Bar Bat Mitzvah Favors: Gotham T-Shirts Reveals What You Need to Know

There are many things to consider when choosing a vendor for your Bar or Bat Mitzvah swag. With so many big (and small) companies creating favors, it’s important to do your homework before making your selection. To help guide you through this process, Mitzvah Market asked Howie Zwang, owner of Gotham T-Shirts, a leading Mitzvah favor/apparel vendor, to share the key questions he believes all Mitzvah parents should ask:

Vendor Research

“The first thing you should do is speak with friends, use online resources, like Mitzvah Market, and check social media sites to educate yourself about the business,” says Zwang. “There are many ways to do this, but these are my personal recommendations.”

Look at each vendor’s website: Is the site up-to-date? Are pictures and reviews recent or from three years ago? You’ll also see if the company creates items/logos with a vibe that you like.

With an open mind read the Yelp, Google & Facebook reviews for each business: Read the good ones and the bad ones — and don’t be afraid of a few bad ones. Question the vendor on these reviews. Can you tell which the owner and his friends wrote which are authentic? In today’s world you can purchase reviews, so thousands of great reviews and zero bad ones would be a red flag for me, says Zwang.

Ask your friends for referrals: Utilize social media groups and ask members publicly or privately who they used for their Bar or Bat Mitzvah, why they chose them and whether or not they were happy with the vendor and the final products.

Vendor Interviews

After your initial research, Zwang advises calling two or three reputable companies to ask the following:

Do you have an in-house artist to create a Bar or Bat Mitzvah logo or re-create an existing one? What is the cost for logo creation or reproduction? Do you use clip art or create all original? How many hours or revisions is the client entitled to with the quoted price? If a logo is created but needs to be altered for apparel, do you charge twice?

Do you print the favors in house? “Quality control is KEY,” explains Zwang. “If your ‘favor people’ aren’t creating and producing items in-house, the reality is they have zero control on the production of your items. While many of these (outsourced) vendors and businesses are great and successful you might want to work with a vendor that has a factory and has the ability to tweak a job during production.

How many Bar and Bat Mitzvah favors do you print each year? How long have you been in the Bar Bat Mitzvah favor business? “You want to know if this is a ‘part-time printer’ or someone who specializes in Mitzvah favor apparel,” explains Zwang. “Think about it, do you want to work with a company that prints for Little Leagues all year? Or one who deals with the fashion forward party favors that your child wants?”

You’ve Made A Decision… Now What?

Call the vendor you liked the best and find out the following:

*How long until we get the art?
*Can we use the logo for the party?
*When do you need final count and sizes?
*Will you help me with sizing and quantity?
*Will you send samples if the business isn’t local?
*When do we receive our favors?

Photo Gallery

See below for some of Gotham T-Shirts’ hottest Bar and Bat Mitzvah swag… and take a sneak peek inside their factory.

Gotham T-Shirts has an in-house factory for printing

For more information about Gotham T-Shirts visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.

You can also ask questions and get advice on favors and swag in our regional Bar Bat Mitzvah planning groups on Facebook. Join here.

Custom Logo Inspires Sophisticated NYC Bat Mitzvah

The photographer for this event was Otero & Seclen. A complete list of vendors follows at the end of this Spotlight.

Service

Marley's service at Ansche Chesed on Manhattan's Upper West Side

(L-R): mom Beth Michelson, Marley, sister Hayden, dad Marc and beloved family pet, Mookie

Logo yarmulkes introduced the M logo at Marley's service

Blue Camo Chic

The logo that started it all... in the Bat Mitzvah girl's favorite color

The bold writing and camo liner on the invitation were repeated throughout various decor elements

The camo design created a funky background for the escort table signage

The two story ballroom was transformed with blue lighting, metallic table linens and tons of candles

Lucite centerpieces, some topped with images of Marley, added drama and height to the tables

Modern white sofas, LED cocktail tables and plenty of plush pillows filled the kids' lounge

Blue crystal glasses and shimmery silver chargers combined for a beautiful place setting

Marley's logo was front and center on the menus

LED cubes with Marley's image and logo created a unique DJ booth

The Bat Mitzvah girl made a magical entrance

Marley and her dad shared a special moment - and suprised mom Beth - with a three-part choreographed dance! Here they recreated Monica and Ross's "The Routine" from iconic TV show Friends

DJ Ice kept Marley and her friends on their feet all night

Special Touches

When your Bat Mitzvah is in the heart of NYC, how can you resist a Times Square photo op?

