a labor of love,” says mom Amy, who also planned three other Bat Mitzvahs for her daughters! “I looked at tons of Beautycon photos and videos and tried to emulate the look and feel of the convention on a small scale.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Tamar’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you contact them, please tell them you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Congregation Shomrei Torah, 201-791-7910
Event Planner/Decor: Mom, Amy Fogelman
Music/DJ/MC: Malka Entertainment, 718-946-4441
Photographer: Shmuel Heinemann Photography, 845-354-4347
Photo Booth: Snap and Smile Photo Booth, 856-512-0933
Invitations: Janis Hiller, All Occasion Creations, 201-796-6255
Logo Design: Under the Plum Tree, 99designs.com/profiles/lookwhatsundertheplumtree
Benchers: CustomBenchers.com
Favors/Giveaways: Deluxe.com
Linens: Simcha Depot, 845-425-7226
Makeup Cookies, Mini-Bites, 845-445-9088
Sign-In Board: made by mom with plastic from Acme Plastics, 973-256-6666 and Logo Sticker from StickerYou.com
Dresses: (Tamar) All Dressed Up, 914-690-1593, (mom) Nordstrom, (sister Shoshana) Lord and Taylor, (sister Naomi) Neiman Marcus Last Call, (sister Ariella) Dillards.com and modified by Susan Perrione Couture, 201-483-7395
Hair/Makeup: (Tamar and mom) Moxie Salon, 201-796-6943
December 1st, 2019
There are countless options for Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah invitations – various shapes, sizes, materials and colors can all set the tone for your special day. If you need help narrowing down your choices, take a cue from the season in which you’re celebrating your Bar or Bat Mitzvah.
Leslie Goldberg of Out of the Box NY, has been working with Bar and Bat Mitzvah families for more than a decade. She says that in addition to your event decor, your invitations can draw inspiration from the season. For winter-themed or timed events, think about deep blues (like the winter sky) and shimmering white and silver (like the snow). Spring brings to mind bright, bold pops of color like purple and pink. Summer parties pair well with pastels and soft colors, while a fall celebration calls for deeper tones like orange and burgundy.
Most important? “Keep an open mind” says Goldberg. “The invitation process should be fun! Don’t be afraid to take a chance or try something unexpected.”
If you’re looking for some seasonal inspiration, check out the color palettes below:
Winter Nights
A Pop of Spring
Summer Fun
Fall Foliage
We thank Out of the Box NY for sharing these seasonal Bar Bat Mitzvah invitation ideas with us. For more information about Out of the Box NY check out their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
November 24th, 2019
By Claudia Miller
What do you get when you combine custom pickles, a Justin Bieber impersonator, and one special girl swinging from the sky? Hint: they all happened at Dylan Woods’ Bat Mitzvah!
For many Bat Mitzvahs, deciding on a theme can be the hardest part. For Dylan, though, it wasn’t a color scheme or a favorite sports team that defined her celebration; instead the entire weekend was simply a way to reflect her vivacious and outgoing personality. At the event held at SPACE Events in Englewood, NJ, you could see elements of the star all around.
Dylan standing by a life-sized custom logo at SPACE Events
“She got to make it her own thanks to the people at SPACE,” says Dylan’s dad, Ethan Woods. “You can just tell that they enjoy what they do and they’re really good at it. It really did reflect her (Dylan); she’s got so many different areas of interest and intrigue so it worked out well.”
Dylan’s personality popped starting at the invitations. The family wanted to keep it elegant and classic while still representing who Dylan is at her core. Purple, one of her favorite colors, served as the base for the plexiglass invites, that featured glittering elements and flirty touches like a kiss mark. The response card offered options of “Love To,” with a heart for those attending, and “Broken-Hearted,” for those who couldn’t make it.
That same lighthearted feeling continued from the moment Dylan arrived at the afternoon extravaganza. She showed off her style with a quick change from the outfit she wore to synagogue, into a glittering two piece mini-dress; trading her heels for a pair of sparkly sneakers.
