December 14th, 2016
Steve Seifer has been entertaining at parties with his unique wire sculptures for over 20 years.
At events, guests can select any sport, musical instrument or hobby. All sculptures are created at the event and personalized. Wire Sculptures are also available as place settings. Just match your guests’ favorite sport or hobby and the favors are delivered to you prior to the event. Steve’s Wire Sculptures are a party favor that will be kept and treasured.
You can even customize any sculpture! The Website only holds a small portion of the thousands of handcrafted, wire sculptures Steve has created over the years. While most of the images on the site show some of the most popular styles, Steve can create just about anything you can imagine!
Steve at work at a Bar Mitzvah celebration
Fashion themed sculpture
Football themed sculpture
Ballerina themed sculpture
Weight lifter themed sculpture
To learn more, visit Steve Seifer’s profile page in the Vendor Directory of MitzvahMarket.com.
December 4th, 2016
NY Party Works is a full-service Bar Bat Mitzvah Event Planning company. They have coordinated thousands of events in the Metro area and beyond. High-end photo favors, photo booths, arcade games, virtual reality and interactive games are some of their specialties.
Whether you are looking for complete event planning or just looking to add some exciting entertainment to your Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration, NY Party Works can provide it all.
THE HOTTEST NEW MIRROR PHOTO BOOTH HAS ARRIVED!
The Mirror Photo Booth is currently the most advanced photo booth on the market today and NY Party Works has it!
Your Bar Bat Mitzvah guests will be instantly amazed by this new technology. It’s as simple as touching the mirror to take the photos! The best part is the Mirror gives your guests compliments and leads them through the fun. You can write on the mirror and even have a fun screaming contest which will also be printed on the photo.
We know the kids will enjoy it, imagine the laugh-out-loud fun your adults guests will have!
Be the first of your friends to have the latest in Bar Bat Mitzvah entertainment!
Guests can write messages on the mirror
To learn more about NY Party Works, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
December 4th, 2016
Hornblower Cruises & Events is the place to celebrate, providing the ultimate Bar or Bat Mitzvah venue in an unrivaled location, luxury yachts on New York Harbor.
With unparalleled views and an amazing atmosphere, Hornblower can cater to any Bar or Bat Mitzvah, intimate to large, and ensure a memorable, fun occasion to impress guests of all ages.
Hornblower’s fleet of luxury yachts and unique spaces means any style of Bar or Bat Mitzvah can be accommodated. The Hornblower Infinity can host up to 1,200 guests for the ultimate Bar or Bat Mitzvah and the Hornblower Hybrid, with it’s glass atrium and 360-degree adds an extra dash of style that will have people talking for years. For more intimate occasions, there is the classically-styled Hornblower Esprit.
Hornblower provides a range of packages and food options from buffet and station menus to sit-down dinners. They work with Kosher catering companies along with their own in-house catering to deliver food specifically tailored to the event, with something delicious for everyone.
Hornblower also has an in-house partner production company that can bring your guest of honor’s dreams to life, from furniture to decor and more.
Your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah will be perfect, with the help of Hornblower’s experienced staff making the planning experience smooth sailing. It will be everything your child could hope for and more. Hornblower prides itself on first-class service from the moment you start planning until the very end of your event. Hornblower Cruises & Events creates amazing experiences and are experts in providing unforgettable memories for all celebrations.
To learn more about Hornblower Cruises & Events, please visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
November 30th, 2016
Young guests usually attend a Bar or Bat Mitzvah with their cell phone in hand!
Now there’s something new called, TacBoard, which enables guests of all ages to use their cell phone and be part of the fun!
TacBoard is a digital canvas for live events. Guests text photos and messages to a unique phone number issued for the event, then watch their photos and messages displayed on a big screen during the Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration!
No app needed. You can create a board for your Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration in seconds. Before your event, invite your guests to join your board with a simple, automated text message
Large screens display your guests' photos/messages
TacBoard integrates powerful image analysis and word detection to catch vulgar photos, images and messages before anyone sees them. Flagged tacs enter an approval queue for your review. As the host, you have the option to block the phone number of the guest sending inappropriate tacs
TacBoard is priced based on the number of guests attending your event. To learn more, visit their Website.