Marley enjoys an "only in NY" moment on the famous Times Square steps

Everyone got in on the photo booth swing fun! Here mom Beth is surrounded by friends

Kids took home custom fuzzy pajama shorts, sweatshirts with a Commes de Garcons inspired logo and dance floor giveaways in a custom bag

The reusable canvas bag was totally on-trend

 Mitzvah Advice

“Don’t sweat the small stuff! A friend gave me that good advice with my first daughter’s Bat Mitzvah,” says mom Beth. “If you want a memorable party, make sure you have an amazing MC, great friends, and spend the night on the dance floor. If you do, everyone who you need or want to talk to and spend time with will find you there.” She adds: “Use a party planner, especially if you work full time. There is too much to coordinate and you won’t be able to enjoy the celebration as much if it’s all on you.” Lastly, Beth suggests, “Use vendors you love and trust. We LOVED ours. It makes it so much more enjoyable.”

Vendor Directory

The following Vendors helped to make Marley’s night unforgettable. If you contact them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.

Venue/Security: Edison Ballroom, 212-201-7650
Event Planner: Amy Katz Events, 212-535-8859
Music/MC/DJ: Glyde Productions, MC Ice, 240-631-0598
Photographer: Otero & Seclen, 212-865-2520
Videographer: Artisan NY, Jasyon Jimenez, 212-242-2843
Sweatshirts, Bags, T-Shirts, Pinnies: Merch Direct, 631-891-0134
Fuzzy Pajama Shorts: Made with Love & Kisses, 516-694-3321
Logo Design & Branding: Corey Paige Designs, 516-376-6843
Invitations: EAF Fine Papers, 212-874-2649
Entertainment: Creative Games, 516-626-1900
Flowers/Decor: Adam Leffel Productions, 201-487-1300
Dresses: Campanella Couture, Grimaneza Flores, 347-593-2423 (mom and Bat Mitzvah girl), All About the Dress, 914-219-5300 (sister)
Suits: Studiosuits.com
Hair: Drybar, 646-802-9987
Makeup: Makeup by Cendy, 646-944-3996
Transportation: Academy Bus Company, 800-442-7272

For more information on working with Mitzvah vendors in the New York City area, check out Mitzvah Market’s NYC planning group on Facebook. Live in another city? You can ask questions get advice in Mitzvah Market’s regional Bar Bat Mitzvah planning groups on Facebook.

Mitzvah Inspire: Carnival Themed Bar Mitzvah

Jersey Street Productions, a full service event company specializing in custom designs, recently helped produce an incredible carnival themed Bar Mitzvah at Temple B’nai Jeshrun in Millburn, New Jersey. Building off of the Leshin family’s idea for a carnival-like atmosphere, Jersey Street Productions collaborated with Michael Marielli Events to bring their vision to life.

Carnival games, an MC/Ringmaster, balloon artists, jugglers and carnival food carts set the stage for fun. Custom furniture installations by Jersey Street Productions, including a one of a kind Dart Balloon Bar and a plush, vibrant kids’ lounge, created an interactive environment for guests.

The photographer for this event was Andy Foster Photography. A complete list of vendors follows at the end of this story.

Sam’s Spectacular Sideshow

A custom invitation featuring quintessential carnival red!

