April 20th, 2016
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 get creative with their Bar and Bat Mitzvah details. We love showcasing creative fashion, entrances, themes, cakes, invitations and place cards.
Many families are using their child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah logo on elements throughout their party in addition to the favor.
Here’s a round-up of some of the fun logos that have been featured and a link back to the entire spotlight story!
Enjoy….
Bar Mitzvah logo ideas
The "A" logo for Bar Mitzvah boy Aidan's Cinco de Mayo theme was all lit up along with some fun photo props like paper margaritas, maracas and mustaches. Read more about this celebration
here
At Spencer's celebration, guests saw the grace and poise of the Bar Mitzvah boy reflected in all of his wonderful characteristics in the theme, A Night of Champions. Read more about this celebration
here
This T-shirt logo which translates to "Life is Good" was used for a trip to Israel for the Breitowich family. Read more about this celebration
here
Gotham T-shirts created a cool logo on a destroyed black vintage t-shirt for a rock themed mitzvah. Read more about this celebration
here
The inspiration for this logo was the original
Air Jordan silhouette - the splatter paint gave it an updated, urban feel
A Promos USA created this cool logo for Evan Wabnik's Bar Mitzvah sweatshirts. Read more about this celebration
here
For their Bar Mitzvah celebration held at a sleepaway camp, the Abes family hired FabuDesigns.com to create this camp logo used on various elements throughout their celebration. Read more about this celebration
here
This fun bar mitzvah party was held at an awesome water park! Read more about this celebration
here
Top Elements created this logo used on the various favors given out to the young guests for this basketball themed Bar Mitzvah. Read more about this celebration
here
The Lantzman family came up with this creative logo that highlighted son Zane's favorite sports team, the Green Bay Packers. Read more about this celebration
here
Mom Beth helped to create this awesome logo for Max's Bar Mitzvah that was displayed all over the celebration. Read more about it
here
Bat Mitzvah logos ideas
The Bat Mitzvah girl's full name, Gabrielle Rose, was the inspiration for this rose logo by
FabuDesigns.com.
Read more about this celebration
here
This logo was perfect for a Hollywood themed celebration. Read more about this celebration
here
The theme, “Peace, Love and Cupcakes,” came about three years earlier when Haley saw it on a sign in a cupcake store. At that moment Haley declared that would be her Bat Mitzvah theme. Read more about this celebration
here
This family re-created a summer day with a Boardwalk-inspired theme for Brooke’s Bat Mitzvah. Read more about this celebration
here
For Melissa, this was the perfect logo since she is a girl “on the go,” with sports, school and friends. Read more about this celebration
here
Event planner Michelle Farber from M Studio Events designed the logo for the Weinberg Bat Mitzvah based on Instagram. See more from this celebration
here
This logo was created by Party Excellence and featured Emily’s favorite items: a paw print, a cupcake, and a moose. Read more about this celebration
here
Sydney’s logo was even used on the water bottles! Read more about this celebration
here
Do Me A Favor created beautiful logo now hanging in the Bat Mitzvah girl’s bedroom. To read more about this celebration click
here
Emily’s bright colors and creative logo, created by FabuDesigns.com were used everywhere throughout this Bat Mitzvah party. Read more about this celebration
here
Dream Big with Andie was the logo for this celebration
Mom and Dad designed this macebook logo for their daughter’s Facebook inspired celebration. Read more about it
here
Sarah Merians Photography & Video created this logo for Emily’s celebration where the theme combined her middle name Rose, and her love of baking and purple. Read more about this celebration
here
Balloon Artistry helped to create Alyssa's logo, based on her favorite dessert, Dippin' Dots. Read more about this celebration
here
Abby looking fABBYlous in front of her logo
B’nai Mitzvah logo ideas
Jaden loves Broadway and theater and Jonah loves music. They decided on a logo based on a Broadway show that was about music: Rock Of Ages, a logo they all loved. Read more about this celebration
here
Jesse and Emma had a graphic designer create a cool Van Halen-inspired logo based on Dad Michael’s original sketch and idea. Read more about this celebration
here
Hallie and Jared celebrated "The Best Day Ever" with this simple and creative logo. Read more about this b'nai mitzvah celebration
here
The Caress twins had many different logos that decorated the entire room. Check out all of their cool logos
here
Did you have a creative logo for your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
April 13th, 2016
The Paramount, a concert hall and event venue in Huntington, New York, was the perfect spot for the Raphaelson family of Woodbury, New York, to celebrate their son Max’s Bar Mitzvah.
