June 8th, 2011
We are all living in the age of navigation and GPS, but most of us still need to depend on the old-fashioned table numbers to help our guests find their seats at our children’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah reception.
Please remember that each detail of a Bar/Bat Mitzvah is an opportunity for you and your child to be creative, inspirational and original.
If your party needs old fashioned table numbers, we have found some very creative (and in some cases inexpensive) ideas to inspire you.
Check it out below:
Hi-Tech Photography Events suggests using photographs of your child at various ages to correspond to the table number!
From Vintage Confections on Etsy these Fancy Filigree numbers are hard candy lollipops
Adorable planters with table numbers from Party Excellence
Party planner Arlene Rosenthal (203-226-3672) used movie tickets to create this table number
From the Passman MItzvah Spotlight these framed pictures of real bunks served as table numbers for their camp themed Bat Mitzvah
Invites by Jen also on Etsy, creates very inexpensive table numbers adorned with a beautiful floral damask print and Swarovski crystals
A very traditional table card design from Documents and Design can be customized by mixing and matching elements
From Blowout Party this paper rose stand comes in lavender and pale pink
Do it yourself and get creative with Japanese washi paper called Happy Tape. This would be great for table numbers and it’s sold in a variety of colors and motifs so you should be able to find tape to match your Bar/Bat Mitzvah colors and/or theme
Amy Wohl created these matching luminaire table numbers which lit up with LED lights for her niece, Carly Lapidus
Do you have a creative table number idea? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
May 25th, 2011
We all want our children’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration to be about them. This is easy to accomplish when you put their initials on one of the many customizable options available today.
All the design elements of your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah can be pulled together using their monogram. Everything from the invitation and stamps to the reception decor, cake and thank you cards.
Most common monogramsconsist of three letters but can also be just one initial. When using three letters, the first name’s initial is to the left with the last name’s initial slightly larger in the center and the initial of the middle name to the right.
Check out some of these customizable options below:
The designers from Perfect Postage specialize in creating unique designs through digital photography, graphic design and illustrative techniques.
Invitation from Tiny Prints (no longer in business)
Custom invitation using two initials from Luscious Verde
Total Productions Services in Raleigh, NC created this monogram
Have fun with the monogram like they did here – another from Total Production Services
Cake from Hillary Assael, 914-263-5923
From Daniel Floral and Events in Westchester, NY monogram napkins
Here Daniel Flower and Events had the Mitzvah child’s initials up in lights
Custom cookies from Gum Drop Cookie Shop
Favors by Serendipity offer monogram cupcake wrappers
How about a monogram necklace as a Bat Mitzvah gift from Max & Chloe
Some bling on the cake from Toppers with Glitz
May 21st, 2011
On Saturday, April 9, 2010 the Robinson Family from Chappaqua, New York held their son’s Zachary’s Bar Mitzvah service at Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester.
The reception was held on Sunday at Travelers Rest, a restaurant and catering facility located in Ossining, New York and a place the family loves since they celebrated older brother Joel’s Bar Mitzvah there a few years earlier.
This family had some very creative DIY ideas incorporating Zach’s Harry Potter theme.
Pictured above (L-R): Bar Mitzvah Boy Zach (notice his Gryffindor tie), Dad Greg, Mom Lori, and older brother Joel
All party photography was done by Susan Helblock.
The rest of the Mitzvah vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Mom Lori said that Travelers Rest owner Dave Paganelli really got into the Harry Potter mood, adding special touches as you will see below. Travelers Rest also provided special menus with Zach’s photo on them.
Venue: Travelers Rest
Beautiful gardens were enjoyed on this special day
Butter Beer for the young guests to enjoy which was made from cream soda, whipped cream and butterscotch topping
Lightening bolt dip – of course!
Menu with Zach’s picture
The World of Hogwarts came alive in Westchester and was incorporated right from the start. Guests picked up their London to Hogwarts train place cards made by the creative Robinson family.