The Bar Mitzvah boy, Sam Leshin, and his parents, before Sam's service

A custom logo wrapped dance floor and jumbo sized LED screen led guests to the dancefloor

Jersey Street Productions created this showstopping Ballloon Dart Bar and lounge; The stuffed animals were donated to the Leshin's synagogue

The kids' lounge was the place to be for Sam's friends

Carnival food favorites including sliders, tacos and a gyro stand were set up in striped tents

Carnival games kept kids and adults busy and on their feet

Sam and his mother shared a special dance

The dance floor was packed all day

Before heading home guests enjoyed carnival staples: fried oreos, churros and of course, popcorn!

We thank Jersey Street Productions for sharing this fun Mitzvah Inspire story with us. Additional vendors who made this event special include:

Event Planning: Michael Marielli Events, 732-252-7429, Invitations: Julie Maloof Designs, 973-615,6952, Logos & Graphics: Bombshell Graphics, 862-210-8408 and Brand Your Mitzvah, 917-860-3825, Catering: Encore Catering NJ, 973-515-8000, Entertainment, Games, Photo Booth & LED Wall: Pure Event Group, 800-419-5355, Tents: Party Time Rentals, 877-572-7897

For more information on working with Mitzvah vendors in the New Jersey area, check out Mitzvah Market’s New Jersey Bar Bat Mitzvah Planning Group on Facebook. Live in another city? You can ask questions get advice in Mitzvah Market’s regional Bar Bat Mitzvah planning groups on Facebook.

Residents Forward – Climate Awareness Garden

Through gardening and with adult mentoring, teach elementary school students about the climate/food connection.

Red, White & Blue Bat Mitzvah Inspired by American Political System

Service

Bold stars and stripes were proudly displayed on Alexis's invitation

Alexis became a Bat Mitzvah at Temple Emanuel in Newton. She had a mincha service at which she read Torah and Haftorah and led the service. She was surrounded by family and her day school classmates (who joined her in song at the end!)

Reception

Alexis and her family - mom Nanette, dad Jose and brother Jacob - took a moment on the dance floor before the party began

Before entering the reception, Alexis's guests had a chance to sign in and wish her well

The Constitution inspired board was just one of the clever nods to American politics

Gifts were deposted in a ballot box

The ballroom was transformed into a patriotic display of red, white and blue

Guests found their tables, organized by U.S. state, on this oversized seating chart

Table centerpieces were designed to look like delegate signs from national conventions; Each table represented a different U.S. state

The dance floor was wrapped in the Bat Mitzvah girl's logo

Alexis and her friends kept the dance floor packed

The White House also served as a backdrop to Alexis's candle lighting display

Special Touches

In keeping with the theme, the photographers wore media credentials

Alexis and her mom came up with the idea to use political quotes (and jokes!) on cocktail napkins. (Mom Nanette says the original idea came from her son's Bar Mitzvah where she used baseball quotes.)

Specialty cocktails for the kids kept the red and blue theme going

The food buffets were draped inn patriotic stars and stripes

Alexis sported customized Converse high tops with her logo and Mitzvah date

Family friend Rory Torstensson painted the sneakers for Alexis

Guests had a blast in the photo booth where they posed not only with political quote signs, but could also wear a mask of U.S. politicians past and present

Dance floor giveaways included patriotic (and comfy!) socks

Alexis's friends took home custom logo sweatshirts

Montage

Watch Alexis's awesome campaign video (aka montage!) created by Elissa Owens Montages here

Mitzvah Advice

“Get day-of help so you can enjoy,” says mom Nanette, who brought in a professional event planner to coordinate day.

Mitzvah Project

Alexis raised funds for The Sandy Hook Promise which was founded after the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT. The goals of the organization are to educate children and adults about gun violence, prevent any person from becoming a victim and to teach about mental health issues.