Max is a loyal New York Yankees fan and wanted this to be his Bar Mitzvah theme. The family wanted a stylish spin incorporating the decor scheme. The Paramount was the perfect venue for this and with the help of The Showplace, an event design florist and decor company, they hit this one out of the park.
The photographer was Photography by: Denis Leon & Co.
Bar Mitzvah Service
As guests arrived they were welcomed by the large marquee announcing the main event
The kippot were placed in a vintage wooden box with baseballs
For the Bar Mitzvah ceremony, an area was sectioned off with draping and beautiful stained glass backdrops
The service was warm and inviting
The Bar Mitzvah Celebration
Guests received their 'tickets' at the ticket booth
The room was transformed with a sophisticated baseball decor, including pin striped linens
The kids' tables for this vintage baseball themed party had alternating centerpieces: vintage soda boxes and wheat grass, styled to resemble turf and baseball bats (https://mitzvahmarket.com/mitzvah-ideas/themes/modern-decor-for-a-vintage-baseball-bar-mitzvah-theme/)
Lockers with baseball silhouettes lined the walls
Custom vintage style marquee signage hung over the kids' lounge for the
Raphaelson Bar Mitzvah
Baseballs displayed in glass vases with beautiful flowers for the adult tables
Plexi glass table numbers with red stitching to mimic a baseball
Flowers in the shape of a baseball with mitts
Baseball pennants hung around the bar
There was room for everyone on the dance floor at The Paramount
The candle lighting cake resembled a Yankee uniform shirt
Mini baseball helmets for the ice cream bar
As young guests were ready to leave, they received their favors in the 'locker room'
We thank The Paramount and the Raphaelson family for sharing this amazing Bar Mitzvah with our readers.
Venue: The Paramount; Design/Florist: The Showplace; Photography: Denis Leon & Co,
April 10th, 2016
The Shumer family celebrated daughter, Ashlynn’s Bat Mitzvah on December 5, 2015, with a Havdalah service followed by a celebration at Temple Tikvah in New Hyde Park, New York.
It was a stylish celebration with close family and friends and without question everyone… partied their ASH’s off!
Pictured L-R: Brother Matthew, Bat Mitzvah girl Ashlynn, Mom Geri and Dad Steven.
The photographer was Simon Elliot Events and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
Invitation
The family worked with Carrie Chalup of Invitations by Z-BAC on the blue tie-dye invitation.
Bat Mitzvah Service
The Shumer family up on the bimah with Ashlynn
A photo of Ashlynn sat beside the yarmulke basket
Yarmulkes in party colors
Mitzvah Style
Converse custom-designed high-top sneakers by Rebootz were a big hit!
The "Ash" logo looked great
Ashlynn's family looked elegant in their party wear
For the party, she dazzled in a turquoise gown with a crystal bodice and sequin tulle skirt
For the service, Ashlynn wore a black dress with white trim
Party Decor & Special Touches
The tagline "Party Your ASH off!" was a big hit for Ashlynn's celebration!
The back of the bar featured pictures of Ashlynn from a pre-party photo session by Simon Elliot Events
Couches, ottomans, and custom pillows made this the perfect place to lounge around!
