July 27th, 2016
Who better to find the latest and greatest for all things Bar Bat Mitzvahs than our own Mitzvah Moms!
When Mitzvah Mom Jessica, who is the founder of Out Of The Box Creations a Long-Island based event decor company that specializes in unique and creative events, was planning her daughter Hannah’s Bat Mitzvah, she had a great idea! She knew Hannah and her friends loved Instagram, so she created a life size Instagram photo booth.
It was a big hit!
The life size Instagram booth
Hannah with her friends
Do you have a great Mom Find that you would like to share with our readers? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
See past Mom Finds here.
July 24th, 2016
One thing we might have wanted to consider 13 years ago, when naming our children, is the Bar or Bat Mitzvah theme! Not all themes need to revolve around your child’s name or initials, but some children luck out and have the perfect name or initials to work with their theme.
For many families, choosing a Bar or Bat Mitzvah theme isn’t an easy task. Having a theme isn’t necessary for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration, but it does tie all the party elements together.
We all want our children to be involved in the planning process, after all, it will be a celebration of their hard work in becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. But when you pose the question to your child, “What would you like your theme to be?” the most common response is usually the dreaded, “I don’t know.”
We hope by giving you some ideas, using almost every letter in the alphabet, we can help move the process along!
Sweet Dreams Studio provided the photography for Arielle’s Aquarium themed Bat Mitzvah party at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland
It was an “Around The World” theme for this Bat Mitzvah celebration at Elevate Event Lounge with favors by MazelTovGear.com and invitations by Invitations4Less
It was a Boardwalk themed Bat Mitzvah for Brooke with decor by Marquis Florals and extra entertainment provided by The Main Event
A ballet themed Bat Mitzvah by The Event Of A Lifetime
Beth Fink Events planned a Cohny Island themed celebration which was a creative twist on the family’s last name
It was a Cinco de Mayo themed celebration for the Tell family. The Main Event provided the games/photo booth and Runway Couture created the Mom’s custom dress
Diamonds was the theme for Leanna’s Bat Mitzvah celebration at her Mom’s venue called, SPACE
With the help of Lighter Than Air Events, Emily’s Bat Mitzvah theme centered around her first name and her love of Emojis!
This theme was “Emilytown” Cupcakes, inspired by the famous Georgetown Cupcakes in Washington D.C. DanceJock Productions provided the music, A Promos USA/Imagemaker provided the favors and Emily’s dress was from Outrageous Boutique
It was a Football theme for this Bar Mitzvah celebration by The Event Of A Lifetime
Fire Island was the theme at Carlyle At The Palace with Dear Friends creating the invitation
“The Great Gabby” was the theme of this Bat Mitzvah celebration and thecoolestgiveaways.com provided the drawstring bags and sweatshirts
A colorful graffiti themed Bar Mitzvah party by Balloon Artistry
Photo credit: Sarah Merians Photography
Hats Off To Ross was the theme for this celebration. Tobo Foods truck provided the Mitzvah Exit treats
History of Hoops was the theme for this Bar Mitzvah celebration in Detroit
Emma celebrated with a “horse” theme creatively executed by The Event Of A Lifetime
The theme was “Izzy’s Igloo” and Balloon Artistry created a balloon arch that resembled an igloo for guests to enter the venue
iMax was the theme for Max Miller’s celebration. Some of the vendors included Gotham T-shirt, Bar Mitzvah Bouncer and The Extreme Magic of Eric Wilzig
It was a Jamaican themed Bar Mitzvah under a tent at The Sands Atlantic Beach for this Bar Mitzvah boy
It was Jeans & Jewels for this celebration with a mechanical bull from NY Party Works
A Jersey Shore themed Bar Mitzvah by The Event Of A Lifetime
Kyle’s Field of Dreams was created by Simon Elliot Events and Entertainment Tonite
Karate Bat Mitzvah themed party by The Event Of A Lifetime
Lacrosse was the theme of this Bar Mitzvah with a LAX is Life logo
Mikayla Meltser used her initials m&m for her Bat Mitzvah theme. EK Productions provided the music entertainment, photography, videography, decor, favors, and extra entertainment. The Pieced Palette created the sign-in pillow
Mikayla’s Fanta-Sea was held at Atlantis Banquets & Events and her dress was from It’s Simply For You
Noah’s Hall Of Justice was the theme by Extraordinary Productions
Olivia Morgan Goldstein had the perfect name for her “OMG” themed Bat Mitzvah celebration
A Pretty Little Liars theme for this celebration with favors from The Mitzvah Mavens
Peace, Love and Cupcakes was the clever theme for this celebration in Texas