The Sorting Hat (made by the Robinson Family) at the center of the place card table magically roared, “You are Gryffindor!” and other phrases, thanks to an ipod underneath the brim. So clever!
Place card tickets from London to Hogwarts!
EK Productions, who also provided the music entertainment designed Zach’s crest exactly like Harry’s!
The decor was Harry Potter inspired. Each of the four kids tables represented a different House at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry. They were dressed in their individual house colors and each had a different centerpiece (owl, crystal ball, potions or Mandrake Plant). Trans-trade Promotions made a gigantic House banner for each kids’ table. The centerpieces for the adults and teens were beautiful flowers from Forever in Bloom.
The room awaits guests!
Trans-Trade Promotions did all the Hogwarts School House banners that were hung around the room
and the potions that were the kids centerpieces
The Robinsons made chocolate frogs, and tagged each one with a homemade Great Wizards Trading Card featuring photos of each of the young guests. They sprinkled these around the centerpieces on the kids’ tables.
Mandrake Plant
The crystal ball
Mom Lori read a Dad’s review about EK Productions and MC Evan on Mitzvah Market and immediately hired them! She thought they were great and said Evan entertained and wowed this crowd whether he was doing games with the kids or playing great music.
Zach enjoying!
Evan from EK Productions entertaining the kids
MC Evan and his dancers had everyone dancing the whole time
Some guests enjoying video games during the cocktail hour
Trans -Trade Promotions also did the T-shirt favors with Zach’s logo. They looked exactly like the Hogwarts School Crest.
The front
And the back
Mitzvah Mom Lori has this advice for our readers, “Don’t panic during the home stretch. Remember that you are dealing with professionals and that no one is going to let anything fall through the cracks.”
Check out some highlights from Zach’s Bar Mitzvah below.
Click here to watch this video from shootingstarspro.com
The Robinson family posing with Zachary after he lit all his candles.
For his Bar Mitzvah Project Zach volunteered with the 3 and 4 year olds at the Mt. Kisco Day Care Center. The center provides affordable day care to the Westchester Community.
The following Mitzvah vendors made Zachary’s celebration special. If you call any of them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue/Caterer: Traveler’s Rest 914-941-7744
Florist: Forever in Bloom 914-241-1963
DJ/MC: Evan of EK Productions 718-982-6000
Photographer: Susan Helblock 914- 282-3042
Videographer: Jessica Star www.shootingstarspro.com 631-514-4026
Favors: Trans-Trade Promotions dkramer64@charter.net 203-449-9512/800-509-0038
Party Entertainment/Invitations: Mitzvah Mom Lori
Cake: Traveler’s Rest
Dress for Mom Lori:Nordstrom’s
Suit for boys: Sym’s
Suit for Dad: Ermenegildo Zegna
Hair: The Studio, NYC
Make-Up: Mom Lori did her own!
May 18th, 2011
For many of us, the cocktail hour is the most delicious part of any Bar/Bat Mitzvah reception and it’s also the time we fill up!
One of the biggest trends seems to be martini and shooter glasses that are being used as vessels for hors d’oeuvres.
Why not ask your caterer to get creative? Maybe they can customize their food presentation for your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah party.
Food must taste good but why can’t it look good too? Check out some of these great ideas!
Think small, think creative, think comfort! We are hungry already…
A creative salad/crudite from Barbra Llewellyn Catering
A hot dog martini from Caplan Miller Events who has worked with caterers at the W Hotel in Austin, Texas
Shrimp shooters already in the cocktail sauce…perfect from Style Me Pretty
Bernard’s Fine Food and Catering offers filet mignon and asparagus
Asian salad with Peking Duck from CuisinEtc
Who won’t love love grilled cheese and tomato shooters from Thomas Catering
May 17th, 2011
On January 22, 2011 the Talarico family from Merrick, New York celebrated their son Ross’s Bar Mitzvah with a Havdalah service at Temple Beth Am in Merrick, New York and a black tie celebration at the East Meadow Jewish Center in East Meadow, New York.