Lighter Than Air Events filled the room with a turquoise, purple and white color palette. LED tables lit the room with a warm glow and paper lanterns hanging from above were a great decor accent
There was a large dance floor with light-up risers from Party Harty Entertainment
Alternating tall clear centerpieces included floating votive candles
Ashylnn's pictures and tagline were used on the custom pillows in the kids' lounge area
The sign-in door, with logo by Simon Elliot Events, was the perfect keepsake. It’s back in her bedroom as a daily reminder about her special celebration
Music Entertainment
MC Mike B and the gang from Party Harty Entertainment kept everyone on the dance floor all night!
Ashlynn entered the ballroom in style
Brother Matthew made his entrance with the Party Harty dancers wearing custom tank tops
The Shumer family had fun on the dance floor
Ashlynn during the horah
Notice the neon light-up sneakers on the Party Harty crew!
Mitzvah Moments
Ashlynn and Dad Steven danced to "Butterfly Kisses" by Bob Carlyle
Ashlynn's friends presented her with photo blanket
Candle Lighting Ceremony
Sweet Karma Desserts created this beautiful and delicious diamond quilted cake featuring the "ASH" logo on top
The Shumer family were all smiles
Ashlynn lit a candle with her brother
Ashlynn surrounded by her friends
Favors
Ashlynn posed with her comfy sweatshirt designed by Simon Elliot Events
Guests also received a drawstring backpack by Simon Elliot Events
Simon Elliot Events provided Stick-A-Pic photo favors
Desserts and Mitzvah Exit Treats
As guests left the party they were offered soft pretzels
And yummy grilled cheese sandwiches made to order
There was a candy bar, a station with chocolate-covered fruit and cookies, an ice cream sundae bar and lots of delicious treats such as Devil Dogs, Twinkies, chocolate éclairs and ice cream bars
Mitzvah Project
For her Mitzvah Project, Ashlynn volunteered for Last Hope Animal Shelter where she helps take care of abandoned kittens. She organized a drive for food, toys and office supplies, which the shelter desperately needs in order to survive. Her efforts resulted in a truck load of items that the shelter was most grateful to receive.
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Ashlynn’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Temple Tikvah, 516-873-5330
Music: MC Mike, Party Harty, 516-845-8585
Photographer/Posters/Sign-in door decor/Favors: Michelle, Simon Elliot Events, 516-586-6822
Videographer: John, Party Harty, 516-845-8585
Décor: Artie, Lighter Than Air Events, 516-933-3210
Invitations: Carrie Chalup, Invitations by Z-BAC, 516-626-6425
Cake: Sweet Karma Desserts, 516-794-4478
Custom Sneakers: Hilary Berger 516-456-5468 and Debbie Rifkin 516-779-2048 for Rebootz
Dress for Mom: PM Boutique, 516-766-0064
Dress for Ashlynn: Pzaz Dresses, 631-698-8900
Suit for Dad and Brother: Kenny’s Menswear, 516-921-2660
Hair: Christine Giglio, 631-433-4740
Makeup: Marianne, Natural Style, 631-944-6184
April 6th, 2016
As every party planner knows, you must be prepared for all possible scenarios!
This came into play for Melisa Imberman from The Event of a Lifetime, Inc. when she was planning a Bat Mitzvah at the Manursing Island Club in Rye, New York for a girl who is an accomplished equestrian.
It was the weekend of Hurricane Joaquin and the plan was for a daytime celebration after Lily’s Bat Mitzvah service for family and family friends followed by a party that evening for Lily’s young friends (at the same venue). Problems started early in the day as strong winds blew threw the plastic walls that enclosed the area where some of the guests would be enjoying the cocktail hour. The club worked all morning repairing/replacing the plastic walls. As the water got higher, it gobbled up the entire beach area where the cocktail area was originally to take place.
Plan B quickly turned into Plan C. Melisa said, “I asked the MC to rearrange the timeline a little so guests would stay on the dance floor longer, we showed the montage & afterwards I had the MC announce, If you are seated at tables 6-10 your table is now by the bar. Everyone found their new seats, lunch was served and we thought we were home free. But alas the tide kept rising and there was talk of having to evacuate the club. The only way to get to the club was over a draw bridge and there was talk of the bridge closing. If evacuating wasn’t bad enough, this would also mean potentially having to cancel the evening party and quickly contact over 100 kids.”
