April 14th, 2016
Planning a Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah celebration can be stressful. There are many details and decisions that need to be made for your family. It’s a milestone event that will be shared with family and friends and remembered for years to come.
Many families get their creative ideas by seeing how others celebrated.
The following families celebrated their child’s Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah in New York City.
We hope these events give you inspiration for your child’s party.
The family poses with the Bat Mitzvah cake
Did you celebrate your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah in New York City? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
You can also ask questions and get advice in our New York City, Brooklyn, Queens Bar Bat Mitzvah planning group on Facebook. Join here.
See more ideas from Bar and Bat Mitzvah parties on Long Island.
See more ideas from Bar and Bat Mitzvah parties in Westchester.
See more ideas from Bar and Bat Mitzvah parties in Chicago.
See more ideas from Bar and Bat Mitzvah parties in Atlanta.
See more ideas from Bar and Bat Mitzvah parties in Philadelphia.
See more ideas from Bar and Bat Mitzvah parties in New Jersey.
See more ideas from Bar and Bat Mitzvah parties in Los Angeles.
See more ideas from Bar and Bat Mitzvah parties in Boston.
See more ideas from Bar and Bat Mitzvah parties in Connecticut.
See more ideas from Bar and Bat Mitzvah parties in Washington D.C., Maryland & Virginia
See more ideas from Bar and Bat Mitzvah parties in Florida
April 13th, 2016
By now you’ve probably heard of Snapchat, a very popular app that kids are using on their phones to “chat” with their friends by sending photos and videos in real time. These photos and videos disappear a few seconds after being viewed, never to be seen again. Kids love using the app because they can share photos/videos of what they are doing, who they are with, and how much fun they are having with all of their friends in just a few taps. Instant gratification at its best!
There’s a new product on the Bar Bat Mitzvah scene called, MySnapFilter. They create custom “GeoFilters” specifically for your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration. If this is starting to sound confusing, just tell your child that you found a company who can design a GeoFilter, with a logo or graphic design of their choosing, for their Bar or Bat Mitzvah, and see what they say!
The latest in Bar & Bat Mitzvah fun, MySnapFilter is a team of professional graphic designers based in New York City. They come from a diverse background of professions in the design, technology, finance and animation industries. They know design, they know technology and they know what kids want! The best part? It will probably be the least expensive entertainment you will find for your child’s party.
Pricing depends on the length of the party, how many different filters and the complexity of the designs. Check out the Bar Bat Mitzvah section of their Website for more information.
Here are really cool examples of GeoFilters for recent Bar & Bat Mitzvah parties created by MySnapFilter:
Flower Power
Let's Roll
Love
Mets
Lacrosse
Visit their Website, to learn more about MySnapFilter.
April 10th, 2016
When planning a Bar Bat Mitzvah, there are plenty of details to worry about – security is an easy one to take care of, and cross off your list!
At Bar Mitzvah Bouncer, they take great pride in what they do and truly appreciate the fact that so many families use them for security at their childrens’ Bar Bat Mitzvahs, Sweet 16s and other events.
They are a full service professional chaperone company specializing in the supervision of children at Bar Bat Mitzvahs, Sweet 16s, Graduations and Birthday Parties. Parents can relax and enjoy the big day while they supervise the children. Their services include the supervision of the children at the party as well as the Temple services and transportation to and from the party. Take a look at their helpful FAQ section of their Website.
While your DJ dancers may dance with the kids and are also there to dance and entertain the adults – Bar Mitzvah Bouncer is strictly involved and focused on the children at your event. They only employ certified school teachers as bouncers. Teachers have the most knowledge and experience when it comes to interacting with middle school children. Most of their teachers are also coaches for various sports teams. These qualities make the bouncers fabulous chaperones and are best suited to supervise the children as well as develop a great rapport.