It’s hard to imagine a “hat” theme, but they pulled it off with terrific ideas that we are excited to share!
All party photography was done by Classy Candids and the rest of the vendor information is located at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured L-R: Mom Marci, brother Drew, Bar Mitzvah boy Ross, sister Paige and Dad Ed.
Mom’s dress was from Eleanor Schain, the boys got their tuxedos at Esquire Tuxedos and Paige’s dress is from 2 Be Seen.
Debbie from AGI Events created Ross’s two sided photo invite with an orange envelope liner.
Information about the celebration was on the front in a gray font and Ross’s picture was on the back
The “Hats Off To Ross” theme was created by Barbara Becker at Dazzling Parties. We love it!
A seating table greeted guests
Adorable small baseball hats depicting the table’s theme told guests where to sit
Each centerpiece showcased things Ross loves in the form of a hat because he is always wearing one!
Ross loves technology so this centerpiece incorporates his love of gadgets like his iPod and his computer
New York City themed centerpiece
Family vacations in Aruba were the theme of this centerpiece
The kids lounge area with posters of Ross and the real Ross giving his thumbs up
Wow Factor created this unique dance floor logo
Ross is “making his entrance” into his reception with the Fantasy Entertainment dancers.
Fantasy Music provided all the entertainment with MC Too Nice and Greg.
The family gathered around MC Too Nice and Gregg
The Talarico Family knows how to party!
Additional entertainment by The Mad Hatter (still with the hat theme!)
Party artist Martin Harding captured all the fun, painting “live” at their celebration
World of Chantilly created a beautiful cake with Ross’s logo.
A Promos USA/The ImageMaker created baseball style hats with Ross’s logo on the front and each young guest’s last name embroidered on the back. They also received draw string bags to put their hats in with Ross’s logo and date printed on it.
Baseball hat favors for all the young guests featured a puffy embroidered logo on the front
Guess whose hat this was? Mitzvah Mom Marci of course!
A great favor for the adults – a flashlight key chain was waiting for them in their cars with Ross’ logo and tag line
Socks with “Wow I had a Ball at Ross’s Bar Mitzvah” from cool-party-favors.com
Tobo Foods was waiting for the guests at the end of the night with a food truck that provided hot chocolate, coffee, soda, bottled water, candy, White Castle burgers, Dunkin Donuts and hot pretzels for the guests to take home with them.
Wonder why Ross has a big smile on his face?
Ross contacted the Remember Us Holocaust Bnai Mitzvah Project and twinned during his service with a boy named Feliks Frenkiel who was killed during the Holocaust. He spoke about this child during his sermon and incorporated him into the service.
He felt strongly that we must remember these children so that not only does it never happen again, but that we realize how lucky we are to have the freedom to practice our religion.
Mitzvah Mom Marci has some advice: “My advice would be to enjoy the process. The night goes by so fast! Take time during the night to look around and take it all in. Also, this is not a time to stand in a corner and re-connect with an aunt you haven’t seen in years! Surround yourself with your close friends and family and enjoy the moment!”