Eliana’s Bat Mitzvah featured a “Rainbow Zebra Stripes” theme with Jimmy Dee Entertainment providing the music entertainment at the Westchester Marriott in Tarrytown, New York
Rachel’s Runway was the theme with Party Harty Entertainment providing the music and Rachel’s dress from Outrageous Boutique
This sophisticated Bat Mitzvah celebration for a girl who loves sports, was held at Chelsea Piers Field House and included furniture from NY Lounge Decor
Welcome to “Selitto Stadium” for this baseball themed celebration with EJ The DJ music, Invitations & Calligraphy by Andrea created the invitation, It Could Be Verse provided a candle lighting puzzle and Treat Me Sweet designed the candy buffet
Tyler Hill Camp is a great theme when your parents own a sleepaway camp! Todd Yahney Music Entertainment provided the candid photography, photo favors, lounge decor and up-lighting
Veronica’s Wicked from Jaylor Party Favors
Sophie celebrated with a “White Out” reception at H On The Harbor with photography by Stephen Andrews Studio
Zach Knows was the theme for this celebration by Hi Tech Photography, Party Harty, Invitations With Love, That One Special Touch and Kona Ice
Did your child have a theme revolving around their name? Please share it with Mitzvah Market by sending it to us at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
July 20th, 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.
CHECK OUT THE MITZVAH MAVENS NON-WEARABLE BAR BAT MITZVAH FAVORS TOO!
In addition to their fabulous apparel items, you can count on The Mitzvah Mavens for creative “non-wearable” Bar Bat Mitzvah Favors too. Hot and cold drink cups, ear buds, tote bags and more.
Here are just some of the items they offer:
Hot and cold Starbucks-inspired cups are fun keepsakes for Mitzvah Exit treats
We love this sign-in sweatshirt blanket! Here it is on display for a Bat Mitzvah
Customized with a decorative initial — a great keepsake once signed by all your guests!
Everyone loves earbuds! Notice the earbuds (and packaging) are customized
Custom tote bags are always popular and this one has pockets!
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.
July 17th, 2016
Lately we have seen lots of light-up vintage letters and wanted to share this idea for your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration.
They come in many price ranges, but we found some that are inexpensive. It can be affordable and look beautiful to spell out you child’s name for the candle lighting ceremony, place card table or room decor.
When your celebration is over, make use of these letters in your child’s room or basement!
These are from Michael’s and cost $12.99 a letter, now on sale for $7.99/each! More here
Light up your place card table!
Add light to your room decor
Did you use vintage letters for your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
July 17th, 2016
The Wickwire family celebrated daughter Abby’s Bat Mitzvah on April 2, 2016, at Barnert Temple in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. Later that evening, there was a party for the guest of honor at the Hilton Pearl River in Pearl River, New York. Abby wanted a formal Bat Mitzvah celebration with all of the bells and whistles and that’s what she got. The weekend was a fABBYlous time for all!
Pictured L-R: Mom Michelle, sister Morgan, Bat Mitzvah girl Abby and Dad Brian.
Barry Cohen of Brad Photographers was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
Bat Mitzvah Style
Abby looking fABBYlous in front of her logo
These fABBYlous sneakers were blinged out (https://mitzvahmarket.com/mitzvah-spotlight/family/a-fabbylous-bat-mitzvah/)
The Wickwire family looked great in their party clothes. Michelle's dress was from Bernsteins and the girls dresses were from All Dressed Up
Bat Mitzvah Invitation
The front of Abby's invitation, created by Etched in Sloane featured her party colors of turquoise and pink
Abby's name appeared on the back of the invite in different fonts
Party Decor & Details
The ballroom was decked out by Jersey Street Furniture in Abby’s color scheme of turquoise and hot pink. There was customization throughout and her Bat Mitzvah theme, fABBYlous, was showcased all night.
Her logo, created by FabuDesigns.com was featured on a Smart TV 12ft rear projection screen
The giftbox with her logo was fABBYlous!
There was turquoise glittering table linens along with hot pink napkins and flower centerpieces
There was comfy seating
The bar featured a large blow-up of Abby in the background
Music/Candle Lighting/Extra Entertainment
MC Steve and Total Entertainment rocked the house. There were lots of fun giveaways throughout the night, including apparel with the “fABBYlous” logo from Favor-it! In addition, electronic goodies like earbuds, wireless speakers, selfie sticks and power banks we handed out.
