Bat Mitzvah Date Inspires Magical, Make A Wish Theme

Theme inspiration can come from anywhere – including your Bar or Bat Mitzvah date. Abby Kaplan of Maryland knew she wanted her Bat Mitzvah, on November 11th, to have a magical, ethereal vibe, but she didn’t know how that “feeling” could translate into an actual party theme. Abby and her family sat down with Heidi Hiller of Innovative Party Planners and together they created a “Make A Wish” theme, playing off of the date 11-11 and the popular belief that 11:11 is a lucky time to… make a wish!

Hiller and her team focused on creating multiple event experiences to reinforce the theme for the Kaplans’ guests. Thousands of stars were projected over the reception space, an entrance tunnel was draped with fairy lights, smoke machines were used to create the illusion of clouds and the photo booth was wrapped in a scene of clouds and stars. Says mom, Melissa, of working with Hiller’s team: “They took an obscure idea in our daughter’s head and somehow managed to bring it to life, transforming a string of random thoughts into a magical, incredible evening!”

Read on to see photos from this Make A Wish inspired Bat Mitzvah. The photographer for this event was Richard and Tara Photography. A complete list of vendors follows at the end of this story.

Starry Skies

Guests entered the reception through this entry tunnel, covered in fairy lights and draped in shimmering turgalet fabric

The tunnel was filled with airy white smoke and angled so that the ballroom decor room was unveiled slowly - creating the illusion of being granted a wish or walking on clouds

The "clouds" parted just in time for Abby's big entrance

Teal, magenta and midnight blue lighting set the mood for the reception

Thousands of tiny stars filled the space for a magical feeling; Hiller says a highlight of the event was when all eyes were on the dance floor and the starry lights began to move creating a sense of energy - almost like space travel!

This custom logo combined each element of Abby's theme: color palette, stars, clouds and a shooting star

Adult place settings featured a napkin wrapped with a message from Abby

Kids' napkins were wrapped in a blinking ring

Cocktail napkins in Abby's favorite colors featured her Bat Mitzvah logo

Submerged orchid centerpieces and candlelight added to the dreamy vibe

Abby's logo was also projected onto flat screens flanking the dance floor

The photo booth was wrapped in a scene of clouds and stars, to give the feeling of entering another dimension

Guests left their wishes for Abby on a celestial sign-in board; an original piece of art printed on foam board

Magical Moments

 

During the cocktail hour a live saxophonist (he was also one of the dancers!) entertained guests

Hiller says she always judges her team's success on the reaction of the Mitzvah child when they see the room for the first time. This hug from Abby says it all!

Abby's friends took home fleece blankets embroidered with her logo... to send them off with sweet dreams!

Venue: Temple Oheb Shalom; Event Planning/Logos: Innovative Party Planners; Caterer: Linwood’s Catering; Music Entertainment: Limelight Entertainment; Photography: Richard and Tara Photography; Photo Booth: Booth-O-Rama Photobooths; Lighting: Maryland Productions; Linens: Select Event Group; Flowers: Flowers and Fancies