Party Details
In the end, both celebrations took place. Take a look at the party details which reflected the Bat Mitzvah girl’s sophisticated style using a combination of aqua and gold. This equestrian celebration also featured a great tagline… Ride On.
The invitation suite, in the party colors, included the logo on the information card
The escort cards were containers of trail mix. There was a note included that read, "For wherever your ride takes you."
The gift card box featured Lily's logo and tagline, "Ride On."
There was a pillow with her logo for guests to sign
The floral centerpieces featured lilies in honor of Bat Mitzvah girl Lily
At each guests' place setting there was a logo'd napkin wrap
Socks for dancing were in an equestian wooden box
The lounge area included white couches and ottomans with Tiffany blue accents
The paper lanterns looked great hanging from the ceiling
The Nike Elite sock station was a big hit
Guests enjoyed the iMingle photo station
There was a flash tattoo station for Lily's friends
At the end of the evening, wheelbarrows of candy were rolled out and devoured by the kids
Hot cider and donuts in custom bags and cups were a welcome exit treat
Hurricane Joaquin
Although it was stressful, thanks to flexibility of all the vendors involved and Melisa’s leadership, both events were a success! Below are views of the water from inside the venue.
The water was getting rough
As high tide approached, the waves began bagging against the plastic wall of the room where the luncheon tables were and then the room began taking on water
The view from inside the venue as the storm was approaching
We thank Melisa Imberman for sharing this amazing Bat Mitzvah with our readers.
Event Planner/Invitation/Favors/Sign-In Pillow/Logo’d Paper Items/Mentalist Oz Pearlman: Melisa Imberman, The Event of a Lifetime, Inc.; Photographer: Ellen Dubin Photography; Venue: Manursing Island Club; Flowers: X-Quisite Flowers and Events
April 3rd, 2016
The Siff family from Plantation, Florida, celebrated son Zachary’s (Zac) Bar Mitzvah on November 7, 2015, with a service at Ramat Shalom Synagogue in Plantation, Florida, and a celebration in the evening at the Gallery of Amazing Things in Dania, Florida.
Zac is a huge basketball fan, but didn’t want a typical basketball theme so they came up with a unique variation: a Street Ball Jam Party.
Pictured L-R: Dad Larry, Bar Mitzvah boy Zachary, Brother Joshua and Mom Robin.
The photographer was Trevor Goldsmith Photography and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
Invitation
Mom Robin created the navy and orange invitation. A guest framed the invitation as a gift to Zac.
Mitzvah Service
Zac did a great job chanting his prayers during his service at Ramat Shalom Synagogue
Zac carried the Torah around the synagogue
Mitzvah Wow!
The Siff family invited President and Mrs. Obama to his Bar Mitzvah and in return he received a letter from President Obama and his wife expressing congratulations.
A great keepsake!
Decor and Details
The Gallery of Amazing Things was the perfect venue for a basketball/street ball party as it already has concrete floors and an industrial feel.
Guests found their table assignments by looking at the chalkboard seating charts in neon, created by Traci's Chalkboards
The family collected shoes, hubcaps, tires and broken jam boxes from friends
Signage for the kids' area
The main room was urban and elegant with neon napkins on black tablecloths
Posters of Zac playing basketball were hung around the room
The cocktail area had graffiti hi-top tables
The centerpieces were metal sculptures with basketballs on top
Zac posed on one of the couches in his lounge area
A sweatband napkin ring
Zac's name in large graffiti lettering
For his sign-in board, Mom Robin cut and attached white foam board behind the clear backboard so the writing would be visible. It's now in Zac's bedroom
Music and Entertainment
MC David and the crew of Pure Energy Entertainment entertained guests on the dance floor. There were many cool interactive activities for the Siff’s guests to enjoy along including an awesome airbrush artist for towels and a fun photo booth.