Abby making her entrance
Abby and family during her candle lighting ceremony
MC Steve from Total Entertainment rocked the party and so did Dad Brian and his friends
Sister Morgan captured the action with Brad Photography and Video on the GoPro feed
The kids had a cocktail hour separate from the adult cocktail hour with a pop culture trivia game, basketball hoops, air hockey and a beauty bar
Logo'd Pinnies were thrown out to guests on the dance floor
Dancing guests also received these sweatpants
Mitzvah Exit and Favors
Mom Michelle’s company Favor-it! supplied the Mitzvah Exit treats and favors for adults and young guests.
The concession stand was a big hit with custom water bottles, popcorn, hot pretzels, candy and chocolate bars
A close-up of the custom Hershey chocolate bars
The turquoise bags were filled with Abby's favorite candies and given to the kids only to take home
The drawstring bags, with another custom logo by FabuDesigns.com contained the sweatshirts along with basketball shorts for the boys and running shorts for the girls
Basketball shorts for the boys and running shorts for the girls
The black hooded sweatshirt featured Abby's initial on the front
Abby's logo was on the back with hand-applied bling in the center of each of the bursts for the girls!
This was the back of the boy's sweatshirts
As an added surprise, the valet placed these chocolate chip cookies in all cars for the guests' ride home
Mitzvah Project
Abby joined the Meatloaf Machers a group at her temple where once a month, she got together with a group of her peers and made meatloaves and brownies to be served at the St. Paul’s Men’s Shelter in Paterson, New Jersey. Abby also did a collection for dog toys, leashes, treats to be donated to the Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge Inc.
Mom to Mom Advice from Mom Michelle
“Start early and do a little at a time. There are many details that can be done well in advance and that is key to making sure the event runs smoothly.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Abby’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Gerry Burns, Hilton Pearl River, 845-735-9000
Party Planner/Favors/Giveaways/Mitzvah Exit Treats: Mom Michelle, Favor-it!, 973-715-1015
Photographer/Videographer/Step n’ Repeat/Photo booth/Go Pro: Barry Cohen, Brad Photographers & Video, 973-696-8763
Music Entertainment/MC: Total Entertainment, MC Steve Morgan, 201-894-0055
Décor/florist/Sign In Board: Steve Novich/Sandy Hines, Jersey Street Furniture Rental, 973-779-7444
Concession stand/Popcorn/Hot Pretzels: Matt Toubin, Shine Events, 845-535-3100
Custom Logos: Amy Wohl, FabuDesigns.com, 312-513-1698
Invitation: Sloane Zane, Etched in Sloane, 201-848-6006
Mom Michelle’s dress: Bernsteins Fashions 732-516-1112
Bat Mitzvah girl Abby and sister Morgan’s dresses: All Dressed Up, 914-690-1593
Hair/Makeup: Cafface Beauty Bar, 201-485-8195
Transportation: Jordan Transportation, 973-838-5000
July 13th, 2016
Interactive Entertainment Group is a nationwide direct source and full service event production company for Bar Bat Mitzvah parties.
They produce unforgettable events for their clients including the following elements: DJs/MCs, photo favors, lighting, cocktail hour entertainment, light-up lounges, specialty acts, interactive games, montages, entrance videos, fun food carts, a variety of craft and party favors, and party endings. What makes them different? They customize all the above elements to meet their clients style, vision, and budget.
NEW! FIRE & ICE FOR YOUR CHILD’S BAR BAT MITZVAH CELEBRATION:
HOT Fresh Mini Donuts + Frozen Hot Chocolate = Yum!
This is an instant crowd pleaser for your guests of all ages. Serendipity’s famous frozen hot chocolate and freshly-made Shrunkin’ Mini Donuts are the perfect combination. Donuts are made to order in front of your guests, and everyone will be amazed to see them made from scratch, coated in cinnamon or powdered sugar and served immediately. Deluxe toppings can be added for gourmet donuts too.
Their Mini Donut Carts Service comes complete with two attendants and enough donuts for up to three hundred guests.
Mention promo code “Mitzvah Market” and get $150 off your order.
To learn more about Interactive Entertainment Group, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
June 30th, 2016
If you are a regular watcher of ABC’s Shark Tank, you might recognize Sun-Staches®.
These new, fun styles of eyewear feature a marvelous mustache and much more. They work well as a Bar Bat Mitzvah favor, can be an addition to your DJ giveaways and/or accessories for your photo booth.
Gone are the days of boring oversized “party” glasses. Their outrageous facewear line includes completely unique and proprietary designs including a pirate, police officer, devil, Santa Claus, King, Uncle Sam, and hundreds of others.