Here is the list of vendors who made Ross’s party special. If you call any, please make sure you tell them that you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com
Venue: East Meadow Jewish Center 516-483-4205
Music Entertainment: Fantasy Music/MC Too Nice and Greg 516-935-1111
Favors: Hats, Shira at Imagemaker 516-377-0186
Favors: Socks, Cool Party Favors 877-328-6778
Party entertainment: Mad Hatter from Smash Party Entertainment 516-791-000
Flip books: Send in the Clowns 516-354-1010
Money Booth by RC Entertainment 516-771-1950
Photo Favors: Photo favors by The Main Event 718-724-1007
Party Artist: Martin Harding 201-965-3441
Invitations: Debbie at AGI Events 516-374-6867
Cake: World of Chantilly 718-859-1110
Décor/florist: Barbara at Dazzling Parties 516-766-1471
Sign-In book: Dazzling Parties
Food Truck: Tobo Foods 516-623-4624
Dress for Mom: Eleanor Schain 718-444-4253
Dress for daughter: 2 B Seen 516-921-5777
Suits for men: Esquire Tuxedos 516-378-6060
Hair/makeup: Studio NV Salon 516-442-2200/Makeup Marci: Elizabeth Drucker 516-374-4224
Photographer/Videographer: Classy Candids 516-777-3337
Transportation: We Transport 516-349-8200
Dance Floor Logo: Wow Factor 631-897-2556
May 17th, 2011
The Udine Family celebrated David and Matthew’s B’nai Mitzvah on February 19, 2011 at Congregation Kol Tikvah in Parkland, Florida. The reception was held at the Boca Raton Resort and Club later that evening.
We are excited to share their ideas with our Mitzvah Market readers.
All photography was done by Domino Arts Photography.
The rest of the vendor information is at the bottom of the spotlight.
Featured L-R Mom Stacey, Mitzvah boy Matthew, Mitzvah Boy David, Dad Michael (who is the Mayor of Parkland) and sister Lexi.
Below you can get a better look at Mom Stacey’s beautiful hunter green and navy beaded gown that had a low back from Zola Keller and Lexi’s iridescent purple gown from Mona’s Kids Clothing. The guys of the family look great in their matching purple velvet jackets dressed by Jonathan Reed in Coral Springs!
Younger sister Lexi looks adorable twirling in her dress
Not only can you read about the Udine’s celebration, but you can watch this video teaser about their event.
Watch here.
The theme was the “Luxe Life” and with the help of South Miami Event planner Sara Renee Lowell, Mom Stacey created a great club theme with cool white modern lounge furniture and draping.
Guests were greeted by this elegant table flanked by two great pictures of David and Matthew
A great poster of David hung against the white draping. We love how their creative logo incorporated both boys initials
Lucite chiavari chairs and linens called, Holy Moly created this elegant look
The beautiful white draping sectioned off different areas with white spandex on tables and chairs
The silver and black pillows in the lounge area added pop
We love this black and white dance floor
The menu cards elegantly incorporated the logo and you can get a better look at the unusual “Holy Moly” linens from Over The Top Linens
The centerpieces were lucite rods illuminated with LED lights that sat on a square mirror with additional vases and votive candles
A jumbotron was used to show the montage and the candle lighting videos. Instead of a traditional candle lighting ceremony, friends and family were asked to send their video production company a 30 second to 1 minute message for the boys which was edited and played for all the guests to see!
Matthew and David are not too big to be held by their mom
There was lots of dancing at this party for guests of all ages. The entertainers were the Hot Jam Dancers and Samba Dancers. This family really knows how to move!
Sister Lexi, one of the Samba Dancers and Dad Michael strike a pose
Mitzvah Mom Stacey enjoying a moment with son Matthew
No that is not one of the dancers that’s Mitzvah Mom Stacey…you go girl!
Bar Mitzvah boy Matthew and one of the Hot Jam Dancers
Here is another alternative to a Mitzvah cake. The family poses with their candle lighting display.
The Udine family posing with the boys during the candle lighting ceremony
Ready for some dessert? The dessert bar was complete with Stone Cold ice cream mixing stations as well as a full candy bar for the adults and kids.
The desserts were gorgeously displayed on glass blocks and take home bags and boxes were provided for the guests to fill with all the goodies
The boys’ Mitzvah Project was In Jacobs Shoes. It is an organization whose mission is to provide new and gently used shoes, school supplies and athletic equipment to economically disadvantaged youth. It was formed in loving memory of Jacob’s family, who are well respected members of the Udine’s community and temple.
