January 14th, 2012
Many of our readers followed our guest blogger Stephanie Kepke Kaplan’s series, On A Wing And A Prayer. We read about her quest for a dress on a budget of under $100 and her son’s desire for a lounge area and dancers!
Now we are excited to share the Kaplan’s Bar Mitzvah celebration with our readers and find out exactly what happened!
Stephanie and her family had a Sunday afternoon party at North Shore Synagogue with family and friends. The traditional affair, with a shorter (1/2 hour) cocktail hour, to keep costs down featured a baseball theme.
Pictured above (L-R): Mom Stephanie, brother Joshua, Bar Mitzvah boy Drew, Dad Jeff and youngest brother Aidan
Jason from Neal Bloom was the photographer and all the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
Congratulations to the Kaplan family – looks like Drew had a terrific party to celebrate his Bar Mitzvah!
Mom Stephanie found her invitations at an unlikely place: Party City. She was thrilled with how they turned out and loved all the positive comments from family and friends.
If you are on a budget, Party City is a great place to find invitations
Stephanie talked a lot about her search for a dress in her Mitzvah Market blog series, On A Wing And A Prayer.
Stephanie in her beautiful “bargain dress” from Lord & Taylor with her son Drew
Party Excellence provided the highboy tables, centerpieces for the adult tables and the lounge area all to match their baseball theme. The décor also included a full lounge, provided by Party Interiors with tables that lit up in colors that matched the centerpieces.
Each table was a different team
Mom Stephanie saved money by buying large glass vases at TJ Maxx and filling them with new baseballs. The centerpieces created by Party Excellence fit right on top
Although not originally in the budget, Stephanie was able to negotiate with Paul from Party Interiors & My Glow Party and surprise her son with the lounge set-up
Mom Stephanie created the place cards and holder by gluing artificial turf on foam board.
Entertainment Tonite provided the music with Mike D. as the MC.
Drew with the ET crew. Not only did he get the one dancer he wanted to have at his celebration, but two!
Drew played the drums for family and friends. After his initial performance of an original musical piece he had composed, he played along with a few of the songs the DJ played.
Mom Stephanie created the sign-in book and now you can order one just like it! Stephanie has since started a Facebook business called Wishes Inc.
Drew holding up his sign-in book
Sayings For You provided the “Drew’s Grand Slam” T-shirts for the young guests.
The back of the shirt…
and the front!
Mom Stephanie created the matching labels on the favor bags herself
Mom Stephanie and her guests raved about the food provided by Del Mir Caterers who also created Drew’s cake below.
Guests also enjoyed an ice cream bar
Guests could enjoy a variety of delicious treats on their way out of Drew’s celebration.
A candy bar
Hot pretzels to go
Mom Stephanie has this advice for our readers:
“You can have a great party and stick to a budget – it just takes a bit more work, some ingenuity and the ability to be flexible. I made the place cards and the place card display, the sign in book and the favor bag labels. I also printed the addresses on the invitation envelopes. I placed organza bags filled with chocolate baseballs (purchased online at a bulk rate) for guests to take home on their way out in a wooden tray I embellished with baseball ribbon. Doing these things myself not only saved money, but made the day more special.”
She adds, “My son had begged us for dancers and a lounge, but neither was in our budget – until we were able to add them at the very last minute at a savings. (You can read my last Mitzvah Diaries post for all of my other last minute changes.) Everything fell into place and by being flexible the party was better than I could have ever imagined. One last bit of advice – the party goes by very quickly. Pause and take in everyone around you having a wonderful time and enjoying the fruits of your labor. It is an ephemeral moment, but it will live in your memory forever.”
Drew and his family love animals, especially dogs. His Mitzvah Project was called, “Pennies for Puppies” and he collected change for Island Dog and The Town of Oyster Bay Animal Shelter. He also sold refrigerator and car magnets to raise funds for Island Dog and collected blankets, towels and other items for the Town of Oyster Bay Animal Shelter.
Drew raised additional money through the facebook page he created. He found out that his donation would rescue and transport a dog named “Hobie” to New York. He has three legs and was rescued when he was found running in traffic in Puerto Rico.
Hobie’s new name is Scruffy
The Kaplan family is excited to report that Drew’s Mitzvah Project turned into a Mitzvah for his family. Their beloved dog Sadie recently passed away and although not looking to adopt this soon, “Hobie,” who will have a new name, is now living with the Kaplans.