They have also secured licensing deals with companies like Nickelodeon, Warner Brothers and Universal allowing them to turn some of the world’s greatest movie and cartoon icons into transformative glasses.
Sun-Staches can instantly transform anyone into the life of the party. Check out some of their styles below:
Learn more here.
June 26th, 2016
No matter what kind of celebration you plan for your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah, there are many costs involved. First you need to decide what kind of party to have and what extras to include. Do you want to spend more money on the entertainment, or the food? Do you want to hire a magician, or have the kids make flip books? What other events will you host?
We’ve provided a list of all of the potential costs. Planning ahead and keeping track of your expenses will help you develop a realistic picture of the total costs.
FOR THE SYNAGOGUE
Synagogue Fees – Ask what costs are associated with the Bar/Bat Mitzvah service.
Programs – Some families choose to print a program card or brochure to explain the service rituals and who is participating.
Kippot – See if your synagogue allows personalized kippot before ordering.
Flowers – Do you need to provide flowers for the bimah?
Tallit – Are you purchasing a new tallit for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child or using one from a family member?
Kiddush – If you plan to host a buffet or luncheon folloiwng services ask your synagogue what costs are involved (food, staff, flowers, linens, etc.) If there is another celebrant, see if you can share the costs.
PRINTING NEEDS
Invitations – These can range from expensive custom invitations to do-it-yourself homemade ones.
Thank You Notes
Save the Date Cards
Table Place Seating Cards
Calligraphy – If you decide to hire someone to hand write your place cards and/or address your envelopes.
Postage – Be sure to weigh an envelope with all enclosures to determine the final cost. For an extra fee, you can order customized stamps through many websites.
FOR THE GUESTS
Transportation – Will you transport out-of-town guests from the hotel to the synagogue and to the party if it is off site? You may also need transportation for children attending without parents.
Additional Meals – Are you having out-of-town guests for Friday night dinner and/or Sunday brunch?
Welcome Gifts for Hotel Guests
FOR THE CELEBRATION
Party Planner (if you choose to use one).
Venue
Caterer
Band or DJ – Plus, you will be charged extra for dancers and motivators. Don’t forget to factor in feeding the extra staff.
Entertainment – This varies widely depending on the type of quantity of activities you bring in.
Flowers/Decor/Lighting
Centerpieces
Sign-In
Montage Specialist – You can hire a specialist or ask your DJ/entertainment company if they can put together a creative montage of photos and videos.
Photographer/Videographer
Custom Cake
Party Favors
Giveaways – Some DJs supply the giveaways they hand out on the dance floor; for others you need to supply your won or you may want to supplement their offerings. Ask the DJ if this is included in their fee.
Socks – Sounds odd, but trust us, girls will often take off their shoes for dancing and will want to don socks for sliding around the floor.
Exit Treats – Many parties are including candy bars, coffee trucks and other fun food as guests exit at the party’s end.
Tips – There may be some staff you would like to tip afterwards.
LOOKING GOOD
Clothes for synagogue and party for your child and other family members.
Hair and makeup
June 26th, 2016
Organization is key when planning your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah.
No matter how much time you have ahead of you, it’s important to plan ahead.
Here’s your month-by-month planning guide to keep you on track for the perfect day.
2-3 YEARS BEFORE
• Receive your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah date from your synagogue.
• Sign-up for Mitzvah Market’s Newsletter – it’s FREE! Now, you will be kept up-to-date on all the newest ideas in Bar Bat Mitzvah planning.
• Start thinking about what this rite of passage means to your family and what type of celebration you want to have.
• Talk to friends who’ve already planned a Bar or Bat Mitzvah for ideas, tips and contacts.
• Formulate a realistic budget so you can decide where you want to spend your money.
• Begin looking at venues. If you find a place you like, ask whether you can put it on a soft hold with a written agreement giving you the first right to that date. If you have to put down a deposit, ask what the refund policy is.
18 MONTHS BEFORE
• Make a rough guest list so you have an estimate of the number of people; this will help you choose your venue.
• Check out MitzvahOrganizer.com. This online tool will keep you organized throughout the planning process by keeping track of your guest list, RSVPs, Temple honors, favors, seating, gifts and so much more.
• Decide if you want to hire a party planner and begin interviewing them.
• Start thinking about a party theme. Many ideas are here.
• Brainstorm with your child about ideas for a Mitzvah Project. Many organizations who would like to be the beneficiary of your child’s project are here. Read other children’s Mitzvah Project profiles here.