Here is some advice from Mitzvah Mom Stacey:
“I survived the planning by taking one step at a time. I didn’t focus on the entire event. I took baby steps and it really worked. I kept the kids and my husband totally involved and it worked!”
Here is a list of vendors who helped make Matthew and David’s B’nai Mitzvah special. If you call any of them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: The Boca Raton Resort and Club Ivette Savoie 561-445-6399
Party Planner: Sara Renee Lowell 954 326-8426
DJ: Ross at Rock With U Entertainment 954-321-9713
Band: Private Stock 954- 922-5448
Lighting/Jumbotron: Frost Lighting 954-957-8402
Dancers: Hot Jam Dancers 305-496-5899, Samba Dancers
Favors: It’s a Wrap, Olgui Lowell olguiplowell@aol.com 954-600-3397
Invitations: Salutations 561-477-8668
Linens: Over The Top Linens 954-424-4386
Decor/Florist: Lane from Dalsimer Florists 954-418-0608
Photographer: Domino Arts
Hair/Make-up: Steven Galeono 954-825-5873
Mom’s party dress Zola Keller 954-462-3222
Mom’s second dress: A Nose For Close 952-753-0202
Daughter’s Lexi’s Party dress: Mona’s Kids Clothing 954-346-0805
Lexi’s Temple dress: Neiman Marcus
Purple Velvet Jackets: Jonathan Reed in Coral Spring
Photo Favors: South Beach Photobooth Company
May 12th, 2011
We have seen many cake toppers for weddings, but we are excited to introduce you to, You Top the Cake a company that makes toppers specifically for Bar/Bat Mitzvahs.
Their company name is a fun play on words because the topper reflects your personality or interests. Creator Sheryl is a former cake decorator and graphic designer.
These toppers are made from polymer clay which is a non toxic synthetic that is formed and then oven baked in order to become permanent. They are then glazed with a clear gloss. They will last forever if handled with care.
Let the cake topper reflect your child’s humor, hobbies, and uniqueness. From the comical to the sophisticated, traditional to the outrageous.
The cake toppers are handmade without a mold so she can make anything you want. They are about 5″ tall and are on a clay base that will have your child’s name & date written on it.
Depending on Sheryl’s schedule she needs about 8 weeks advance notice to create your topper. If you need one sooner, she will try and accommodate your time frame. When your topper is finished Sheryl will email you pictures of the completed cake topper for your approval.
For more information, visit her Website.
May 11th, 2011
Geller Events is a boutique special events firm, specializing in weddings, special occasions and corporate events in the Los Angeles area and worldwide.
Each of their events has an unique look and feel because it is designed to reflect each client’s personality and style.
For this particular Bat Mitzvah sunflowers and Tuscany was the theme. Looking at these pictures will just make you smile! Make sure to get to the last photo…we love how this Bat Mitzvah girl “made her entrance!”
The place card table looks beautiful adorned with sunflowers and hydrangea
An archway of flowers flank the entrance into the reception
Pulled back drapery creates a dramatic look
The pretty room is ready for guests
We love the bicycle worked into the centerpiece
Sunflowers everywhere!
A delicious cupcake display
One of our favorites, we love this! Just like after a Wedding ceremony.
Thank you to Geller Events for sharing this pretty Bat Mitzvah celebration with our readers.
May 10th, 2011
The Lorry family from Wynnewood, Pennsylvania wanted to have a fun “kids party” to celebrate their son Benjamin’s Bar Mitzvah. They succeeded and we know this spotlight will inspire many of our readers to do the same!
Ben’s Bar Mitzvah service was followed by a beautiful Kiddush luncheon at the Villanova Conference Center and Hotel in Villanova, Pennsylvania. In the evening, the” kids party” was held at the Kaiserman JCC in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania.
All party photography was done by Ann Marie Casey Photography and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured L-R: Mom Liz, Sister Emily, Bar Mitzvah boy Benjamin and Dad David.
