June 30th, 2019
Theme inspiration can come from anywhere – including your Bar or Bat Mitzvah date. Abby Kaplan of Maryland knew she wanted her Bat Mitzvah, on November 11th, to have a magical, ethereal vibe, but she didn’t know how that “feeling” could translate into an actual party theme. Abby and her family sat down with Heidi Hiller of Innovative Party Planners and together they created a “Make A Wish” theme, playing off of the date 11-11 and the popular belief that 11:11 is a lucky time to… make a wish!
Hiller and her team focused on creating multiple event experiences to reinforce the theme for the Kaplans’ guests. Thousands of stars were projected over the reception space, an entrance tunnel was draped with fairy lights, smoke machines were used to create the illusion of clouds and the photo booth was wrapped in a scene of clouds and stars. Says mom, Melissa, of working with Hiller’s team: “They took an obscure idea in our daughter’s head and somehow managed to bring it to life, transforming a string of random thoughts into a magical, incredible evening!”
Read on to see photos from this Make A Wish inspired Bat Mitzvah. The photographer for this event was Richard and Tara Photography. A complete list of vendors follows at the end of this story.
Starry Skies
Guests entered the reception through this entry tunnel, covered in fairy lights and draped in shimmering turgalet fabric
The tunnel was filled with airy white smoke and angled so that the ballroom decor room was unveiled slowly - creating the illusion of being granted a wish or walking on clouds
The "clouds" parted just in time for Abby's big entrance
Teal, magenta and midnight blue lighting set the mood for the reception
Thousands of tiny stars filled the space for a magical feeling; Hiller says a highlight of the event was when all eyes were on the dance floor and the starry lights began to move creating a sense of energy - almost like space travel!
This custom logo combined each element of Abby's theme: color palette, stars, clouds and a shooting star
Adult place settings featured a napkin wrapped with a message from Abby
Kids' napkins were wrapped in a blinking ring
Cocktail napkins in Abby's favorite colors featured her Bat Mitzvah logo
Submerged orchid centerpieces and candlelight added to the dreamy vibe
Abby's logo was also projected onto flat screens flanking the dance floor
The photo booth was wrapped in a scene of clouds and stars, to give the feeling of entering another dimension
Guests left their wishes for Abby on a celestial sign-in board; an original piece of art printed on foam board
Magical Moments
During the cocktail hour a live saxophonist (he was also one of the dancers!) entertained guests
Hiller says she always judges her team's success on the reaction of the Mitzvah child when they see the room for the first time. This hug from Abby says it all!
Abby's friends took home fleece blankets embroidered with her logo... to send them off with sweet dreams!
Venue: Temple Oheb Shalom;
Event Planning/Logos:
Innovative Party Planners; Caterer: Linwood’s Catering;
Music Entertainment: Limelight Entertainment;
Photography: Richard and Tara Photography;
Photo Booth: Booth-O-Rama Photobooths;
Lighting: Maryland Productions;
Linens: Select Event Group;
Flowers: Flowers and Fancies
June 23rd, 2019
Jack Schwartz’s Bar Mitzvah was held on a picture perfect snowy day in Vail, Colorado. To contrast the winter backdrop, Party Girl Events planned a bold, neon colored reception. From neon lighting, centerpieces and giveaways, to LED furniture, the result was a bright, high energy celebration that was all about having a good time! After Jack’s service at Congregation B’nai Vail at , a mix and mingle/soiree style reception was held at The Sebastian – Vail. Rather than a formal sit-down, various food stations kept the guests mingling while the DJ Amuse – who is also a Hebrew tutor! – kept the dance floor packed.
Photo above (L-R): dad Doug, Bar Mitzvah boy Jack, brother Luke, mom Gayle. The photographer for this event was Vail Photography. A complete list of vendors follows at the end of this Spotlight.