November 30th, 2016
The Mitzvah Mavens, a division of CDA printing, is a family-run business dedicated to the creation of unique Bar/Bat Mitzvah Favors. They have the knowledge to turn your party favors into instant hits! They know what your guests will love and are fully aware of all the latest trends. Design your own logo using their website or have one of their artists create a custom logo specifically for you!
The Mitzvah Mavens has served over 2,000 Bar and Bat Mitzvah families both locally and nationwide. They will help you create the perfect logo, select favors that will be seasonally appropriate and fashionably unique, assist you with accurate garment sizing for your guests, and finish it off with organized packaging to make distribution easy.
The staff at The Mitzvah Mavens has THREE helpful recommendations for ordering wearable favors:
1. DON’T ORDER THE SAME SIZE FOR EVERYONE:
While it seems that this idea may save time up front, The Mitzvah Mavens strongly recommend that you take a bit of extra time to select accurate sizes for your guests to make sure everyone will be happy with their favors. The last thing you want is to waste money on an item that doesn’t get worn because it is simply too big.
Items for a beach bash
2. CREATE A FAVOR LIST OF NAMES AND SIZES:
We are happy to provide you with a sample size to help you accurately determine the correct sizes for your guests. It’s particularly helpful to use your child as a “fit model” for sizing for the kids.
3. CONSIDER CUSTOMIZED PACKAGING FOR YOUR FAVORS:
We can package and label all of your favors. It’s an important detail that you won’t want to forget!
Rolled sweatshirts tied with a ribbon and tag
Boxed and ready to go
Monogramed logo for a ceramic mug, socks, sling bag and sweatshirt
The staff at The Mitzvah Mavens is ready to help you with all your decisions to help make this process as easy as it can be!
To learn more about The Mitzvah Mavens, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
November 27th, 2016
By Lisa Siglag
Invite SUCCESS: Paper, metal, wood, or leather—what look fits your celebration?
You are about ten months away from your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah; you need to start thinking about your invitation. The invitation sets the tone for your event, so it’s important to select something that reflects your child, your traditions, and your celebration. Where do you begin?
The Experts
Below we’ve explained the differences between an invitation professional, a local retailer, and online resources.
Invitation Professionals – These people really know the industry. Some offer completely custom designs, while others work from books. They will have samples that you can see and touch. Often, personal invitation experts extend a discount that you won’t find other places. Debbie Kaliner, the owner of Informally Yours explains, “I give people a little education.” An invitation expert can be very helpful to guide you through the process, work within your budget, and even select the proper wording for your invite.
Mom Stephanie designed the argyle style invitation in party colors
Retail Store – Retail stores like Papyrus and Paper Source will have books to look through as well. You will be able to see the product and the colors in person. However, most retail stores do not offer discounts.
Online – The web is a great way to see a multitude of possibilities, but you may not get the customer service or the hand-holding that you will from a invitation professional. If you decide to purchase an invitation online, request a sample first to see what you are getting.
Keep in mind, no matter which type of vendor you choose, you will most likely have questions along the way, so select an invitation retailer who is accessible, advises Stephanie Feldman, the owner of Cutie Patootie Creations.
What’s important?
“Create an invitation that has meaning,” says Stephanie Feldman. Stephanie, who makes all custom invitations, tells us of a Bat Mitzvah child, who is a wonderful artist. The girl created a Zentangle design, which Stephanie used on the invitation. The incorporation of the Bat Mitzvah girl’s artwork truly made the invitation unique—one that will be cherished forever.
Jeanne Woodyard, the owner of Invitations4Less.com, reminds us that you can typeset the child’s Hebrew name or even the Hebrew date on the invitation. If you can get your child involved in selecting the invitation, it will have more meaning in the end.
Papers & Materials
Do you like a heavy-weight invitation? If so, there are a number of ways to achieve this. You can go with a heavy-weight paper 220 lbs and up or a cardstock. You can also consider layering papers or having a pocket layer to create a more substantial invite. If you’re planning to print the invitation yourself, go with a lighter weight, like an 80 or a 110 stock, to make sure it goes through your printer smoothly.