For her logo, Dylan took inspiration from the must have sweatshirts from the brand Aviator Nation and their iconic lightning bolt design. Projected on the screen at the center of the room and printed on t-shirts, pillows, and décor around the venue, the unforgettable DW initial logo served as the glue connecting all sides of Dylan included at the party.
Her taste even shone through with the special treats from a Dunkin’ Donuts-like display, proclaiming “America Runs on Dylan,” to a custom pickle bar — one of her favorite snacks —playfully titled Dyl Pickles. And it didn’t stop there. She entered the party on a swing from the ceiling amidst fog, confetti, and music. She continued surprising her guests, spraying them with her own fog gun.
Dylan's Donuts were a dessert hit!
A Bat Mitzvah first? The clever Dyl pickle bar
Dylan made her big entrance on swing
During the party, Dylan’s friends enjoyed an exclusive glam bar, arcade games, and a couple of important special guests. Magician Devonte Rosero wowed friends and family during the cocktail hour with his mesmerizing tricks and illusion. The second was a surprise to everyone but her dad. “After my speech and the montage – and without Dylan or my wife Stephanie knowing – I secretly worked with SPACE to have a Justin Bieber look-alike,” explains dad. He told the guests: “We have a very famous celebrity here today; please welcome Justin Bieber.
The Justin Bieber impersonator totally surprised the crowd
“The kids went wild… for about 12 seconds. The minute he came out it was so obvious it wasn’t him, but they had fun dancing and singing with him.”
Once the Bieber excitement died down, the DJ and dancers from SPACE kept the party going with classic games like Coke & Pepsi, giving away swag like Bluetooth speakers, Polaroid cubes, and gift certificates to the winners. Those who didn’t win still left with custom photo magnets, bags full of candy, and trendy DM logo-branded sweatshirts, hats, and apparel.
Dylan and her camp friends didn’t let the party stop there. The group hopped in a limo to head to a giant sleepover at the Hilton in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, where they spent the night splashing in the indoor and outdoor pools and diving into endless pizza pies.
“Everything just worked,” says Woods. “From the food and drink to the music and the entertainment, people were just raving about it and the amazing time they had. You can tell the sincerity in what they were saying. It was one of those parties where everyone really let loose and had a great time.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make the celebration special. If you contact them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Party planning, Catering, Entertainment, MC/DJ, Décor/Flowers, Sign-In Board: SPACE Events, 201-567-3810
Invitations: Leslie Goldberg, Out of the Box NY, 914-934-2323
Photographer/Videographer: Chris Herder Photography
Glam Bar: Glam On the Go, 732-983-1065
Favors/SWAG: Missy, fingerprintpromos.com, 310-601-7669
Magician: Devonte Rosero, devontemagic.com, 917-536-2868
Get a copy of Mitzvah Market Magazine here.
November 18th, 2019
By Brynne Magaziner
The only turbulence at Benny’s Bar Mitzvah was on the dance floor. His celebration was the very first Bar Mitzvah to fly at the new TWA Hotel at JFK Airport on September 7, 2019. The unique venue restored and redesigned the 1962 TWA Flight Center into a retro hotel and event space with nostalgic touches everywhere.
The refurbished TWA Hotel was the site for Benny's Bar Mitzvah
The venue was a perfect and meaningful location that combined Benny’s love of aviation, geography, history, and travel. Benny’s mom vividly remembers traveling through the terminal as a child and Benny’s parents took their very first trip together from its gates. Because of all of these factors, the family took a leap of faith and booked the property while it was still under construction.
There were a lot of uncertainties in planning a party without having actually seen the completed venue, so they worked closely with the venue, planner Amy Rubel of Rubel Event Management, and event designer Tina LaMorte of Oh So Fabulous. They also used artist renderings to utilize and enhance what was planned for the TWA Hotel.