Service
The Vail Interfaith Chapel was a picturesque setting for Jack's service
Congregation B'nai Vail holds their weekly services in this chapel where the snow covered pine trees create a beautiful backdrop
A special moment for Jack and his family
The Bar Mitzvah boy was joined on the bima by his grandparents Henry and Harriet. Grandma Harriett played a huge role in planning Jack's reception
Jack was surrounded by loved ones for the special day
Programs featured Jack's custom logo
Neon Everywhere
The ballroom at The Sebastian - Vail was transformed with glowing furntiure, centerpieces and balloons
LED furniture cast a neon glow on the space
Balloon centerpieces were a focal point
Jack's classic sign-in board was made of foam and featured photos of him through the years
Neon giveaways brought the theme to the dancefloor
Jack was at the center of the action all day
DJ Amuse kept the kids busy with classic Mitzvah games including a musical chairs/scavenger hunt combo, secret handshake game...
... and a conga line!
What Bar Mitzvah would be complete without some break dancing?
Special Touches
Jack's custom logo was visible throughout the event on signage, favors and more
Jack's friends took home reusable water bottles in neon colors
The candy bar was a sweet treat for guests at the end of the day
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Jack’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you contact them, please let them know you read about their services on Mitzvah Market.
Venue: The Sebastian – Vail, Hollie Hawkins, 970-477-8067
Ceremony Venue: The Vail Interfaith Chapel, B’nai Vail Congregation, 970-477-2992
Rabbi: Rabbi Joel Newman
Cantor: Michelle Cohn Levy
Event Planner: Party Girl Events, 970-306-3381
Photographer: Vail Photography, Michael Rawlings, 970-328-2020
Videographer: Jeff The Video Guy, Jeff Tage, 720-394-2719
Music/DJ/Stage/Lighting: DJ Amuse, Aaron Mendelsberg, 303-521-1793
Decor/Glow Furniture: Elite DJ, Josi Coleman, 303-422-3218
Sign-In Board/Centerpieces/Balloons: Party Central Balloon Bar, LeeAnna Salizar, 970-331-2384
Flowers for Service: A Secret Garden, 970-476-2241
Donut Wall: Northside Kitchen, 970-688-5676
June 16th, 2019
For over a decade, Favor-it! has been a one-stop shop for all things personalized from the creation of logos to the screen printing or embroidery. Whether it’s sweatshirts, t-shirts, flannel pants, shorts, pinnies or any other type of giveaway you could imagine, Favor-it! does it all for Bar and Bat Mitzvahs and can work within any budget.
The initial contact with a new customer is one of their favorite conversations to have. They like getting to know their client and feel it’s very important to make sure that everyone is on the same page from the beginning of the process.
They know selecting Bar or Bat Mitzvah favors is fun, but Favor-It! tells us they like to ask key questions before placing their clients orders.
1. Have you given any thought to the favors and/or giveaways that you would like?
*There are so many options out there today for favors and giveaways. If you know exactly what you would like, that is great! If you don’t, no worries…we can talk through everything to find the perfect item(s) together.
*Have you spoken with your child? We suggest having a family discussion because many times, this is the one area of the party that the Bar or Bat Mitzvah child might actually have an opinion!
*Do you have a preference as to whether or not the children will end up wearing or bringing the favor or giveaway to school the Monday after the party? Your answer to this question may steer you in a direction as to the item(s) chosen as well. (Note: In some areas, schools do not allow children to wear favors to school on the Monday after the celebration).
2. What is the budget within which you would like to work?
*Favors and giveaways come in all price points and we can work within any budget. There is something for everyone and Favor-it! will be sure to find the perfect item(s) for their clients.
*We treat your money as if it were our own. Favor-it! strives to get the highest quality favors and giveaways for the best price. If we wouldn’t do it for our own daughters’ Bat Mitzvahs, we wouldn’t feel comfortable making a recommendation to others.
3. Do you have a theme in mind or a logo created or is this something we will be working on together?
*Often times our clients know exactly what they want their end product to look like. Some have no idea where to begin. Favor-it! can work either way! We can use the artwork you have already created or we can help you with the design concept from inception to completion. No request is too challenging to bring to life.
4. What is your party date and R.S.V.P. response date?
In over 10 years of business, Favor-it! has never missed a party! Nobody needs added stress during a time that is often very stressful. We work backwards from your party date to come up with a “working” calendar for you.
*Favor-it!’s goal is to have your favors and giveaways “party ready” and in your hands the weekend before your Bar or Bat Mitzvah (if not sooner). We will always do our best to accommodate rush orders as well.