The Lorry family in a beautiful portrait in the gardens of the Villanova Conference Center and Hotel. Mitzvah Mom Liz got her dress from Elizabeth Maar and daughter Emily got her dress at My Kidz Korner. Bar Mitzvah boy Ben got his suit from Boy’s Connection all in the suburban Philadelphia area.
The Villanova Conference Center and Hotel was the site for the Kiddush luncheon for family and close friends after Ben’s service. The theme was easy to choose, Ben loves soccer.
Guests enjoying the beautiful weather and gardens during the cocktail hour
Place cards to Ben’s English Premier League were set in astro turf decorated with a floral soccer ball
Long Stems Floral did a beautiful job with this centerpiece coordinating the flowers with the soccer ball
Each table was named after an English Premier League Team
Some of Ben’s friends signing his poster
Ciao Bella Cakes created something special for Ben in the shape of a soccer field and for guests to enjoy during the luncheon.
Cupcakes flank both sides
In the evening, it was on to the Kaiserman JCC where the theme was FUN!! Marc Fisher Entertainment organized a huge gymnasium filled with inflatables, great music and lighting. The Gourmet Vendor provided great food and the clothing style was comfort!
First order of business was to remove your shoes!
Many inflatables were there for Ben’s friends to enjoy including this large B!
The view from above – pretty awesome
Lots of places to have fun
The Lorrys are jumping for joy over Ben!
Having fun with a beach ball and hot dog carts
Ben and a few of his friends get together for a picture
Mitzvah Mom Liz told this to Mitzvah Market and we had to share: “I have to tell you that once the night was over, and we were back at home, I asked my son how he liked his Bar Mitzvah and he told me, ‘Mom, it was the best Bar Mitzvah ever!’ I can’t tell you what that meant to me. I will never forget that day and night.”
Here is a list of the Mitzvah vendors who helped make Benjamin’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you call any of them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com. Thanks!
April 30th, 2011
After all the eating that goes on at Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations, and then the elaborate desserts, we all still love to grab something for that car ride home!
Many families are creating their own candy bars and we have found a few other creative options that we wanted to share!
Bar/Bat Mitzvah families have thought outside the box for their “Mitzvah Exit” treat. Here are some we wanted to share. We hope they inspire you for your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration.
The Wabnik’s celebrated their son’s Bar Mitzvah in November, right before Thanksgiving. They live near an apple cider mill and purchased mini pies for all their guests
Each pie had a label thanking everyone for celebrating with them!
From the Tacher Bat Mitzvah family spotlight: Ralph’s Ices to go!
Kenny’s Krumbs, the most delicious part of the crumb cake!
These mini-cupcakes by Baked By Melissa were given out after Danielle Josephson’s Bat Mitzvah. The family created the custom “Sweet Dreams” label and Melissa put them on the boxes
From the Lapidus Bat Mitzvah family spotlight: A New York City pretzel vendor cart
Athough Party Favorites used these chocolate covered potato chips from Asher’s as an exit treat for a 40th birthday party, it works for Bar/Bat Mitzvahs too. We love the idea of a QR code on the label which could lead guests to a Website of photos from the event or other unique places!
From the Brett Bar Mitzvah family spotlight this celebration continued their urban theme with garbage pails filled with treats from Sweet City Candy. Guests scooped their own candy as they left the celebration
From the Alexander Bat Mitzvah family spotlight: Guests were offered custom mugs and donuts from Dunkin Donuts
Baked Sweet can assemble a 4×4 gift box filled with cookies, tied up with ribbons to match the color theme of the party or cello bags filled with cookies or platters filled with baked goods where guests help themselves
This Mitzvah family had jars filled with M&Ms in front of the Baked Sweet cookies to go
From the Pastolove Bat Mitzvah family spotlight a cupcake bar
Dunkin Munchkins in to-go cups along with coffee, tea, hot cocoa and assorted cookies from the Udell Mitzvah Family Spotlight
Did you give your guests a treat for the ride home? Please let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