Guests knew they were in for something special from the start, when they received their passport-shaped invitations. The rest of the event stayed perfectly on theme. The hosts provided bus transportation from New York City to the event venue. While waiting in traffic, adults enjoyed beverage service by bartenders. Kids munched on popcorn served in custom containers with Benny’s logo and drank juices with names like Malawi Mango and Costa Rica Clementine.
Once they arrived at the hotel, guests walked through the jetway (which you may have seen in the movie “Catch Me If You Can”) to receive their first-class tickets on BNF Air. The adult cocktail hour took place in the Landmark Hall named as a nod to the building’s landmark status. Adults sampled various “Captain’s Cocktails“ and “In-Flight Snacks,” surrounded by historic TWA artifacts. Then they “boarded” the party through the giant airplane hangar doors to the Constellation Ballroom.
Red, white, retro and aviation elements were everywhere
Inside the ballroom, red, white, retro, and aviation elements were everywhere, from centerpieces of airplanes and runways, to tables named after airport abbreviations, to “Inflight Menus” and “First Class Mocktails.” The family carefully chose the menu knowing they wanted to serve primarily dairy and fish during cocktails and ensuring that all meat was certified kosher. Benny’s friends relaxed in the First Class Lounge with comfy couches featuring pillows declaring “Born to fly” and “Up, up and away!” Gobo lights included his logo and airplane propellers on the wall.
Pillows with travel captions
Centerpieces of airplanes and runways
The iconic Solari split flap message board
In keeping with the theme, this globe served as the sign-in!
Benny’s logo was a play on the “TWA” tag, with his initials “BNF.” The venue’s iconic Solari split flap message board (like you once saw in all transportation hubs) said “Mazel Tov Benny on your Bar Mitzvah.”
As a different twist on the traditional photo booth, a photographer shot vignettes of guests in front of TWA artifacts with decade-appropriate props. The photos were then made into luggage tags.
Even the dance floor area kept to the theme with its custom logo wrap and giant screens which projected images of airplanes, moving propellers, and cloud-filled skies. Guests danced the night away with the help of MC Jordan of Xplosive Entertainment. Jordan and his dance crew wore shirts that said “Ground Crew.” When it came time for dessert, flight attendants served nostalgic candy, mini apple pies and churros from an inflight food cart brought right to the dance floor.
Benny’s friends and out-of-town guests received white retro toiletry bags with a variety of helpful and fun items for travel, including LED message fans, an inflatable neck pillow, a lip balm, screen cleaner/earbud combo, and mini suitcases filled with jelly beans.
Mom offers the following advice for parents planning their own celebration: “Make it personal and get creative. There are so many ways to incorporate a theme in a fun way and keep it Jewish. I love that we offered guests an opportunity to color a traveler’s prayer keychain for their luggage.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Benny’s celebration special. If you contact them please tell them you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com:
Venue: TWA Hotel at JFK Airport, 212-790-373
Planner: Amy Rubel, Rubel Event Management, 917-886-8609
Decor: Tina LaMorte, Oh So Fabulous, 201-981-7280
Invitations: Out of the Box NY, 914-934-2323
Montage: Marvelous Montages, 732-431-4391
Graphics and Logos: Robin Hammer Design, 917-439-5889
Photography: Cynthia Chung, 646-678-0777
DJ/Games/Photo Novelty: Xplosive Entertainment, 732-866-1620
Projection and Lighting: Lumi Events, 718-850-5864
Dance floor decal: Holo-Walls, 818-735-3565
Dancer T-shirts: Custom Ink, 800-293-4232
Ipad artist: Drawing Booth, 347-593-8663
Favors: 4imprint.com, beau-coup.com, and bigpromotions.net
Transportation: M&V Limousines Ltd, 800-498-5788
Bus Snacks: Colby Ridge Popcorn, 800-328-2676
Bus Bartenders: Nadine Personal Bartending Services, 347-670-6166
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