HERE ARE THE TOP 6 REASONS A FAMILY SHOULD HIRE BAR MITZVAH BOUNCER:
1. WORRY LESS: One less thing parents have to worry about!
2. BUS RIDE: No adult wants to sit on a bus ride with fifty 12 & 13 years olds.
They entertain and keep the kids safe during the bus ride
Young guests stay dry while getting to the celebration
3. CANDLE LIGHTING SERVICE: To make sure the kids are very quiet during the candle lighting service.
4. WANDER OFF: To make sure the kids do not leave the venue and go outside and wander off.
The bouncers also assist the young guests, if they need a little help
5. BATHROOMS: To make sure the kids don’t destroy the bathrooms.
Interact with the young guests, keeping everyone safe
6. CELLPHONES: To try and keep the young guests off their phones and engaged in the party.
Interact with the young guests, keeping everyone safe
To learn more about Bar Mitzvah Bouncer Inc., visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
April 6th, 2016
As a family owned business, The Main Event has been providing services to thousands of satisfied clients since 1996.
Over the past few years, they have expanded to encompass more entertainment possibilities. Though they have grown in size, one thing that hasn’t changed are their core beliefs.
They build relationships with their families so your party becomes their “main event.” Their traditions of personalized attention, professionalism, excellent customer service, and exceptional value are what have made them the most well-liked company on the event circuit.
Although very well known for their photo favors, they now provide so much more for all type of special events. We sat down with The Main Event to learn more. Below you will find all the various products and services they provide Bar Bat Mitzvah families:
PHOTO BOOTHS
Each photo booth package comes with unlimited prints, personalized templates, free props, luxurious backdrops, and two professional attendants.
Kiosk: The Zing It! Kiosk is the best solution for large parties. With three touchscreens, up to three guests and simultaneously share, text, email, or print their photos
Our Coney Island Style Photo Booth blends modern looks with traditional nostalgia. Versatile, space-efficient, and perfect for any event!
Get crazy in our Curtain Style Photo Booth! Guests love the privacy to be silly, and there's plenty of space for up to 10 friends
Print and share your photos through text message, emails, social media with the Zing It! Social Booth
The Open Air Photo Booth allows you to pose and smile wherever you are. Flexible footprint, fast photos, fun to photobomb!
Slim: Our elegant Slim photo booth has a small footprint, comes with unlimited prints, and can send selfies via text, email, or social media
Mirror: Amaze your guests with this high-tech mirror! Touch the Mirror Booth to take your photo, while the mirror compliments you and leads you through the process
Hashtag Printer: Guests use the designated event hashtag on Instagram or Twitter and our Hashtag Printer automatically prints off their photo in seconds!
Cube: Unique, impressive, and fun! Bright LED lights illuminate the Cube Booth to match your party's color
PHOTO FAVORS
With unbeatable service, selections, and savings, choose The Main Event for the best photo favors in the industry.
Canvas: These vibrant prints wrapped around durable wooden frames are high-quality favors and great for the home
Printed on high quality gloss photo paper, our flip books are the latest trend for personalized party favors and will make your event stand out from the crowd
Candy Boxes: Your guests can take home sweet treats with their photos superimposed on the label
Phone cases: Photo Phone Cases are popular, long-lasting, and useful favors for the hottest new Apple iPhones and Samsung Galaxies
A variety of frames for photo favors
RENTALS
Our modern furnishings are flexible: play them up for an elegant atmosphere, or use them to transform your event space into the ultimate raging club
Circular seating arrangements are popular
Hi Boy light-up tables
Bars in all sizes can be rented as well
It cannot be overstated: cubbies are essential to keeping your event organized. Cubbies reduce clean-up time, letting you go home and relax faster
GAMES
Everyone loves the thrill of Table Games, and we offer larger than life versions to leave a lasting impression. Table Games are great for all ages and perfect for getting kids and parents to compete at air hockey, ping pong, and foosball
Challenge your guests in a test of speed and control with Slot Car Racing! This fast-paced entertainment sensation pairs perfectly with our table and arcade games to add that exciting atmosphere to your event
Our new truss system has 4 flat screen monitors, allowing 16 guests to play video games at the same time
DJs
The Main Event has the best DJ features, like tri-level staging, confetti blasts, costume changes, and intelligent light shows.