While fundraising, Alexis explained: “At my school, my friends and I brought the conversation of gun violence and mental health awareness into our middle school. I have decided to take it a step further and on my own reach out to you for donations if you are so inclined (no pressure). . . When I speak about the topic of gun violence, or mention The Sandy Hook Promise, many people will ask me, ‘Why do you care?’ My answer to this question is I am part of a community that is bigger than myself, where it is my responsibility as a person in the community to take action and speak up when I see something wrong. Most of my life is being involved with my school and temple where I am taught everyday how to be an active member of my community and work towards repairing our world, no matter how big or small of step it may be. This is something that I value and will continue to value for the rest of my life. Also, my childhood has been marked by mass shootings. When I was in kindergarten, I remember hearing about the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary school. Last year when I was in 5th grade I remember hearing about the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Shooting in Florida. Even though I am not a direct victim of gun violence, hearing about all of these shootings and these senseless tragedies has definitely affected me. I am also deeply inspired by the activism that has come from tragedies such as these, and specifically been inspired by kids very close in age to me making a bigger impact than many of our politicians.”

Vendor Directory

The following vendors helped to make Alexis’s night unforgettable. If you contact them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.

Venue: Boston Marriott Newton, 617-969-1000
Party Planner: Rachel Glazer, Rachel G Events, 617-835-1491
Music/MC/DJ: Johnny K, Pure Energy Entertainment, 978-646-9226
Photographer: Meri Bond, Meri Bond Photography, 617-823-3244
Montage: Elissa Owen, Elissa Owen Montages, 617-480-4935
Favors: All Sports Wear (sweatshirts), 617 244-4220
Logos/Sign-In Board: Lisa Thompson, Lisa Thompson Graphic Design, 508-930-8444
Invitations: Toby Dondis Ltd., 617-332-5253
Décor: Ashima Samuel, True Elegance Design, 603-233-9599

For more information on working with Mitzvah vendors in the Boston area, check out Mitzvah Market’s Boston planning group on Facebook. Live in another city? You can ask questions get advice in Mitzvah Market’s regional Bar Bat Mitzvah planning groups on Facebook.

The Hottest Bar and Bat Mitzvah Products: Cutie Patootie Creations Shares their Biggest Sellers

Cutie Patootie Creations, celebrating its 15th Anniversary this summer, is a boutique event design firm specializing in custom invitations, logos, decor, dance floor socks, sign-in boards, giveaways and event extras for Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. Owner/designer Stephanie Feldman explains that Cutie Patootie’s personalized design experience is what sets them apart. “We navigate a unique and creative process for each of our clients and work within every budget,” says Feldman. “Our one-stop shopping approach allows clients to take care of multiple Mitzvah needs with one vendor– simplifying the planning process and reducing stress.” 

Based in North Carolina, Cutie Patootie Creations works with event planners and planning parents nationwide. Read on for examples of Cutie Patootie’s biggest sellers and hottest products.

Custom Invitations To Fit Any Budget

Creative Seating Charts, Place Cards & Sign-Ins

Unique Event Decor

Logos for Every Theme

 Dance Floor Socks

Apparel & Exit Treats

Cutie Patootie Creations offers similar services for weddings, baby showers, Sweet 16s, Quinceaneras and more. For more information about Cutie Patootie Creations, visit their profile page in our Vendor Directory.

Top 15 Questions To Ask Your Bar Bat Mitzvah DJ

The DJ/MC you choose for your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration has to be good!

By good, we mean experienced. By experienced, we mean experience with Bar Bat Mitzvah parties. It’s a tricky event because the entertainment is kid-focused, and at the same time, you want your adult guests to have a great time too.

You’ll want to be sure they understand the nuances and timing of the important rituals such as the horah and candle lighting – and, they need to keep the kids entertained.

HERE ARE THE TOP 15 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DJ:

BACKGROUND

1. How many years of experience do you have doing Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations?
2. What do people say about your parties?
3. May I have some references from families who have used your services at a recent Bar or Bat Mitzvah party?
4. Will you guarantee a certain DJ/MC will be at my event? Will it be in the contract? Can I speak to that person? Tell me a little about him or her? Does he or she have other experience with working with teenagers?
5. Can we see you in action? (Most DJs have videos showing them performing so you can get a sense of their style and interactions with guests. Others will supply dates they are doing similar affairs so you can see them in person.)