Favor-it suggests you follow their ABC philosophy when selecting your Bar or Bat Mitzvah favors. This philosophy will help you get Amazing favors to fit within every Budget that are Creative, Cool, Chic and Complete!
To learn more about Favor-it!, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
June 16th, 2019
Families are always looking for interesting and different venues for their child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah party. This is why so many have celebrated over the years at day camps and sleepaway camps. These venues provide something unique and fun for both the young and adult guests. Some can even accommodate for your child’s service too!
We have featured many destination “camp” celebrations. When holding your event at this type of facility, the special touches come easy!
Take a look at how these families celebrated away from home:
The Korn family celebrated at Morgan’s favorite place…Camp Towanda!
The Golden family celebrated at Camp Trail’s End with a celebration called, Camp Ally. Ally’s cake was a replica of an actual bunk!
The Silverman family celebrated daughter Jillian Bat Mitzvah at her sleep away camp, Pontiac. Her bed looked quite different than it did all summer!
The Salem family celebrated daughter Samantha’s Bat Mitzvah during a fun-filled Labor Day weekend at Indian Head camp. For the adult guests, private cabins were made up with linens and coffee mugs
The Francombe family celebrated their son Joshua’s Bar Mitzvah during a fun-filled weekend. Mom Stacie thought of everything, even a packing list!
The Siegel family owns Tyler Hill Camp and celebrated their daughter’s B’not Mitzvah at camp. The weekend was filled with a lakeside Havdallah service, Color War breakout and competition, lots of dancing plus a bonfire and fireworks
Camp Mitchell was the name used for the Abes family celebration at Camp Barney Medintz in Cleveland, Georgia
The Golden family went back to Camp Trail’s End for younger daughter’s Dani’s celebration which included smores and a surprise fireworks display at the end of the party
The Beinhaker Mitzvah Family celebrated at Camp Kinder Ring and included many special touches like this signage hanging from a tree
S’mores was the theme at this Bat Mitzvah held Indian Head Camp during a fun-filled weekend
The Silvert family decided to have a very casual outdoor celebration which took place the week before day camp began at the JCC Camps. Their entire service and celebration took place in one location with full use of the camp’s fantastic facilities including swimming, boating, volleyball, water trampoline & other fun floating activities
Did you hold your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah at a camp, let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
June 12th, 2019
There is always lot of excitement when there’s a Stanley Cup final.
Perfect timing to share some of our past ideas as well as some recent creative ways to incorporate hockey elements for the most avid hockey player or fan.
No matter what team you are rooting for, here are some great ways for a hockey fan to share their passion for the game with family and friends on their big day.
NY Rangers hockey themed balloon sculpture pennant and puck from Balloon Artistry
Gotham T-Shirts created the logo and this hoodie sweatshirt
Hi-Tech Photography Events did a great job on the centerpieces for Evan Weinberg’s Bar Mitzvah – to read more about this hockey themed party click here
Cute use of signage for the cubbies and favors from Ruth Ridgeway Design
Parties! Rare to Well Done used a Stanley Cup replica as the sign-in for a Bar Mitzvah party
The Rothenberg family created their own Horah chair using old hockey sticks! To read more about this spotlight, click here
Adam Leffel Productions created a great place card scene putting the puck place cards inside a mini rink. Photo credit: Abbey Creative Photography
An ice hockey rink dance floor from Beautiful Blooms, Photo Credit: Pictures By Todd
Abby Rose Photography captured this Bar Mitzvah boy making his “entrance” on skates and high-fived his guests as he circled the room – To read more of this Bar Mitzvah, click here
Here’s another great entrance idea from the Milbauer Family Spotlight story. Hockey fan Mitchell made his “entrance” by walking thru a tunnel of hockey sticks being held up by his teammates/friends! To read more about this spotlight click here
Yes, girls play ice hockey! For more of Jill Reiner’s Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight, click here
A cutout hockey player from Shindigz.com has the look of a real hockey player with the blue and white jersey and hockey stick. Each one-sided hockey goalie photo op is 72 inches high x 42 inches wide and is made of sturdy cardboard
Plain Jane Graphics on Etsy.com designed this invitation clearly revealing the interest of the Bar Mitzvah boy!