Our diverse packages and energetic emcees, DJs, and dancers will have your party going all night long! Choose from a wide range of bonus options: party giveaways, plasma screens, intelligent light shows, and so much more
EXTRAS
A unique alternative to sign in boards, all your guests' signatures and pictures are compiled into a professionally designed custom memory book. Our clients tell us that their books are easier to keep and cherish than large sign in boards
Write your own special message to the guest of honor
A great cocktail activity, let your guests create personalized dog tags for truly unique keepsakes. Your guests can choose colors, fonts, whatever saying they’d like engraved on aluminum dog tags
Caricatures are an ideal way to entertain your friends and family at your event. Kids and adults love leaving with caricatures as party favors
Temporary tattoos take real artists to make. Our friendly and multi-talented artists specialize in many different styles of event artistry, and have years of experience working with kids
Many styles to choose from
Kids love creating unique, personalized wax hands. Fun, artsy, and safe, wax hands are party favors that your guests will never forget
View hundreds of candid photos throughout your event live on plasma screens. Great for Mitzvahs where the TVs can also be used for displaying videos, slideshows, and montages for the guest of honor
To learn more about The Main Event, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
April 3rd, 2016
For nearly fifteen years, Professional Video, LLC. has been creating beautiful Bar Bat Mitzvah videos, capturing the most memorable moments in their clients’ lives.
They use the latest HD technology and implement the highest level of creativity in every video they produce. They focus on developing a productive working relationship with their clients so each video they produce is personalized to suit their individual visions and exceed their expectations.
Some Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations begin with a creative entrance video and sometimes it’s the opener to a montage or speech. Whatever you are looking to accomplish, the experts at Professional Video can work with your family to create something memorable.
Have a seat, grab the popcorn and get inspired by these creative videos:
KYLE’S BASKETBALL ENTRANCE VIDEO
Kyle is an amazing basketball player who has played on several leagues and at school and camp. Professional Video shot him playing in an empty court so they could get some amazing moves and tricks and some really cool angles. They pieced it together to showcase his skill and talent in a unique and fast paced, fun to watch video. All the guests at the reception were in awe of Kyle before he made his way into the party
WATCH KYLE IN ACTION
MITZVAH TIP: Play up your child’s special skill or talent in a video.
PRETTY LITTLE ELIZA – Incorporate your child’s favorite television show as part of the montage!
Like many Bar Bat Mitzvah families, this one was unsure of which direction they wanted to go for their daughter’s montage. After the Professional Video staff found out that Pretty Little Liars is one of Eliza’s favorite TV shows, their creative wheels were set in motion. They recreated the opener to this popular TV show making Eliza the star. This was the creative start to her Bat Mitzvah montage:
WATCH PRETTY LITTLE ELIZA BAT MITZVAH MONTAGE OPENER
MITZVAH TIP: When you have a shy child, (like Eliza), this is the perfect way to involve her and keep her in the spotlight without making her uncomfortable. Professional Video works hard to make sure that the families and children are happy with the final products and everyone is within their comfort zone.
SNL – Twin brothers Spencer N’ Logan had the perfect initials for a Saturday Night Live entrance spoof!
Professional Video took the real opener to SNL and put the family in the show, along with almost 20 of their friends. They reenacted what some of the cast members did in the real opener – made their family the “cast” and the twins the hosts. As if it were an actual SNL episode, all eyes were glued to the huge screens on the ceiling and walls at a New York City venue as this opener played and introduced the brothers into their celebration!
WATCH THIS CREATIVE SNL BAR MITZVAH ENTRANCE
MITZVAH TIP: Give the Professional Video team your kid(s) name, nickname and initials to come up with a clever play on a saying, movie or TV show.
TENNIS MONTAGE INTRO – A re-enactment: the events leading up to the Bar Mitzvah boy’s entrance to the world!