The Pure Energy with the guest of honor
Zac had a blast spinning some tunes
MC David led guests in a dance
Guests airbrushed towels that doubled as favors
The graffiti wall was a teen activity during the party - adding to the great decor
Guests enjoyed a photo booth with graffiti frames
Candle Lighting
The candle lighting display was awesome handmade by Mom Robin.
Zac Siff in front of his candle lighting display for his urban street ball theme
Kissed by his grandparents
Mitzvah Exit Treat
Guests received custom bagels in the letters Z-A-C, created by Broadway Bagels. Mom Robin bought the bagel boxes at Paper Mart and had custom stickers made at a local print shop.
The label read, “The best things in life are meant to be shared”
Mitzvah Project
Zac did multiple Mitzvah Projects. He signed up for Remember Us and was paired up for his Bar Mitzvah service with a child who perished in the Holocaust. He also has volunteered for the past two years assisting in Sunday school classes and organized and preserved prayer books in the synagogue. He still volunteers in the iServe program at his Temple, Ramat Shalom.
Zac promoted the Remember Us program by giving other Bar Mitzvah students bracelets to promote this worthwhile cause
Mom to Mom Advice From Mom Robin
“I fired my day-of coordinator three weeks prior to the event because he wasn’t making my son’s Bar Mitzvah a priority. It was the hardest thing I had to do. In the end, I found the best event producer. We are even good friends. I say she was the best thing to come out of the event.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Zac’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Museums: Gallery of Amazing Things, 305-527-2266
Event Planner: Debbie Rosman, Creative Cousins, 305-903-6440
Caterer: Jeff Bouer, BCG Catering, 954-557-4007
Photography: Trevor Goldsmith Photography, 954-662-6135
Videography: Sean Harvey Amazing Takes Videography, 954-252-6230
Music Entertainment: Pure Energy, 954-782-6989
Interactive Activities: Art Spot, 772-812-3653
Rentals: Atlas Party Rental, 561-547-6565
Graffiti Letters: Franco Gilardino, Custom Letters Florida 786-290-3535
Chalkboard Seating: Traci Arnemann, Traci’s Chalkboard’s
Fences: Rent a Fence
Backboard sign-in: Walmart
Candy Buffet: Cindy Belime, Sugar Buzz Buffet, 754-422-9891
Letter shaped Bagels: Broadway Bagels, 954-424-3905
March 30th, 2016
Evantine Design recently created an amazing camp Bar Mitzvah theme at The Ritttenhouse in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
This Bar Mitzvah was in honor of a boy who loves Camp Manitou in Oakland, Maine. Morphing the party into Camp MATTitou, they integrated special elements of his beloved camp experiences into the event decor and food styling of his milestone celebration while still maintaining a sophisticated tone.
Warm, rustic, camp-inspired party invitations
Just as campers would see as they arrived at Camp Manitou, party guests were greeted by a tall directional sign post with the camp logo and inspiring words
A weathered white wooden peg board was used to display camp-themed “activity card” seating assignments for the adults. Later, it was used as a 'grab and go' donuts board
Personalized lockers were designed for the kids to stash their shoes, phones, and favors as they collected them throughout the night. Old logs were placed around a faux bonfire
'Welcome to Visiting Day' signage was displayed at the entrance to the adult cocktail area
Bunk beds were placed near the lockers and were piled with camp gear, blankets, snacks, sports gear, towels, stickers, and personalized pillows. At the end of the evening, it became a part of the Canteen
Wood cabins for the adults made sure 'kids' of all ages got to enjoy the theme starting with the hot dog and artisan beer cabin
The kids' Mess Hall area included long wooden tables with matching bar stools along with a lit backdrop that mimicked the evening sky
The adult tables were designed with fabulous arrangements of natural elements and flowering branches
Letters from camp with sweet, sentimental notes from the Bar Mitzvah boy were created as memorable menu cards - guests were so touched!
