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BAR MITZVAH PLANNING
- GETTTING STARTED
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Bar Mitzvah Planning - Getting Started Take the
first steps in planning your child's Bar or Bat Mitzvah with
our easy guide.
Yes, your child's Bar Mitzvah is all about friends, family,
and spirituality. But it's also about planning his or her
biggest birthday party yet (maybe ever)! Where to get started?
Here, of course!
PLANNING WITH A PRO Consider bringing in a professional event planner to help you get things done, on time and with style. "The good news is that a party planner does all the worrying for you!" says Claudia Warner of Gourmet Advisory Services. "It's like having a general contractor or decorator. We take your to-do list and get it done." A Bar Mitzvah planner can help with the fun stuff (like finding the resources to actually create all your kid's cool ideas, whether it's their name in lights or the perfect candy favor) and all the not-so-fun stuff (like negotiating with vendors). STRIKING A BALANCE You want to throw a fabulous Bar Mitzvah. Your child also wants to throw a fabulous Bar Mitzvah. Unfortunately, your ideas of what's "fabulous" aren't exactly the same. Now is a great time to practice the fine art of compromise, which is definitely going to come in handy as your child heads into his teen years. And it's actually another area where an event planner can come in handy -- it doesn't hurt to have a neutral person who can listen to everyone's ideas and help sort them out. TACKLING THE GUEST LIST You (and your child) are going to want to invite all of your friends, relatives, and then some to your Bar Mitzvah. First, figure out your guest wishlist -- everyone you could possibly want -- and then start trimming. You want to get it to a size that fits your budget -- and your venue. You don't want to run out of food, chairs, or space! If you really want to add a couple more guests when it's getting down to the wire, don't sweat it too much. "Look at the big picture," says Warner, "If, in the scheme of things, inviting ten more people won't break the bank, then do what makes you happy." FIND A PHOTOGRAPHER Another big to-do? Booking a photographer for your Bar Mitzvah. After all, you're going to want to remember every minute. If possible, start looking at least a year in advance. "It's important to meet as many photographers as possible so you can compare styles and personalities," says Chris Herder of LotusPhotographers. "You should also ask the venue you've chosen for recommendations." Once you've got a list of candidates, check out their websites to preview their work. See something you like? Make a time when you and your child can meet with the photographer in person. Don't forget -- personality counts! "Remember the more comfortable you are with who you choose, the more relaxed you will be the day of the event," Herder says. GET PARTYING You've got the Bar Mitzvah's place, the people, the food, the favors. . . Don't forget one of the most important ingredients -- the music! "The key to a great DJ is someone who can keep the party hopping and flowing, be a great entertainer, and anticipate what to do before the interest level wanes," says Kevin S. Kiernan of All About Parties Inc. "A good DJ can make magic happen." Whether you're having a band or a DJ, spend some time beforehand thinking about your playlist -- the songs you want to hear and the songs you don't. And don't forget about Bar Mitzvah games, prizes, and more. If you're really going to go all out, then by all means, go all out!
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