This family was looking for a unique video to truly tell the story of their son’s life/times, but the Bar Mitzvah boy was not interested in being the center of attention or being on-camera. Since all their guests know his mom is obsessed with tennis, the experts at Professional Video found a funny way to incorporate the whole family without making the Bar Mitzvah boy uncomfortable. This short video was the open to their montage and played right before the baby photos. Guests loved it!
WATCH THIS TENNIS INTRO TO A BAR MITZVAH MONTAGE
MITZVAH TIP: Your intro video can include your not-so-camera-friendly child and the story of their life without shooting them.
MAD ABOUT MADDIE – A creative intro to a Bat Mitzvah montage!
For this family, Professional Video wanted to produce a creative introduction to Maddie’s montage that incorporates her “MAD ABOUT” theme which showed where it all began for her! They used the family’s home video footage to create a funny depiction of Maddie growing up including her Dad’s memories of Maddie as a baby. The combination of pictures, videos, and personalized graphics created a unique presentation. Her Mom as the narrator was the perfect touch to keep the video personal and meaningful explaining the stages of Maddie’s life
WATCH THE MAD ABOUT MADDIE MONTAGE INTRO
MITZVAH TIP: Show all home footage/home movies of your child’s earlier years to Professional Video. They could come up with something clever!
SARAH’S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS– Part of the Dad’s Bat Mitzvah speech!
Professional Video created this opener to be a part of the father’s speech to his special little girl. He felt that video clips of his daughter would portray who she really is since Sarah loves to take crazy videos when people aren’t watching. The family had a ton of footage, but the montage was already getting long. The decision was made to create an additional video to share these special moments in fun way to keep the audience interested during a different part of the party
WATCH SARAH’S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS
MITZVAH TIP: Start going through your old video of your kids, you might find something perfect!
MARA’S ENTRANCE VIDEO – Incorporate your child’s interests and activities into their entrance video
Since there was no particular theme for this Bat Mitzvah party, the family wanted a video for Mara’s entrance. Professional Video took a lot of Mara’s interests and activities to create a unique and creative entrance video. The fast paced pictures and colors kept the audience interested and set the perfect scene to introduce the Bat Mitzvah girl
WATCH MORE OF MARA
MITZVAH TIP: Not all Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations have a theme, but a creative entrance video can start the party off with a bang!
Learn more about Professional Video, LLC, by visiting their profile page in our Vendor Directory.
March 30th, 2016
Hi Tech Events is a family business dedicated to making your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah unique and memorable. They are one of the leaders in the Mitzvah Décor and Photography niche in the New York Metropolitan area and offer a wide variety of services including photography/videography, montages, photo favors, party décor, entertainment, and everything in-between.
Hi Tech will be there for you from the moment you create your invitations, until the time you design your keepsake album to reflect on your event; treating every client’s party as if it was their own family occasion.
Hi Tech Events Offers Photo, Video, Decor & More!
With more than 30 years experience, they know the business of Bar and Bat Mitzvahs.
By trade, they are photographers. They are trained in photo journalism and instinctively know the special moments of your child’s big day; from pre-shoot to the final good-byes.
A gorgeous candid after sneaking a peek at her elegantly decorated party room
On the grounds of the beautifully manicured Oheka Castle moments before the guests arrived
Great family shot touched with some special effects
All smiles while embracing her room as her guests enter
Hi Tech Events offers Bar Bat Mitzvah clients high-quality videography and video montages.
Watch Julia’s video
When it comes to Décor, Hi Tech says the sky’s the limit – from flowers to balloons – they do it all. They have a team of event planners and decor experts that create extraordinary room decor and centerpieces. Attention to detail is their specialty.
Elegant, yet fun, decor for a beautiful night
A touch of floral goes a long way in making the room spectacular
Who doesn't love a little crystal throughout the room?
Florals and floating candles greeting the guests with a fabulous centerpiece
The grand entrance beautifully decorated while guests are greeted with a gorgeous shot of the honoree
And, there’s more! Create a gorgeous lounge set-up at your child’s celebration with unique furniture and accent pieces or try their photo favor package with custom step n’ repeats, green screens and endless favor options.
