Bar and Bat Mitzvah Planning: Research is Everything!

Research is key when it comes to planning your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah. While preparing for daughter Charlotte’s Bat Mitzvah, mom Frances Roth says she networked with other parents, combed through Facebook groups and attended Mitzvah Market’s own Celebrate! Showcase. In the end, she chose vendors who took the time to understand her goals and who could make her family’s vision a reality.

Roth also talked with family, friends, even co-workers while planning the event. Husband Ed came up with the theme and tagline for the event: Let’s Go CRazy, a play on Charlotte’s initials CR. “Ed was very involved,” says Frances. “Probably more than most husbands want to be.” A cousin created the centerpiece logo in the style of America’s Got Talent (one of Charlotte’s favorite shows), and a co-worker introduced Frances to the nonprofit which produced the unique party favors. 

The photographer for this event was Ellen Wolff Photography and the venue was The Fox Hollow in Woodbury, NY. A complete list of vendors follows at the end of this Spotlight.

Service

The Bat Mitzvah girl worked closely with Invitation House's Debbi Lee to design the perfect invitation

Charlotte's service was held at Manetto Hill Jewish Center. (L-R) brother Kurt, dad Ed, Bat Mitzvah girl Charlotte and mom Frances

Reception

Sleek white lounge furniture and purple balloons created a festive vibe for the reception. The Roths worked with the venue as well as Todd Yahney of Todd Yahney Events to create the floor plan and seating chart

Rotating centerpieces were created by Lighter Than Air Events

Place cards featured icebreaker questions on the back. The logo was a team effort between friends, family and a graphic designer at Spectrum Designs (which produced the favors)

The gift box, wrapped in rhinestones, is still sitting in the family's living room as a memory of their special day

The Bat Mitzvah girl made her big entrance in a dress she picked out at 2 B Seen. "How could I resist the huge smile when she tried it on?" says mom

Todd Yahney and his crew kept the dance floor packed and the kids engaged; plus, says mom, "They made my daughter feel so special"

For the candle lighting ceremony, floating candles sat atop tall cylinders filled with purple water

Strike-A-Light was popular with the kids

Charlotte and her friends had a blast in the green screen photo booth

Guests of all ages chose from a variety of fun backdrops like this Broadway/NYC scene

Favors with a Purpose

Charlotte's friends took home these custom beach towels which were designed by nonprofit Spectrum Designs. Spectrum aims to help individuals with Autism lead productive and meaningful lives through the world of work

The towels were wrapped in these custom logo bags

Mini mints were presented in custom logo cases

Mitzvah Advice

“Talk to people who have hosted Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, attend the [Celebrate!] Mitzvah Market Showcase, research posts in moms’ Facebook groups and ask a lot of questions,” says mom Frances who adds, “we met Todd Yahney, our DJ, at the Celebrate! Showcase.” Roth found out about dress boutique 2 B Seen from her sister-in-law but was reassured when she saw their listing on MitzvahMarket.com. “It was confirmation that this is what they do,” she says. “I did several searches for Long Island Bat Mitzvah photographers and Ellen Wolff came up in a search and I loved the photos on her website.”

Vendor Directory

The following vendors helped to make Charlotte’s celebration a success. If you contact them, please tell them you read about their services on Mitzvah Market.

Venue: The Fox Hollow, 516-921-1415
Entertainment/DJ/MC/Photo Booth/Karaoke/Games/Lounge Furniture: Todd Yahney Events, 516-781-4700
Decor/Centerpieces: Lighter Than Air Events, Artie, 516-933-3210
Invitations: Invitation House, Debbi Lee, 516-681-0664
Dresses: 2 B Seen, 516-921-5777
Photographer: Ellen Wolff Photography, 516-551-1745
Favors: Spectrum Designs, Stefanie, 516-767-7187 (beach towels), AnyPromo.com, 877-368-5678 (bags, mints)
Hair/Nails: Anthony DeFranco Salon, 516-588-0055