Cocktail napkins included Camp Mattitou’s fun summer camp logos and signs
The canteen candy buffet included nostalgic old time and modern candies displayed in metal baskets and wooden boxes
S’mores were set up with table top camp ‘fires,' along with other vessels to for the sticks, marshmallows, chocolate bars, and graham crackers
We thank Evantine Design for sharing this amazing Bar Mitzvah with our readers.
Event Design/Lighting, Flowers, Furniture/Party Games/Artwork and Party Planning: Evantine Design; Venue and Catering: The Rittenhouse; Band/Entertainment: LA Stars; Photography: Susan Beard Design
March 30th, 2016
If you are a DIY type who enjoys taking on creative projects for your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration, we are happy to share several options that can help you with your projects.
It’s always good to consider hiring experts who have experience in planning Bar Bat Mitzvahs, but there are many places to find inspiration and resources online the things you want to take on yourself.
Check out these three great resources in lighting, centerpieces and candy buffets:
Lighting
DIYUplighting.com, makes it easy to transform your Bar or Bat Mitzvah party room in a convenient, easy and affordable way. They deliver anywhere in the country…free! Here’s how it works: You place your order for the amount of lights you need, and DIY Uplighting ships the lights to you a few days before your event. Set them up for as little as a $25 deposit and $19 per light. You get a professional quality lighting effect to help make your Bar or Bat Mitzvah day shine!
Purple lighting against white drapes
When you needs lots of colors, neon lighting screams fun
This 'Under the Sea' event hit all the marks with sea green lighting
Centerpiece Kits
Awesome Events DIY Centerpiece kits are designed to save you time and money….we love that! They offer DIY centerpiece kits, candle lighting boards, theme party decoration kits, styrofoam letters, foam cut out shapes, numbers and theme shapes, all in a variety of colors. Awesome Events has kits for almost any theme, so it is easy for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah Parent to DIY. Just get your glue gun or spray adhesive ready to make the centerpieces, which include techniques that professional designers use.
For a music lover
A Hollywood/movie theme
Jewish star theme
Candy Buffets
Treat Me Sweet DIY Candy Buffet kits include everything you need to create a candy buffet at your next event for up to 50 people! No need to go out and buy jars and figure out how much candy would fit in each jar. They also offer Trail Mix Buffets too. Your package arrives with 13 plastic jars, 5 different candies, labels, 3 scoops and 3 tongs, a framed saying and 50 bags with ties. You can follow their layout in the photo provided or create your own display adding some decorations or props. When the party is over, its all yours to keep!
Purple and white DIY color scheme
Rainbow DIY candy buffet
Your guests can make their own trail mix
You can also ask questions and get advice about DIY ideas in our regional Bar Bat Mitzvah planning groups on Facebook. Join here.
March 23rd, 2016
Mitzvah Mom Holly Weinstein of Port Washington, New York, sent us a very creative Bat Mitzvah montage, created by her husband Greg for their daughter Danielle’s Bat Mitzvah.
We then learned about many of the unique details that were incorporated and we couldn’t wait to share!
This Bat Mitzvah took place at the Woodbury Country Club in Woodbury, New York, and the photographer was Ellen Wolff Photography.
The hot pink and gold invitation set the tone for the party palette
Right after the Bat Mitzvah service, outside of the sanctuary, there were apple cider donuts for their guests. The very clever sign read, “DoNut get lost. See you at my party!”
What a great idea…the napkins served with the donuts had directions to the party venue where guests were headed!
At the venue, guests were greeted with place cards that matched the invitations. A special surprise was inside!