To learn more about Hi Tech Events, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
March 27th, 2016
The Marx family celebrated Seth’s Bar Mitzvah with a service and party at Eagle Oaks Golf and Country Club in Farmingdale, New Jersey, on Saturday, October 10, 2015. The weather was perfect and during the Havdalah service, guests were treated to a view of the sunset overlooking the golf course.
For Seth’s brother Gregory, they celebrated with a basketball theme to reflect his love of the sport and the New York Knicks. For Seth’s party, his colors were purple and yellow for the Los Angeles Lakers, but his theme was all about SETH and centered around his favorite things.
Pictured left: (L-R) Dad David, Bar Mitzvah boy Seth, Brother Greg and Mom Robin
Mitzvah Service
Seth’s Bar Mitzvah service and celebration took place at the Eagle Oaks Golf & Country Club.
Seth was all smiles as he lead the service
The Havdalah service was held in a room overlooking the golf course with a beautiful view of the sunset
Invitation
Seth’s invitation was an acrylic square in his party colors created “by dana,” a graphic design company.
The back of the invitation featured a pocket which held the response card
Top left photo: The save the date cards were magnets. The logo was based on the logo used for Master Chef, one of Seth's favorite television shows. Top right photos: Each one of the response cards was personalized with the guests' name and in the shape of the letter S. Bottom right photo: "Power Banks" (phone chargers) with Seth's name and Bar Mitzvah date were also used as seating cards
Place Cards, Decor & Sign-In
Marquis Florals designed the decor for this celebration including the place card table and centerpieces for the adult and kids’ tables.
As guests arrived, they were greeted by an oversized "S" and a phone charger place card
A dual purpose favor/place card that guests loved!
The ballroom at Eagle Oaks Country Club
The adult tables featured beautiful floral arrangements with purple and yellow flowers
Each table had a centerpiece that reflected one of Seth's interests: Los Angeles Lakers, cooking, television shows, movies, soccer, college basketball, Green Bay Packers and Marvel comics
This centerpiece reflects Seth's love of The Big Bang Theory
For
Seth's sign-in board, a Basketball backboard was used and guests left special messages using a Sharpie pen
Music & Additional Entertainment
Pure Energy provided the music with Jason as the MC.
Seth made a grand entrance
Guests used rally towels to help welcome Seth to the party!
Having fun with MC Jason
Jack Ryan performed basketball tricks to the delight of Seth and his guests
The Hoop Wizard in action!
Candle Lighting
Their candle lighting ceremony featured a cooking theme (which they learned about on Mitzvah Market). Each group that was called up added an ingredient into the bowl. Mom and Dad added love and Seth stirred the mixture.
Favors
Top Elements created many of the favors for Seth’s guests.
Rally towels were used by guests as Seth entered his celebration
Seth's friends received shorts which they personalized right at his celebration
Young guests took everything home in this drawstring bag
Mitzvah Exit Treat
For his Mitzvah Exit Treat, Marquis Florals created a replica of a Dunkin’ Donuts stand.
Guests took home coffee, donuts and bagels for the ride home
Mitzvah Project
Seth collected unused school supplies from his classmates when they cleaned out their lockers before summer vacation. After sorting through the boxes of donated items, some of these supplies were donated to Boys Town Jerusalem. Seth’s Bar Mitzvah tutor’s daughter brought the supplies to Israel. The rest of the supplies went to the Boys and Girls Club of Monmouth County.