Depending on the company, the type of paper may add to the cost of the invite. In some cases, you will pay a premium for a shimmer paper, rather than a flat color. If you like a traditional look, you might opt for embossed or letterpressed type that will require a soft paper like cotton in order to get that deep impression. “Letterpress has been available for years, but it has become very popular recently,” says Michelle Schwartz, the owner of Pretty Paper & Polka Dots.
If you’re looking for something a little more out-of-the-box, consider a metallic paper or even printing on metal. Wood and leather looks are popular now too, often giving a nod to a sports theme. And Lucite options are still popular if your budget allows.
Printing Techniques
Your budget and personal style will dictate which kind of type you will select. Here’s a rundown of your choices.
Engraved type: This technique dates back to the 1700s. A custom plate is made and the letters are etched onto your paper, allowing the print to be raised. This is a very formal application, mainly relegated to weddings, but it certainly can be considered for Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. This type can be very costly.
Letterpress: Using a moveable type machine, letterpress gives an indented impression. Bright colors can be used or even blind embossed type. Letterpress offers a classic look. It is generally less costly than engraved type, but more than flat-printed.
Foil: Foil can be used in a variety of ways. You may see it indented or raised. Using foil will increase the price of your invitation.
Thermography: A raised-print type, but the type will have a shine to it. It usually is a mid-priced option.
Flat-printed: This is the most affordable type. It can be offset or digital. Offset works best on textured paper, whereas digital looks great on smooth stocks.
Whatever you decide, involve your child in the process. You’ll want your selection to be something that he or she will be proud to send to all of his or her friends.
Top 5 Trends
- Back printing: Custom designs decorate the back of the invitation.
- Laser-cut invitations: A name or shape is incised in the paper.
- Personalized liners: Names or logos are printed right on envelopes.
- Exciting flat-printed designs: Glitter and confetti designs have become popular.
- Monograms: Your child’s initials helps to brand your invitation.
Clever Ways To SAVE
* “Include information about the service and the celebration on one card,” says Stephanie Feldman of Cutie Patootie Creations.
* Skip the direction card. Debbie Kaliner from Informally Yours says: “Most people have GPS. This is a BIG way to save money.”
* Consider asking guests to RSVP through an email or a custom website.
* Mix and match. “Choosing a thank you note that does not match, but is less expensive can save you money,” advises Michelle Schwartz of Pretty Papers & Polka Dots. It’s also fun to use a photo from your event and turn it into your thank you note. Your guests will enjoy seeing your memory.
* Find out what the guidelines are for postage. Oversized envelopes will be more costly.
* Ask what your options are in terms of envelopes. Often a dark-colored envelope will require white ink, which will add to your bottom line.
This story is from our 2016-2017 Mitzvah Market Magazine. If you would like to request a free copy, click here.
November 13th, 2016
By Julie Gerstenblatt
When planning a Bar Mitzvah celebration, it can be difficult to select a theme that is both of-the-moment and timeless.
However, that’s exactly what Shari Phillips did when planning her son David’s party. Instead of focusing exclusively on David’s favorite sport of skiing, Shari went with a color theme—lime— and planned the entire evening around that color.
Pictured left: David Phillips relaxing before his celebration at iPlay America. Photographer: Be Creative Photography
“Kids tend to change their minds all the time, as they are growing and changing and developing,” Shari explained. She didn’t want the family to look back on the Bar Mitzvah party in the years to come and regret making choices that felt too specific and no longer relevant to their lives. “David is the kindest, most generous person we know and we wanted to celebrate him as a person,” Shari said.
To do that, she selected a venue that worked equally well for both the adults and the teen partygoers, striking a balance between sophistication and fun. She also considered the location of the venue, not wanting her guests to have to travel too far from home. For Shari, iPlay America, an indoor theme park with over 200 games, rides, and attractions, was the perfect destination.
iPlay America celebration room
“By sending children into an amusement park for the first hour and a half of the party, I knew they would have an extraordinary time,” Shari said. “And that gave adults an extended cocktail hour too,” she added, “although parents enjoyed walking through the park as well!” In fact, Shari herself spent much of the cocktail hour in the park, watching the kids and having fun socializing and celebrating outside of a traditional venue. David loved seeing the “look of shock and awe come over everyone’s faces as they realized they were attending a black-tie Bar Mitzvah at an amusement park. Plus, he had a fantastic time with friends on the go-carts and playing laser tag. Back in the formal party space, magician Robert Clark entertained adults, and guests were treated to a massive sushi station and “every hors d’oeuvre under the sun.”