EK Event Group

Xtreme Event Group

PARTY TIME

6. What attire will the MC, DJ and dancers be wearing? Ask this if you have a preference. You may want them to wear black shirts and bow ties if it’s a formal affair or have a more casual look for a club theme. You also may not want the dancers to be dressed too scantily. Some families provide T-shirts with the party logo for a coordinated look.
7. Do you bring all your own equipment or do you need the venue to supply anything? Also, do you have backup equipment and other MCs and DJs available in case of emergency or illness?
8. Will you work with us to create a timeline of the event and when to add in such special activities as the hora, candle lighting ceremony and montage? (Coordinate this with the venue as well.)

Dance Time Entertainment

Xplosive Entertainment

GAMES, PHOTOS, FAVORS & MORE!

9. Will you supply the giveaway party favors? Do we get to choose what we want? Is this an additional charge or is it included? If there is an additional charge, you can save money by purchasing these directly from novelty companies.
10. Do you have a zap shot photographer and the ability to show those photos on screens during the party? (If this is supplied by your photographer, have them coordinate with the entertainment company to make sure they have access to the screens.)
11. What other extras can you supply? Many DJs can supply arcade games, live musicians, magicians, photographers, video montages experts and more. 

Todd Yahney Music and Entertainment

Cohen Productions

THE BOTTOM LINE & OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS

12. What is your fee and what does it include (including number of people they will bring, how many hours they will play, etc.)? Are there any other fees? Be clear about this. Some entertainment companies charge for parking, travel expenses, etc. Finally, what about tipping—ask what is customary.
13. Are you insured?
14. Am I expected to feed the crew? If so, ask your venue or caterer to supply sandwiches and determine cost beforehand so there are no last minute surprises when they charge you for a full price meal for each person.
15. What is your cancellation policy?

EJ The DJ

Jimmy Dee Entertainment

Read: Top Questions To Ask A Bar Bat Mitzvah Venue Before You Book
Read: Top 15 Questions To Ask Your Bar Bat Mitzvah Photographer
Read: Top Questions To Ask Your Bar or Bat Mitzvah Caterer

This story is from our 2016 Mitzvah Market Magazine. If you would like to request a free copy, click here.

Save Time, Money & Stress Planning Your Bar or Bat Mitzvah with The Event of a Lifetime, Inc.

Planning the perfect Bar or Bat Mitzvah can take months… or just one phone call!

With nearly 25 years experience, The Event of a Lifetime, Inc. is a full service event planning company that can assist you with all aspects of the Bar Bat Mitzvah planning process from budgets and vendors to event decor, entertainment and favors. “Personalized attention to each client is what sets us apart,” says Melisa Imberman, President. “We are insanely organized, creative and we think outside the box. We work with each client to build their event from the ground up. Our goal is to exceed your expectations by creating an event that truly reflects your child and your family.”

The Event of a Lifetime, Inc. maintains relationships with top Mitzvah vendors, allowing Melisa and her team to plan and execute as much (or as little) of the Bar or Bat Mitzvah process as each client desires. In addition to producing unique, eye-catching Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations, Imberman prides herself on the company’s relationships with clients, many of whom have worked with The Event of a Lifetime, Inc. on more than one affair. “There’s nothing better than being a part of such a special time in their lives and giving them the celebration of their dreams and alleviating their stress is just icing the cake,” she says.

Imberman says saving time, money and reducing stress are the top three benefits of hiring The Event of a Lifetime, Inc. She explains that clients have access to vendors they might not find otherwise, and as a self-described perfectionist, Imberman is totally invested in each and every event. “It’s not uncommon for me to wake up in the middle of the night with ideas for a celebration,” she says. “I lose sleep so you don’t have to!”