This Los Angeles Kings photo cookie is a hand made 2.5″ x 3.25″ classic butter shortbread iced with a sugar icing from 1-800-Bakery.com
Did you incorporate any creative hockey elements into your Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
June 9th, 2019
As an accomplished equestrian, Alyssa has jumped over many hurdles and her passion for riding was a clear choice for her Bat Mitzvah theme. With the help of Melisa Imberman of The Event of a Lifetime, Inc., who collaborated with X-Quisite Flowers and Events, Alyssa’s love of the sport was brought to life. A crisp sky blue and white color palette, custom logos featuring Alyssa’s silhouette and clever equestrian taglines including “Just Get Over It” and “Been There, Jumped That,” resulted in a unique, elegant celebration. During the afternoon party, guests enjoyed dancing, a “magic mirror” selfie booth and custom air brush t-shirts.
The venue for this Bat Mitzvah was Metropolis Country Club in White Plains, New York and the photographer was Tripp Street Studio.
Equestrian Elegance
Alyssa's invitation, by Small Fry Press, introduced the sky blue and white color pallette and featured discreet horseshoes, hinting at the theme for the celebration
The Bat Mitzvah girl took a moment before her celebration. In the background, a giant cut out of Alyssa on horseback, and a replica hurdle, created a dramatic centerpiece
Escort cards were tied onto actual horse shoes and displayed on a wooden frame with twine
Close up of escort card display
Equestrian art: Photos of Alyssa riding were put inside the venue's existing frames
Guests did a double take when they realized the photos were of Alyssa!
The kids' lounge featured sofas, LED cocktail tables with Alyssa's logo, and a giant cut out of Alyssa on her horse jumping over a replica of a hurdle
Custom pillows with Alyssa’s logo on one side and each of her taglines on the other side, were created for the kids' lounge
Adult tables were dressed with blue textured linens, tall white vessels and blooming branches
Alyssa's logo was printed onto white vases; votive candles and horseshoe ribbon added to the table decor
Menus also featured the custom logo and horseshoe decor
This creative candle lighting display featured miniature cut outs of Alyssa riding, surrounded by floating candles
The exit treat was Alyssa’s favorite dessert: fudge! Imberman had the sweet treat packaged in logo boxes with the message “Thanks for the Ride”
Logos, SWAG & More
An airbrush artist created keepsakes for the guests; Imberman surprised the Bat Mitzvah girl with a t-shirt featuring her custom logo
The step and repeat featured several custom logos; Imberman used the logos and taglines to brand the event. Guests could take their photo in front of the step and repeat with the magic mirror selfie booth
Alyssa's main logo featured her name and Bat Mitzvah date
This silhouette was made from a photo of Alyssa riding
Another version of the silhouette logo, with Alyssa's name
A special crest was created to commemorate the day
"Just get over it" was one of the fun taglines for the day
Staff wore custom t-shirts with the silhouette logo
Favors were fleece joggers with Alyssa's logo printed on the hip and her tagline going down the leg
On the dance floor guests received this adorable plush horse - wearing a bandana with Alyssa’s logo - as well as earbuds in a custom logo case, custom message fans and t-shirts
Kids took home their favors in logo drawstring bags
Even the littlest guests went home with plenty of swag to remember the day
We thank Melisa Imberman for sharing this unique Bat Mitzvah celebration with us. For more information about The Event of a Lifetime, Inc., visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
June 2nd, 2019
“Sign-in” options for guests at Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations have come a long way!
After our previous story, “Unique Ways To Sign-In,” we heard from many of our readers who were able to adopt these ideas and make them their own. Thank you, we love that!
Now we have a new batch to share with you….get your Sharpies ready!
Enjoy these creative options below….
