Unforgettable Bar or Bat Mitzvah in Highland Park

Mazel Tov!

If you’re reading this, you are undoubtedly thrilled about the rite of passage that lies ahead for your child as they prepare to become a bar or bat mitzvah. You might also be a little anxious or even overwhelmed, particularly if you have never done this before!

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As with any large event, family, friends and even co-workers are probably full of generous advice about which caterer did the best job, which linen rental company is the best value, and what DJ had the best selection of songs. Maybe this is your first bar or bat mitzvah, or perhaps you’ve been to several, and this celebration is for your second or third child. Regardless, know that in between work and volunteering, sports practice, school plays, carpooling, weekend tournaments, Hebrew school, and tutoring lessons, you just don’t have the extra time to plan your event and still enjoy this pivotal time in your child’s life.

If you’ve been hesitant about when and where to begin, remember this: they key to a great event is to celebrate way that is truly unique to you and your family. Everyone wants to host a stylish and entertaining party that recognizes the true meaning of the occasion and aligns with your family’s priorities, goals,

and ethics. And this article will show you how!

The Modern Mitzvah

Over time, traditional bar mitzvah festivities have become huge affairs, with the guest list including Jewish people and gentiles alike. It is relatively common for a mitzvah celebration to include relatives and close family, but also neighbors, school friends and significant members of the local Jewish population. The bar or bat mitzvah is a solemn occasion, but it is also a time of great celebration in the life of a young person. It marks the beginning of their journey into adulthood.

When it comes to planning, there is much to consider. But by beginning your planning process early and making some initial key decisions, you can celebrate this momentous occasion in style, and throw a bar mitzvah party the will not soon be forgotten.

Planning

The earlier you begin, the less stressful the event will be. Set the date for your party well in advance to give yourself plenty of time to secure the venue you desire, to send out invitations, and choose your caterer. Of course, before you do this, you will need to have a number of guests in mind, so decide on the people you will invite. The size of venue and the type of catering depends largely on your guest list.

For example, if you are keeping the party small, with just close family and fellow synagogue members, a smaller venue and kosher catering service is key. Conversely, if you plan to invite inter-faith guests, such as neighbors and your son’s school friends, a larger hall and a caterer that can provide both kosher and non-kosher menus is ideal.

Budget

One of the greatest benefits of early planning is the ability to set a predetermined budget. This also gives you the freedom to adjust your party plans in order to avoid any unforeseen high costs. When deciding on a budget for your bar mitzvah party, consider the following:

· Number of Guests

· Decorations/Table Linens

· Catering Costs

· Entertainment

· Venue Costs

Venue

If your guest list is a combination of adults and teenagers, you may want to consider a venue that offers an adjacent room for the adults to retire to for cocktails and conversation while the teenagers are enjoying the entertainment. This allows both the teenagers and the adults to enjoy themselves to the fullest.

As you consider different event spaces, take the time to visit them in person. This will allow you to get a feel for the premises, and to assure yourself that they are well maintained and offer all of the necessary amenities. A good venue should offer adequate parking facilities, clean restroom and accommodations for any disabled guests. The venue should also be able to provide all of the tables and seating you will require, as well as any necessary audio/visual equipment for the night’s entertainment.

Food

A bar/bat mitzvah party is a great way to introduce your non-Jewish friends to kosher family favorites. Based on your invite list, you may want to keep the food 100 percent kosher, or select a mix of kosher and non-kosher items. When shopping for venues, ask if they have an on-site catering service. Bundling services together often makes planning a party much easier, and can often save you money to boot.

The caterers should be able to accommodate all of your refreshment needs, including hors d’oeuvres main courses, and deserts. You will want to be sure that they understand the importance of keeping kosher, and that they are able to include any specialties or family favorites. The on-site caterer should be able to provide a tasting menu for you to sample before deciding on your final selections. They should also provide staff for both service and clean-up. If you are considering an open bar for your adult guests, you will want to check with the caterer and the venue to be sure they are licensed to serve alcohol.

Decorations

It’s not a party without the little touches—and those will be noticed! You can take your party from ordinary to extraordinary with well-crafted color scheme, fine table linens, decorative charger plates, chair covers and other special touches.

If you are looking for a particular fabric and color, then your best bet is usually to go through a rental service. That way, you can ensure that you will be able to find enough linen for each of your tables and shapes. That way, you’ll be sure to find enough of the same product for a cohesive look.

Here are a few other key considerations:

· Do you want a special table for the guest of honor and family?

· Should the tables be round or rectangular (banquet style)?

· Are the tables going to be outside, or indoors? (Many venues offer both options).

· Will your caterer supply tables and chairs?

· Will you have a choice of different table types (for example, some round, some square? This depends on whether your catering company, the venue, or another company supplies the tables.)

· What do you want your plates, cutlery, and glasses look like?

A bar/bat mitzvah is a time of great celebration in the family and the Jewish community. It is a time to come together and recognize the passage into adulthood. With the proper planning, and with the right attention to detail, your mitzvah celebration in Highland Park will also be a party no one will soon forget!