The Event of a Lifetime, Inc. recently unveiled a new Website which features a complete list of services, client testimonials, photo galleries and more. To celebrate the new site, Mitzvah Market asked Imberman to share a few of her all-time favorite Bar Bat Mitzvah pics. Imberman is also offering Mitzvah Market readers one free hour of event planning, when booking an event planning package.

Dazzling Decor

"This was a really dramatic, total room transformation. My clients chose this venue because it was convenient for a number of reasons, but they didn't love the space," explains Imberman. "I promised them it would be unrecognizable on the day of their Mitzvah... and it was! We draped the walls, covered the carpet, suspended lights from the ceiling, brought in different chairs and flooded the room with light. We also brought in a blue, mirrored dance floor, added beautiful linens, centerpieces and lounge furniture to create a room that was everything my clients wanted and more."

"This Bat Mitzvah was so whimsical and fun, with bright colors and Pop Art influences." says Imberman. "The Bat Mitzvah girl’s name was Della. She loved music and concerts so we started with Dellapalooza, but she also loved bright colors and art so we combined the ideas. We created oversized Warhol-esque photo art from her pre-Mitzvah shoot, and Lichtenstein inspired her logo, escort cards, table signs and menus. The result was totally unique and totally Della!" To see more from this celebration click here

"Sometimes themes are obvious right away and sometimes I have to delve a little deeper," says Imberman of her creative process. "This Bar Mitzvah boy liked neon colors and caricatures. I embraced this by having him sit with a caricaturist prior to his celebration. Those drawings became décor at the party and, I also brought in a caricature artist to the event for guests. We used neon colors throughout: the Bar Mitzvah boy's logo was in the style of a neon sign, dance floor giveaways were neon, and the dancers wore neon accessories and makeup."

"This Bat Mitzvah girl wanted everything pink and 'sweet' and boy did she get both," says Imberman. "My team created a Pink Candy Wonderland: Guests entered through a pink forest of life size lollipops and cotton candy cones, the escort cards were displayed on a bed of jelly beans in an old fashioned candy cart, the tables glistened with pink, sparkly linens and centerpieces featured giant candy lollipops. The dance floor was wrapped in what looked like a sea of jelly beans, candy and the Bat Mitzvah girl's logo. Of course the evening ended with a (totally pink!) candy 'bar' to end all candy bars!" To see more from this celebration click here

"Reinventing the wheel is one of our specialties, and this football Bar Mitzvah is a great example of that," says Imberman. "The Bar Mitzvah boy and his family love the Giants. They have season tickets and they love to tailgate at MetLife Stadium. Just my luck, the Bar Mitzvah boy's name was Matt, so Metlife became Mattlife Stadium. A branding dream! We created so many great logos and set up the party like a tailgate. Instead of the kids sitting on lounge furniture, they had stadium chairs and benches under tents and all of the food was concession-style, just like at the stadium."

"It’s not often that you find an Oregon Ducks fan in NY- I know from personal experience as I am one!- so it was really meant to be that this Mitzvah family found me, not knowing that I was a Duck too," says Imberman. "They had booked a venue prior to hiring to me and were concerned that their venue didn’t work with the Oregon Duck basketball theme. Their concerns were valid, but we made it work and then some! The centerpieces were built out of actual memorabilia (basketballs, sneakers etc.) along with the Bar Mitzvah boy's logos. Escort cards looked like mini basketball jerseys and were displayed in the stands of the Matthew Knight Arena. My favorite part of the celebration? When the Duck mascot walked in and surprised the Bar Mitzvah boy! A truly unforgettable moment." To see more from this celebration click here

For more information about The Event of a Lifetime, Inc., visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory. 

You can also ask questions and get advice in our regional Bar Bat Mitzvah planning groups on Facebook. Join here.

RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network)

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization.

Make A Wish Foundation of Connecticut

Our mission is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.