Mom-To-Mom Advice From Robin
“Since this was our second Bar Mitzvah, I was much more relaxed than the first one. I used many of the same vendors because I was happy with the job they did the first time. Whenever I felt myself getting stressed I reminded myself that this is a happy occasion.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Seth’s celebration special. If you reach out to any of them, please let them know you heard about them on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Eagle Oaks Golf and Country Club, 732-938-9696
Music/Photo Booth: Pure Energy Entertainment, 732-952-8772
Decor/Sign-in board: Marquis Florals and Event Design by Kim, 732-441-4800
Invitations/Save The Date/Favors: by dana, 732-625-1471
Photography/Videography: Unlimited Exposures, 732-617-1588
Favors: Top Elements, 732-972-8290
Extra Entertainment: Hoop Wizard, 917-754-2486
Mom’s Dress: Diane & Co., 732-625-8001
Mom’s Hair: Kristina Lauro, 732-616-5781
Mom’s Makeup: Pro Makeup Artistry by Dee LLC, 732-470-6499
Mom’s Jewelry: Kravit Jewelers, 516-766-3855
March 27th, 2016
Once you receive a Bar or Bat Mitzvah invitation, you will start thinking about the gift. Some will give the guest of honor an actual gift like jewelry or tickets to a show or sporting event, but most of us will give money to the Bar Bat Mitzvah child.
Tendr is a smarter and more elegant way to give and receive cash gifts and works well for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Tendr makes giving a cash gift simple and hassle free. One click – and you know that your gift has been taken care of quickly and securely.
This is an easy to use online service not only allows guests to give gifts, but also has an area where they can learn more about your Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration and Mitzvah Project. Tendr eliminates the awkwardness, and risk, of giving the recipient a check or cash, which can be misplaced or otherwise go unaccounted for.
For a Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration, the family throwing the event can register for an account on Tendr in minutes. They’ll get their very own giving page – complete with a custom URL. This page can be personalized and specifically used to inform friends and family members about the Bar bat Mitzvah service/celebration and Mitzvah Project, or they can simply express gratitude and excitement about the event. It’s entirely up to the family.
Custom Bar Mitzvah page
Custom Bat Mitzvah page
Once the family has finished setting up the simple-to-personalize page, its URL can be sent via email or printed on the formal invitations, and linked to from their Twitter or Facebook accounts. You name it. The idea is to give all your guests a one-stop site to learn about your event – and contribute to it.
There is a 5% service fee that is charged to the Bar Bat Mitzvah family, but guests are not charged… and can securely transfer their monetary gift directly from their bank account for free – or by using their credit card.
Many Bar Bat Mitzvah kids are using tendr to describe their Mitzvah Project and ask for a funding gift towards the fulfillment of that charitable goal.
When guests visit the custom URL to give the Bar or Bat Mitzvah child a gift, they can select from a variety of online cards which will be sent to the recipient.
To learn more about Tendr, visit their Website.
March 23rd, 2016
Watermill is a beautiful catering venue located in the heart of Suffolk County, Long Island, specializing in Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations. Owned by the Scotto Family, the Watermill prides itself in serving award winning cuisine with a unique flair.
Newly renovated, the Watermill features all new décor, intelligent lighting and sound, plus indoor and outdoor banquet space. It features elegant ballrooms, sprawling gardens and award winning service with attention to every detail. From the moment you arrive at the Watermill, you will feel the luxury of this unique atmosphere which has a grand lobby, stunning ballrooms, private suites and cocktail rooms.
Watermill Caterers Has Newly Renovated Ballrooms And Outdoor Gardens, consider this venue for your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration!
The beautiful Astor Room
Watermill Caterers entrance
Rendering of new Astor Ballroom which will be completed by the end of 2016
Gorgeous lighting and decor accents
Outdoor Patio
To learn more about Watermill Caterers visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
March 23rd, 2016
Who better to find the latest and greatest for all things Bar Bat Mitzvahs than our own Mitzvah Moms!
We have spotlighted over 200 families and we thought it would be fun to call out some of the “Mom Finds” that you might have missed.
Whitney Gnat is from Toronto and found many unique touches for her daughter Kendall’s Bat Mitzvah. She wanted to add something special to her candle lighting ceremony and the letter dishes below did the trick!
Ceramic love letters by Ivy Lane Designs spells out Kendall and are filled with candy sixlets. The candle bases were filled with candy flowers
Crafty Mom Whitney also created a huge gumball letter “K” (Size: 24”H x 17”W). She glued the gumballs on the large letter “K” that she bought at a Jo-Ann Fabric
To see the rest of this Mitzvah Family Spotlight story, click here.