The following vendor’s helped to make Drew’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: North Shore Synagogue 516-802-5492
Party Planner: “Mitzvah Mom” Stephanie
Music Entertainment: MC: Mike D, Entertainment Tonite 516-826-6900
Favors: Sayings for You 845-639-9700
Party Entertainment: Photo favors, The Main Event 800-839-0918
Invitations: Party City, Woodbury 516-692-4378
Cake: Del Mir Caterers At North Shore Synagogue
Décor: Party Excellence 516-586-5252
Lounge Area: Party Interiors and My Glow Party 516-586-5492
Sign-In Book: Mom Stephanie, Wishes Inc.
Chocolate baseballs: Candy.com
Mom’s Dress: Lord and Taylor, Walt Whitman Mall
Dress Alterations: Neddy Alterations, 516-359-9600
Suits for family members: Effie LerMan’s, 516-586-6949
Hair: Janine Roberti, jroberti01@gmail.com, 516-815-9147
Photographer: Jason, Neal Bloom Photography, 631-754-7442
Videographer: Rainbow Video and Photography, 516-796-6081
January 10th, 2012
Cory Herschkowitz celebrated his Bar Mitzvah in October, 2011 with a service at Midway Jewish Center in Syosset, New York followed by a Kiddush luncheon catered by Del Mir Caterers. The celebration continued that evening at Or Elohim in Jericho, New York.
The Herschkowitz family have been cruising for many years and it’s their favorite vacation. They used this as their theme and invited their guests to sail on the Royal Corybbean that evening.
Visions Fine Photography took all the pictures and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured above (L-R): Dad Steve, Mom Malky, younger brother Blake and Bar Mitzvah boy Cory
Dara, Dear Friends created Cory’s sleek invitation.
The textured invitation panel card with die cut navy diagonal pocket was embellished with gold
As guests walked into the lobby at Temple Or Elohim, they were greeted by the life like Royal Corybbean Cruise ship designed by Dazzling Parties.
Cory’s guests walked across the gang plank, which was a ramp with rope on the sides as they entered the ballroom of Temple Or Elohim
Guests were greeted by a Welcome Aboard sign and table with their Royal Corybbean Key cards.
Guests place cards
Guests had an opportunity to sign Cory’s 3D sign in book, which was located above 3 lifelike colorful suitcases.
Once you entered the ballroom, Dazzling Parties created bright decor to transport guests onto a beautiful cruise ship. The tables represented the various island stops, such as Jamaica, Dolphin Adventure and some of Cory’s favorite activities aboard.
The room had alternating centerpieces with table names that were titled with different island stops
There were palm trees surrounded by carribbean flowers
Jewel colored spandex chair covers were used
One table had a casino themed centerpiece with a lifelike slot machine
The lounge area had activities for the young guests
Blow-ups of Cory were also used as part of the decor
Starlight brought in casino tables with black jack, poker, roulette and a money wheel.
They also had boccerball
The Herschkowitz family wanted to tie every party element into their theme including their entrances! Lisa Gurtman made up T-shirts for the family, which they wore as each member was introduced.
Mom and Dad enter wearing their Royal Corybbean shirts. The back read, Cruise Directors
Cory’s younger brother Blake was the Athletic Director
Cory was the Captain and had Captain’s patches on his shirt sleeves
Cory’s Royal Corybbean cruise ship cake was created by Dortonis.
Michelle Weisman created the favors for Cory’s friends.
The grey sweatshirt had an island on the back with all of Cory’s favorite items and cruise activities
The party came to an end with amazing desserts like twinkies and ring dings followed by a bakery with donuts, bagels and grilled cheese.
The night would not have been complete without the Mr. Softie truck that was awaiting everyone as they walked out
Here’s some Mom-to-Mom advice:
“The best advice I can give is to include your child in the decision making. It is their party and the party should be representative of who he/she is.”
Cory was diagnosed with a heart condition this year and had to have a surgical procedure to correct it.
Cory will be spending time with other children with heart conditions at St. Francis.