Bat Mitzvah girl Dani wrote a special message inside each adult place card, as she is very close to her guests
The decor, which kept with the color scheme, was provided by Lighter Than Air Events
Dad Greg painted the horah chair in hot pink, Dani’s favorite color. It was also used for guests to sign and is now a special reminder of a great day and is in her bedroom
Dani up for the horah in the chair her guests signed. It was so special and made her feel that everyone who signed it helped to “lift her up”
You will understand the significance of "the shirt" after watching the montage below
It was a very powerful and emotional moment
Blanket favors for Dani’s guests were beautifully wrapped with a pink bow
For their Exit Treat, the family gave out Hershey Bars with a funny text message conversation to “Save the Date” for youngest daughter Brooke’s Bat Mitzvah in 2018
Now for the montage created by her Dad Greg. Before the video was shown, Mom Holly told the story of “the shirt” and asked Dani to wear it while the video played
Please watch here
Photographer: Ellen Wolff Photography; Decor: Lighter Than Air Events; Music/MC: Jamie Aronson, Lovett Entertainment;
Caterer: Woodbury Country Club; Blanket Favors: Spectrum Designs, Bat Mitzvah girl Danielle’s dress: Outrageous Boutique; Sister Brooke’s dress: Designing Dreams; Invitations/Place cards: Barefoot Creations Inc, Etsy.com; Napkins: Fast Balloons; Hershey Bar Save the Date Exit Treat label: Vista Print
March 20th, 2016
Traditionally, Bar Bat Mitzvah invitations are mailed to guests and include an RSVP card and envelope with a postage stamp (sometimes custom!) to allow guests to send their attendance confirmation.
The problem, as we have all experienced at one time or another, is that not everyone takes the time to reply, and mail can be lost or misplaced.
RSVPify is the FREE online RSVP service that allows you to create custom RSVPs for your special event.
With RSVPify you can sign up for an account and then create your event. Once you create your event, you will be asked to name the URL of the event’s RSVP page. This way you’ll have a simple web address (nameyoupick.rsvpify.com) which you can print on your invitations or insert cards.
It’s easy to add custom questions to your RSVP, add a logo or banner, include colors and backgrounds and much more!
For more information check out their Website at RSVPify.com.
March 20th, 2016
The Scarselli family of New York City celebrated daughter Sofia’s Bat Mitzvah on October 31, 2015. The morning service was held at Central Synagogue and later that evening was a reception in Sofia’s honor at the W Hotel, both in New York City.
Sofia’s favorite holiday has always been Halloween and when the Temple gave her a choice of a few dates she immediately chose October 31st. Since it fell on a Saturday, she decided it would be a costume themed Bat Mitzvah party.
It had a mix of all of the essential Halloween elements with a touch of NYC glamour!
Pictured L-R: Dad Bruno, Bat Mitzvah girl Sofia, Sister Isabella and Mom Lysa.
Michael Priest Photography was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
Invitation
The invitations, by Sara Schwartz Mitzvah Paper Company, were carefully designed not to distract from the seriousness of what the Bat Mitzvah service means.
The second part of the invite incorporated some fun Halloween wording
The RSVP card
The
Scarselli family hinted at the theme with the invitation's color palette of black, orange, white and hot pink which set the tone for the entire party
Halloween Style!
Talk about Halloween Glam! Sofia and her family were made up by Face Art by Melissa who used skeleton makeup on one side of their face and bodies. Sofia was made up in pink. All the guests had fun in their costumes as well.
Even Sofia's grandfather got in on the action, he dressed as Donald Trump!
Lysa with her guests, including the guest who was dressed as "Mom Lysa" too!
These guests came as Alexander Hamilton and wife Elizabeth
Party Decor
Mom Lysa is a jewelry designer and loves styling parties. She worked with Nancy of Shimmer NYC to create a sophisticated and spooky ambiance. Everything at the W Hotel was decorated with items Lysa started purchasing the year before. As the assortment grew, the family found themselves sharing a NYC apartment with 20 skeletons, zombies and monsters!
Entrance decor and signage
Decor props were hidden everywhere
Pictures of Sofia from past Halloween celebrations were placed throughout the room
Count Dracula lying on the bar
20 zombie hands and bodies (battery operated) crawled around the dance floor
Even the bathroom mirrors were themed
Each table featured something different. Here's what looks like Sofia's head in a jar!