David playing laser tag with his friends
In the formal party area, circles of calla lillies enhanced the place card table
The place cards featured David's initials
David makes his "entrance" to his celebration
His younger sister carried in by the Total Entertainment team
Mom & Dad make their entrance
The family had fun with the custom pillows!
Planning an event of this magnitude could not have been done without help from a well-organized team of professionals. Shari thanks Phyllis Skolnick from Extraordinary Productions for much of the overall success of the night. Right from the start, Phyllis designed the acrylic invitation that became the inspiration for the three-tiered, green-and-black “ski” cake. Everything in between played off of the invitation as well.
Pink Cake Box designed David's cake
The cake highlighted David's love of skiing
Plexi glass held a pair of skis
David's friends signed in on this clear board
In the banquet room, the lime-o-licious theme really came to life: The overall mood “was edgy and cool, and yet simple and clean,” Shari says. The walls were backlit lime green, and all other accents were kept in the scheme of black and grey and white, to keep the room balanced. The table centerpieces were built of open steel cubes that were architectural in feel, the hard edges softened by hanging votives and delicate mirrors to catch and reflect the light. White hydrangeas provided balance to the mostly masculine space. “The punch of lime green really resonated in the space,” Shari said. They used it sparingly, on the walls, in the cake, as lighting for the kids’ plexi-glass dining tables, and in accent pillows in the lounge area. An LED wall with David’s name and green swirls provided an extra dimension. “It felt interesting,” she said.
Centerpieces featured open steel cubes
The kids lounge area featured white leather couches
Green back lighting
Shari, a self-proclaimed “micromanager,” really understood the stress involved in planning a Mitzvah celebration. “We are blessed to have an incredibly close knit group of family and friends,” Shari said. Therefore, no matter what was planned, Shari was certain that her guests would have a spectacular time together. That being said, Shari felt what many mothers planning a Mitzvah celebration feel, the constant push-and pull between focusing on your child and considering everyone else’s enjoyment, of the anxiety of sticking to a budget and splurging here and there, of having so many big and small decisions to make. In the end, the advice Shari would give others is that, while every decision feels overwhelming in the moment, all the decisions you ultimately make are the right ones. “You are putting a lot of pressure on yourself. Go with your gut and you’ll never be wrong,” she said.
The following vendors helped to make David’s celebration special. If you give any of these vendors a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com:
Venue: iPlay America, Jennifer Cornier, 732-577-8200
Decor & Planning, Invitation design: Phyllis Skolnick, Extraordinary Productions, 732-740-7676
Cake: Nicole, Pink Cake Box, 973-998-4445
Music Entertainment: Total Entertainment, MC Mike Pulizzano
Photography: Be Creative Photography, Eric Lagstein, 201-540-9779
Videography & Montage: Michael Adelson, Luria Visuals, 215-934-7247
Sweatshirts: Show Me The Favors, 856-912-4006
Magician: Robert Clark
This story is from our 2016 Mitzvah Market Magazine. If you would like to request a free copy, click here.
November 13th, 2016
Just like our Mom Finds features, we are now spotlighting some of the great ideas our Bar Bat Mitzvah experts uncover for Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations.
These companies see it all “live” at countless parties, weekend after weekend. It’s fun to see the newest trends they find!
Party Harty Entertainment is a full service entertainment company offering MC/DJ’s, extra entertainment (such as photo favors, photo booths, video stations, multi-talent performers, personalized gifts, favors and more), as well as video production and photography.
When the Party Harty team wears their light-up sneakers, guests always ask, “Where did you find those?” Check out www.electricstyles.com for a full selection of styles and colors.
Get a special discount by using the coupon code: partyharty (no spaces between the two words).
To learn more about Party Harty Entertainment, visit their extended profile page.
November 13th, 2016
Simon Elliot Events is a New York based event production company that specializes in state of the art digital media for Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations. The Simon Elliot creative team is dedicated to providing innovative services and productions that inspire. They live outside the box and welcome you to explore our constantly evolving service offering.