The following vendors helped to make Cory’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Service: Midway Jewish Center
Kiddush Caterer: Del Mir Caterers
Venue: Temple Or Elohim, 516-937-0120
Music Entertainment/Videographer: MC Howie, Party Harty, 516-845-8585
Favors: Michelle Weissman, Creative Specialties, 516-637-0493
Entrance T-shirts: Lisa Gurtman, 516-680-8615
Casino Games: Starlight, 516-764-2061
Invitation: Dara, Dear Friends, 516-367-7877
Cake: Dortonis, 516-796-3033
Décor/Florist: Dazzling Parties, 516-766-1471
Sign-In board: Dazzling Parties
Truck: Mr. Softie, 718-551-1502
Mom’s Dress: Mieka, 516-367-8755
Suits: Kenny’s, 516-921-2660
Hair: Salon O, 516-935-7777
Make up: Maryann 631-944-6184
Photographer: David Conn, Visions Fine Photography, 516-377-0449
January 5th, 2012
By Tara Silberg
It’s Tara, telling YOU what’s happening on the Bar/Bat Mitzvah circuit today. Last time my post was about the candle lighting ceremony and today it is all about photo favors!
Although many of the Bar/Bat Mitzvahs I’ve been attending have a photographer taking pictures of the guests in front of a screen, many of the parties have had other ideas too.
I thought I would share two that I thought were very cool!
Last year, I attended a Bat Mitzvah that appeared to have a normal photo booth. When you entered, there were 2 screens. On one of the screens, you could see yourself about to take a photo. On the screen below that, the character of your choice would suggest poses to do. In addition to all that, wind was blown throughout the booth so your hair would look, well, windblown.
More on this booth here
Another common “photobooth” is in fact no booth at all. Instead of looking straight ahead at the camera, you look up. So far, I’ve seen a custom bed that went along with the theme of the party and also a couch in the shape of a “T” for the girl’s name.
Coco Events provided the photo booth area for this Bat Mitzvah. M Studio Events set up the couch in the shape of a “T” for the Bat Mitzvah girl’s first name with a camera set up above – a big hit!
I feel that these two are great choices if you are looking to wow your guests. There are so many creative ways to incorporate photos into your own party.
That’s all for this post. More to come on the circuit soon!
About Tara Silberg
I’m in 7th grade at Jericho Middle School and I love art. When I say art, I’m talking about photography, painting, and drawing. I also love music. When I feel stressed, I listen to my iPod to calm down. I will most likely attend between 60-70 Bar/Bat Mitzvahs before I finish 8th grade. I’m excited to be reporting from “The Bar/Bat Mitzvah Circuit” for Mitzvah Market.com.
January 5th, 2012
The Brenner family felt that most Bar/Bat Mitzvahs were routine parties and do not reflect the personality of the child. They decided to think way outside of the box and have their son Stanley’s Bar Mitzvah on ice!
With the help of Linzi Events, in Boca Raton, Florida, Stanley Brenner, who plays ice hockey celebrated his Bar Mitzvah in January of 2009 at a skating rink in Florida!
Check out all their ideas below:
The Brenners sent out a “postcard” to their guests stating the event type, place, and date and everyone was directed to a Website that Stanley and his Mom created for further details. You can see it here
The thank you notes were also done on the computer and personalized to each guest. They used stationary already in the computer and Stanley wrote a note to each person. On the front of the thank you card, he put 5 pictures from the Bar Mitzvah, with at least 2 of that particular guest
Before the service began, Stanley skated in with the Torah. The congregation was sitting on the bleachers like they were watching a game
For the service, Stanley, their Rabbi and Cantor were all on center ice, but not on skates!
Place cards for guests reflected tables named after NHL teams
Simple centerpieces and ice blue linens created a “cool” look
An overall view of the event space
They had Cameron Barratt from the Florida Panthers play games with the kids on the ice but without ice skates
Stanley poses with his DJ dancers wearing hockey jerseys of course!
Thanks to Linzi Events for sharing these pictures from Stanley’s Bar Mitzvah with Mitzvah Market. For more information on Linzi Events, please visit their Website.
January 5th, 2012
Many Mitzvahs like to end with something sweet!
Enter Hewlee Truck: Frozen Yogurt – available for your next special event.
They have shakes, smoothies, iced coffee, cones, cold drinks, cups and fresh fruit toppings. They have several pricing packages available. You can customize your own menu by choosing from hundreds of flavors and toppings.
They can also provide cupcakes, black & whites, muffins, brownies, ice cream and Italian ices. For more information, visit them on Facebook or call 516-220-1022.
For other “after party” trucks, read about Tobo Foods, Gorilla Cheese NYC, The Frying Dutchman, and NYC Sweetery.
January 3rd, 2012
Erica Levy and her family from Marlboro, New Jersey celebrated her Bat Mitzvah service and reception on June 18, 2011 at Courtyard on Main in Freehold, New Jersey.