The collage style sign-in board featured the Bar Mitzvah Boy’s custom logos and hashtags. Read more about Logan’s celebration here
The United States Constitution was the perfect sign-in moment for this Red, White & Blue Bat Mitzvah. Read more about Alexis and her Bat Mitzvah inspired by American politics here
A pink director’s chair (found on Etsy!) was a creative alternative to the traditional sign-in board for this Broadway theme Bat Mitzvah. Read more about Ellie’s celebration here
Cousin’s Brett and Lindsey chose sign-in trunks for their LIVE BIG B’nai Mitzvah. Read more about their special celebration here
At Cole and Chase’s Amazon Adventure, the sign in board allowed guests to write their message on a leaf and drop it into the wooden frame. Read more about this B’nai Mitzvah here
For their sign-in boards, Evan had blue and Morgan had yellow custom Corn-hole games with their logo. Read more about this B’nai Mitzvah here
This mirror was purchased online and personalized with a decal of the Bat Mitzvah girl’s logo resulting in a unique sign-in board and decor element. Read more about Cassidy’s celebration here
An Acrylic sign, featuring Gabi’s logo in the center, was just one part of this showstopping celebration. Read more about Gabi’s party here
The mom of this Bat Mitzvah girl found a unique Acrylic sign-in board on Etsy. Guests left messages on small hearts which slid into the board. Read more about this AMazing celebration here.
At this Carnival themed celebration, guests wished Lucy a lifetime of Mazels on a a metal vintage Coca-Cola horse that used to sit outside a drugstore! Read more about this celebration here.
A mirror sign-in board was on point for Gabriella’s Bat Mitzvah theme which celebrated her love of all things girlie and glam. Read more about her Gabulous party here.
The sign-in chair, taken from the Bat Mitzvah girl’s room was blinged out with some candy stickers. Read about this candy themed celebration here.
Each boy had a sign-in locker which are now in their bedrooms. Read about this Fire & Ice themed celebration here.
Max Ganem from Charlotte, North Carolina celebrated with a luxury car and diamond themed Bar Mitzvah. Check out his mini McLaren sign-in car from Bridget Loftus at Loftus Designs!
A custom sign-in blanket from The Mitzvah Mavens
An oversized acrylic sign-in letter from Lighter Than Air Events
This masculine leather sign-in board with nail heads was created by Extraordinary Productions
The Event Of A Lifetime used a lucite chair as the sign-in board for this Bat Mitzvah
Stephanie Feldman from CutiePatootieCreations.com used a Sign-in Pillow with her son’s logo and a Bean Bag Chair for their guests to leave special messages
A giant tennis ball served as the sign-in board at Space, an event venue in New Jersey
Out of the Box NY used this clear acrylic box that held neon acrylic “tickets” with special messages for the Bat Mitzvah girl
The custom Basketball backboard sign-in by Flower Power Designs was photographed by Ira Casel
Hal Prince Music & Entertainment recently planned a rock-themed Bar Mitzvah for a guitar player. Rather than using a traditional sign-in board, they suggested using an actual guitar case so there would be a permanent reminder of this special day
A long gold mirror with a custom decal served as the sign-in for a Bat Mitzvah from Lighter Than Air
The Event of a Lifetime designed an over-sized bean bag chair with the Bat Mitzvah logo for the sign-in
A Ping Pong Table sign-in photographed by Sarah Merians Photography & Video
The digital iSign board, created by Simon Elliot Events for a PBG Miller Immersive Environments iMax themed Bar Mitzvah, was designed to look like a giant “MaxBook” Pro computer
Guests had the opportunity to write a note on speech bubbles to the Bat Mitzvah girls in a customized photo sign-in. For more on this great comic themed B’not Mitzvah, click here
For Max, who loves NY sports, Knicks/Mets blue and orange fit the bill! The Pieced Palette printed his logo on the front and back of this pillow
From Oh So Fab and Chris Jorda Photography these baseball bases cleverly served as the sign-in
From Save the Day Events: Three great friends, all with the first initial “J,” celebrated together in Israel as the “J” Crew. Their sign-in board was made to look like pin-striped oxford shirts with each boy having their own section
This Bar Mitzvah family created a Fathead sign-in from Fathead.com. It’s now a keepsake that hangs on his bedroom wall
Patten Creation’s guestbook signature quilt is a wonderful way to collect the signatures and sentiments of your guests for your child’s special day
Did you child have a creative sign-in board that you would like to share with MitzvahMarket.com? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
You can also ask questions and get advice about creative sign-in options in our regional Bar Bat Mitzvah planning groups on Facebook. Join here.