A fun way to feature a pumpkin
Just some guy hanging around the lounge
Celebration Details
Halloween toilet paper
Bathroom signage
Spooky socks for dancing
Over 20 skeletons were dressed in Sofia's school and camp uniforms and were placed around the room
Skull pillows chic and scary
Spooky Sign-In
The sign-in was a dressed up skull headed mannequin. Sofia has always wanted her own mannequin, so now it stands in her room with her friends’ notes and wishes.
Creepy Food!
There were creepy crawling spiders and scary hands on all displays at the delicious food stations.
Skeleton hand toothpics
A few extra hands to pour the punch
Mitzvah Entrance
Sofia entered the room in a cage by illusionist Eric Wilzig and afterward he performed a show. He was amazing and even the adults couldn’t figure out how he was able to do some of his tricks.
Sofia Scarselli made her entrance with the help of illusionist Eric Wilzig who also performed a show for guests
Magician Eric starting his show
Party Entertainment
MC Shiran Nicholson of Nicholson Events was amazing. There were many great giveaways including LED skull masks and LED devil horns.
Up in the chair for the Horah
The Nicholson dance crew got into the spirit of the night
Great music all night long
Sofia and her friends having a great time singing along
Special Mitzvah Moments
Family doing a West Side Story skit but changed all the words to fit Sofia
Sofia's friends giving a toast
Extra Mitzvah Fun!
Boom Event Source provided interactive activities such as live mummies, wax zombie hands, roller coaster fun and a graffiti wall photo booth.
Sofia's getting her hand dipped in wax
Roller coaster fun was a big hit
Custom Instagram photobooth frame
Favors
There were many great giveaways and favors at this party. The girls were excited to receive a Lolo brand coin key chain and ID cases and the boys received black skull t-shirts. Mom Lysa told her guests if they liked something on a skeleton in a particular outfit or a sign that was part of the decor, they could take it home with them.
Boys received a black skull t-shirt the girls received key ring holders and luggage tags
Witch favor bags
Mitzvah Dessert
At the end of the night there were many dessert options to enjoy. Max Brenner chocolate syringes, Wafels and Dinges candy apples and of course, a trick or treat candy table by Mom Lysa.
Sofia in front of her dessert table
Guests enjoying the famous Max Brenner chocolate syringe
Waffles and Dinges supplied the Halloween sprinkled candy apples
Wrapped chocolate bars with Sofia's Halloween pictures
Mitzvah Project
Sofia was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes recently and has put her energy into JDRF (formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Their strength lies in their exclusive focus and singular influence on the worldwide effort to end T1D. Sofia is working towards starting an organization where children would be visited in hospitals by other T1D children to make them feel at ease with their new diagnosis.
Mom To Mom Advice
Some advice from Mom Lysa:
“Instead of taking this so seriously, enjoy and have fun and put your own creativity to use,,,,your child will love that you are involved.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Sofia’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Tina Birch, W Hotel, 212-755-1200
Party Planner: Nancy, Shimmer NYC, 646-524-6491
Creative Decor/Sign-In Mannequin: Mom Lysa Scarselli
Photographer: Michael Priest Photography, 212-462-2250
Invitation: Sarah Schwartz Mitzvah Paper Company, 844-446-2935
Entertainment Company: MC Shiran Nicholson, Nicholson Events, 212-534-6868
Extra Entertainment/dance floor/furniture: Jeff, Boom Event Source, 800-862-7805
Magic/Illusionist: Eric Wilzig, The Extreme Magic of Eric Wilzig, 516-374-6186
Party supplies/Halloween Decor: Dawn Sherman, Party Fair, 973- 366-5909
Candy Table: Mom Lysa Scarselli
Chocolate Syringe Dessert: Max Brenner, 646-467-8803
Skeleton makeup: Face Art by Melissa, 212-876-3332
Head in a jar: Little Jars of Horror