Erica wanted a pink and green color palette and a candy theme and she got it both along with a great tag line, “AmErica Runs On Candy!”
Pictured L-R: Dad Alan, Bat Mitzvah girl Erica, Mom Lori and older brother Ryan.
All photography was done by Picture Us Perfect and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
The beautiful invitation below was created by It’s Your Party.
It’s Your Party framed the invitation and presented it to Erica as a special gift!
Erica’s long gown was from Diane & Co. in Freehold, New Jersey.
Her pretty gown featured green and pink ombre
Mom Lori made the yarmulke baskets using pink and green ribbon to keep with the color scheme
We love these yarmulkes that have “Erica Beth” in silver foil from www.bestkippah.com
What a unique way for guests to sign-in! Mom Lori purchased this pink couch and all of Erica’s guests left special messages for her.
Kids were told to write all over this couch that Mitzvah Mom Lori got on discountkidschairs.com!
Bonnie from It’s Your Party coordinated the candy theme decor and made these great centerpieces with over-sized pieces of candy!
Extra large just the way we like our candy!
Pixie sticks anyone?
They look good enough to eat!
Bat Mitzvah girl Erica is ready for guests to arrive under her sign, “AmErica Runs On Candy”
Erica sits under her name in balloons!
Erica “makes her entrance” with the dancers of Jeffrey Craig Entertainment who provided the music.
Notice Erica’s pink and green socks to perfectly match her decor!
Dad Alan and Mom Lori dancing it up with MC Jason!
The Levys had something different to entertain the kids!
Anita, a hair extension specialist came to the party
Erica’s T-shirt favors by Top Elements were presented in silver logo’d tote bags and were placed on each young guest’s chair.
Erica proudly holds up the front of her shirt…
and the back
What a lucky girl! Erica got her cake from The Cake Boss.
The Levy family posing at the end of the candle lighting ceremony with that amazing cake
They also served guests these delicious and beautiful pink and green cupcakes
Guests also enjoyed a fountain flowing with pink chocolate to match the color scheme!
Here’s some advice from Mom Lori:
“I didn’t let anything stress me out, because in the end everything always gets done. I also let others with more experience help me with things that they knew better. We knew someone who was good at the candle lighting poems and she helped Erica write hers.”
The following vendors helped to make Erica’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Courtyard on Main, 732-294-0424
Party Planner: It’s Your Party, 732-431-0999
Caterer: Courtyard on Main
Music Entertainment: MC Jason, Jeffrey Craig Entertainment, 732-536-3688
Favors: Top Elements, 732-972-8290
Party Entertainment: Photo Booth Picture Us Perfect, Colored Hair Extensions by Anita 732-766-3533
Socks: Modell’s
Invitations: Its Your Party 732-431-0999
Sign-In Board:Discount Kids Chairs
Hebrew Cantor/Private Tutor: Kelli Richmond 732-536-2914
Cake: Carlo’s Bakery (Cake Boss) 201-659-3480
Décor/Florist: It’s Your Party
Erica’s Dress: Diane and Co 732-625-8001
Mom’s Dress: Hearts for You 732-536-7808
Hair: Dolores at Salon Cemone 732-536-0009
Makeup: Ruthy at Salon Cemone 732-536-0009
Photographer: Picture Us Perfect
Videographer: Picture Us Perfect
Custom Name Yarmulkes: BestKippah.com
January 1st, 2012
From Extraordinary Productions comes this hot pink, zebra and silver Bat Mitzvah celebration at Chakra in Paramus, New Jersey.
The event space is unique with lots of black and an industrial feel. Phyllis from Extraordinary Productions transformed the space using paper lanterns, orchids, hydrangea and crystals creating a one of a kind chandelier designed especially for Sofie, the Bat Mitzvah girl.
This party, on 11-11-11 was filled with hot pink, zebra, silver and many unique ideas!
Check it out below:
As guests entered Sofie’s celebration they saw these tall zebra lampshades. The zebra pattern was used as an accent on other party elements as well
The focal point of the space was the chandelier Phyllis designed just for Sofie using paper lanterns, crystals and lots of flowers. Sofie is leaning on her sign in chair! It was upholstered in zebra and black patent leather – her friends signed on the black part of the shoe
The sign-in “shoe chair” was also used for the Horah!