Check out their various photo booth options:
SUPERSTAR PHOTO BOOTH
With the Superstar Photo Booth, no two booths ever look the same. It is a completely customized photo booth experience, designed to fit up to 12 adults comfortably and is completely wrapped in custom graphics from head to toe. Single or multi photo layouts are available. We have even added a fully branded sharing table so guests can text, email and link their photos to social media sites.
Each booth has a custom step & repeat backdrop with your logo that you supply
Walk-in photo booth is spacious for your guests
Guests can choose to print their picture in color or black & white
Various drape color options are available to match your decor
Each booth comes with 2 attendants (live people, not cardboard cut-outs as shown!)
Fully customized interior & exterior match your theme using photos & graphics
A touch screen with custom graphics uses a countdown clock before each photo is taken
A LED screen on the outside of the booth loops the photos throughout your celebration
4x6" custom graphic photo print with 4 picture layout
FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH BOOTH
Look 20 years younger again…or just look flawless! Our proprietary software automatically smooths complexions and reduces imperfections for a magazine ready image. Have your guests stand in front of a fully custom wrapped kiosk equipped with a preview screen so they can see how they look. Booth is equipped with one high speed printer. Photos will be displayed in postcard rack.
Photos taken in front of a crisp white backdrop
Attendant snaps pictures, photos can be printed, emailed and texted from the booth
Custom lens will almost airbrush your photos for a flawless effect
Photos are taken in black & white
“SELFIE” PHOTO BOOTH
The best “social media” photo booth. Guests begin on the camera side of the kiosk where either they, or our attendant, can tap the screen to begin. The kiosk provides them with a live video feed of their movements, just like your cell phone. Three photos are taken, and turned into an animated GIF (mini video) which can immediately be texted or emailed. Then the guests flip to the other side of the kiosk where they are met with a vertical touch screen presenting thumbnails of all of their images. From there, guests select their individual photos and can text, email, post to Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest and best of all, print as many copies as they would like. The kiosk is double sided, that means two groups can use the booth at the same time, which translates to less lines, more photos, and a packed dance floor!
Photos can be displayed in postcard rack
Photo taken in front of a custom step & repeat backdrop (logo provided by client)
Two custom panels of the booth can feature your logo/photo/hashtag
Ropes, stanchions and red carpet complete the look
Using the computer screen on the opposite side of the booth, guests can email, text, print and upload photos to different social media sites
Guests are given photos in lucite frames
SOCIALITE PHOTO BOOTH – GREEN SCREEN EDITION
Not sure you have room for a photo booth? Are you looking for zero wait time? The socialite photo booth is for you! This booth doesn’t take up much space and is available with a custom backdrop or on green screen. Unlike traditional green screen, your guests will see an instant preview on their chosen background. The socialite booth automatically prints out your photos in under 5 seconds so there will be no long lines to deal with.
Fully custom wrapped kiosk
Photos taken in front of a green screen with over 36 backgrounds to choose from
Fun use of props (hats, glasses, signs etc.)
You can use the Socialite booth with a custom backdrop
Learn more about Simon Elliot Events here.
November 9th, 2016
Epic Events Wedding & Event Group is a full-service Mitzvah Production Company who is always showcasing the latest trends in Bar Bat Mitzvah entertainment. Some of their services include DJs, MCs, Airbrush Favors, Photo Booths/Photo Favors, Lighting, Photography, Videography and Design & Decor.
New! Virtual Reality Airbrushed Goggles Have Arrived!
Exclusively Offered By Epic Events, Your One and Only Source for all of your Mitzvah Needs!
Airbrushed Virtual Reality Goggles are the hottest trend right now and the kids love them! They allow you to experience a three-dimensional world of computer generated images such as games and movies, which then are interactive with your head/body movements. Really cool, right?
Here is how it works: first look for a 360-degree video on YouTube or set up a compatible app. Then, you pull the smart phone tray out, and place your cell phone in the holder. Play the video and push the tray inside to enjoy the fun of Virtual Reality.
They are compatible with most smart phones and a great Mitzvah Favor. Epic Events will set up a station at your party to airbrush your guests’ name on each.
Here’s what they look like:
Watch this video to see how it works!
To learn more about Epic Events Wedding & Event Group, visit their profile page in our Vendor Directory.