1 YEAR BEFORE
• Sign contracts with a venue, caterer, florist, party planner and photographer.
• Interview and check out bands or MC/DJs. Sign a contract when you have chosen one.
• Plan the extra entertainment you want and sign contracts.
• Begin working on a montage or at least gathering photos and videos for the specialist you’ve hired.
10 MONTHS BEFORE
• Firm up your guest list.
• Book a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.
• Send out a Save-the-Date card or email. This is especially important if your event is over a holiday weekend and for out-of-town guests who need to buy plane tickets in advance.
• Set up a Website with all the details of your party.
• Choose and order invitations.
6 to 8 MONTHS BEFORE
• Your child will begin tutoring to learn the Torah portion and prayers. Make time for those appointments, study sessions and meetings with the rabbi and cantor.
• Begin planning/booking other weekend events, including a Friday night dinner, kiddush after services and Sunday brunch.
• Order personalized kippot if your synagogue allows them.
• Work on centerpiece ideas.
• Begin shopping for clothes for the special day/weekend. (Hold off on alterations till later.)
3 to 5 MONTHS BEFORE
• Plan the menu and do a tasting with your venue/caterer.
• Get invitations to calligrapher if you are using one to address your envelopes and order personalized stamps or go to the Post Office to see what stamps coordinate with your theme.
• Order party favors.
• Order cake if you want a specialty design.
• Arrange for buses to transport guests to events.
• Plan the candle lighting ceremony. Many creative ideas are here.
• Arrange for a special photo shoot with your child if you want to blow up photos for decoration, sign-in boards, etc.
• Begin planning any entrance videos, special dances or other “Rock the Reception” type events.
2 MONTHS BEFORE
• Do a final weigh-in of the invitations with all enclosures to double check you have the correct postage. Mail the invitations. (Traditionally this is done 6-8 weeks before the date.)
• Make a play list of songs for band or DJ.
• Make a detailed timeline of your event. Work with the venue or party planner on this. Decide who will say the prayers over the bread and wine.
• Re-confirm all vendor, timing and any special instructions.
• Make arrangements if you are donating your centerpieces.
• Book a hairdresser and make-up person.
• Write speeches.
• If you are doing a program for your synagogue, have it printed.
1 MONTH BEFORE
• Do dress/suit fittings.
• Call any guests who haven’t sent in RSVPs and make a final seating chart. Print place cards or have calligrapher start doing them.
• Make a list for photographer of “must have” shots that you want.
• Put together welcome baskets for out-of-town guests.
1 WEEK BEFORE
• Have a dress rehearsal. The synagogue will usually arrange this so you know the sequence of events.
• Have everyone in the family try on their synagogue/party outfits. This is especially important with growing teens. Make sure everything fits and that you have all accessories.
• Have a formal photo shoot in the synagogue.
• Give the final guest count to venue/caterer.
• Finalize the seating chart.
• Do a final re-confirm with all vendors, including hair and make-up.
• Drop off seating cards at venue and welcome baskets at the hotel.
The Big Day
• Celebrate! Remember to relax, enjoy, and savor this special moment.
• Contact Mitzvah Market about a Mitzvah Family Spotlight story so you can share all your great ideas with our readers. More information here.
June 22nd, 2016
The Pieced Palette is known for providing a variety of sign-in options for Bar Mitzvah boys and Bat Mitzvah girls. They can be customized to match the invitation and/or theme and serve a dual purpose!
SIGN-IN PILLOWS
At your child’s celebration, the custom fabric is displayed so guests can sign
The fabric is sent to The Pieced Palette and made into a pillow. The large floor sign-in pillows come in a variety of sizes and feature images which are printed directly on the fabric – they are not “T-shirt transfers” that can peel off over time
They also make 2-sided pillows, which can be a logo on one side and an invitation on the other
CUSTOM BEAN BAG SIGN-IN CHAIRS
These are perfect for a Bar and Bat Mitzvah sign-in
Print your child’s name or your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah logo in a repeated pattern on the chair’s fabric to match the feel of the invitation. These Bean Bags are available in the standard size of 37 inches, other sizes are available upon request
GIFTS: The Pieced Palette also offers other great keepsake gift ideas
Special keepsake pillow using the Bar or Bat Mitzvah invitation
One side of the pillow features the child’s High School and the other has the college they are going to
Loved ones provide descriptive words and phrases and The pieced Palette creates a word collage memorable keepsake pillow
Embroidered pillows – great gift for any special occasion
To learn more about Pieced Palette, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