Large photos of Sofie, shot by Gary Zindel hung in this seating space with lots of up lighting
Sofie’s celebration took place on a special date, 11-11-11! Prior to the clock hitting 11:11pm, confetti poppers were given to guests, and MC Robby from Pure Energy started a countdown with a New Year’s Eve feel complete with footage of Times Square
This smaller lounge area had a beaded treatment with flowers at the ends where fabric was gathered. The beads also separated the kids from the adults
Sofie in the adult lounge area. These couches were part of the space, but the zebra, pillows and picture of Sofie were added
Check out the personalized pillows! Using her “11” logo, Extraordinary Productions created these
Sofie’s beautiful cake
We thank Extraordinary Productions for sharing Sofie’s terrific party with our readers. For more information on Extraordinary Productions, visit their Website.
December 31st, 2011
Jaylor Party Favors is a screen printer and embroidery company that specializes in designing wearable favors for your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah.
They are getting many requests for a hot new Bar/Bat Mitzvah favor: Lacrosse pinnies.
They come in two tone and many colors are available on the eyelet mesh material. They can be customized with each child’s last name or date on the back.
Up to 3 colors can be printed on one
side with any design on the front and back.
For more information, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
December 30th, 2011
Readers loved seeing our Mitzvah Family Spotlight from a party in 1979. It is a great example of how much things have changed when it comes to how we celebrate a child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
There have been many advances over the past decade in the world of technology and we are starting to see how these are now influencing the event industry and our celebrations.
Here are some examples of how our parties have gone hi-tech!
1. Kids can now be tutored online using Skype, ichat and can learn torah portions and prayers with apps.
Michael Marcus tutors children around the country using iChat and/or Skype to prepare them for the ceremony that he officiates
Oliner Graphics app for $1.99 teaches children three simple blessings that are broken down into a line-by-line format with audio and visuals in Hebrew, English and a transliteration
2. Many are using Websites like Paperlesspost.com to send invites or creating Websites giving guests a URL to visit.
With PaperLessPost.com guests receive the above invitation via their email
Simon Elliot Events creates Websites to match your party’s theme
3. Many people are creating their own albums due to the many easy to use online photo services like Kodak Gallery, Shutter Fly, Blurb.com and Apple.
This 48 page coffee table book was created on Blurb.com for $110.00
4. Entertainment companies are giving kids what they want: Facebook stations, Angry Birds games etc.
Facebook station from Creative Games
A Digital Graffiti Wall from Interactive Entertainment Concepts allows your guests to “paint” on pictures. Instead of real paint, when they press the cap, the can sprays infra red light, which is tracked by a computer as it moves across the screen
5. Favors are starting to have QR Codes so guests can get a special message or be sent to a Website with photos after the party.
From thecoolestgiveaways.com, a QR Code is used on a T-shirt and led guests to a party Website
This T-shirt favor is from A Promos USA/ImageMaker. When guests click on the QR code on the sleeve, they are led to a special designated web page on the A Promos USA Website which would feature a thank you note from the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child
7. Young guests can text messages during a party that appear on the DJ’s screen wishing the guest of honor a Mazel Tov.
Entertainment Tonite can provide a phone number where guests can text messages to the guest of honor
8. The iSign, from Simon Elliot Events is a digital way to have guests sign-in and leave special messages for guests.
The iSign can be customized for your child’s theme
After your event, your child will receive a book filled with their friends messages
8. Savvy computer literate families are creating their own montages – usually the child can edit right on their Mac computer.
9. Kids are raising lots of money with their Mitzvah Projects due to social media.
Crowdrise allows users to create their own fundraising pages for free and get friends, family and other Crowdrise participants to sponsor their volunteer projects
10. Gift giving for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah child got easier with sites like DepositAGift.com:
At DepositAGift.com, they help you create a personalized cash registry for your child, so you can politely ask guests to give cash for things your child really wants or needs
Did your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration go hi tech? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
December 21st, 2011
What do you get the Bar/Bat Mitzvah kid who has everything? A custom bobblehead!
AllBobbleheads.com can create a customized bobblehead which makes the perfect memorable Bar/Bat Mitzvah gift.
Your bobblehead doll will look just like the photos you send them – with great detail. They require a good front and side view to capture the look of the person you desire to have made into a bobblehead.
Most of the bobbleheads are between 6.5 to 7.5 inches. Sizes can vary as all of our pieces are hand made.
A custom bobblehead can also be used as a cake topper, favor or place card.
For more information, visit Allbobbleheads.com.
