Event Planner Shares Her Daughter’s Showstopping Bat Mitzvah

The expectations were high for Gabi Ivler’s Bat Mitzvah celebration… and the Ivlers did not disappoint! From a “live drink wall” and fire eaters, to break dancers and a metallic 3-D balloon wall, this party was a delight for the senses. After a private service at Congregation Agudath Israel in Caldwell, New Jersey, Gabi was joined by family and friends at the Crystal Plaza in Livingston.

Gabi’s mom, Lisa, is the owner of Lisa Ivler Events, an event production company in the New York Tri-State area. Like all Lisa Ivler Events, Gabi’s Bat Mitzvah was filled with moments that created an original and captivating guest experience. “Special touches of theatrics that make your heart skip a beat,” are Lisa’s goal.

While Lisa was able to call on many of her go-to vendors for the celebration, she tells Mitzvah Market she didn’t anticipate how different it would be to plan her own child’s Mitzvah celebration. “I plan other people’s parties a few times a month and I don’t stress. When it came to my own party, I was beyond stressed!” Lisa, who recommends (now more than before!) hiring a planner or day-of coordinator, shares her Mitzvah planning advice at the end of this Spotlight.

Photo above (L-R): sister Brooke, dad Jeff, Bat Mitzvah girl Gabi, mom Lisa and brother Josh. The photographer for this event was Visionary Artists. A complete list of vendors is at the end of this spotlight.

Bat Mitzvah Service

Gabi had a private service at Congregation Agudath Israel. "Being surrounded by only family and the closest of friends was really very special," says mom Lisa

Gabi's dress was gold with a hint of sparkle to go along with her theme

Dramatic Design

Gabi's invitation and gift box revealed the elegant color palette for her celebration

Gold rose mirrors served as place cards (and a special keepsake!)

Golden branches covered in twinkle lights and accented by hanging balls of white flowers created an enchanted space

Dramatic centerpieces, by Debbie's Designs, were made with gold terraces covered in white roses, white hydrangea, crystals and candle light

Table set-ups in gold and turquoise varied throughout the ballroom

The bars (background) were built with a white and gold rose pattern overlay

The kids' lounge featured turquoise furniture and oversized photos from Gabi's pre-shoot

Custom logo pillows carried out the theme

Photo cubes with a golden G were a part of the decor in the kids' lounge

Gabi's branding was placed on everything from LED screens to these custom vases

Menus were adorned with gold beads

Gabi made her entrance in an ethereal blue dress

The hora was just the beginning of non-stop entertainment

Family is everything for the Ivlers, who surrounded Gabi during her candle lighting

The dance floor was packed all night long

Brilliant Branding

Gabi's full name, Gabrielle Rose, was the inspiration for the rose theme in the decor and branding. The various logos were designed by FabuDesigns.com

The Bat Mitzvah girl's initials, GRI, were also used in a variety of logos and branding

The acylic sign in board was created by Lisa Ivler Events

The adult cocktail menu offered GRI-approved cocktails

Dance floor giveaways were a hot commodity

Gabi's girlftiends took home logo sweatshirts while the boys received long sleeve sport tech shirts

Kids enjoyed signature mocktails

Major WOW Moments

A "live drink wall" offered guests mocktails as they entered the reception

Instead of a traditional photo booth, a metallic balloon wall served as a backdrop for photos

The dance floor was empty on only two occassions... to make room for the break dancers...

... and fire eaters!

A thrilling sight for guests

Sparklers went off behind the LED screens (with custom branding)

Another unexpected WOW! moment came when (adult) guests received champagne from a server in a champagne skirt and aerial ring

The multi-tiered DJ set up featured LED screens, a white stage and tons of lighting to change the mood in the room

An electric violinist added a funky live music element

Kids loved the "neon fantasy" moment

Special Touches

A surprise message from the Bat Mitzvah girl in the women's restroom

Gabi stayed comfortable all night thanks to these metallic gold Converse sneakers

Guests were treated to airbrush tattoos

An eye-popping array of desserts were passed out to guests. iCandy Entertainment girls offered some of Gabi's favorites

Sprinkle milk shakes were passed on silver trays

Fried Oreos were presented in a clear umbrella

A double sided donut wall was brought out...

... as well as a board covered in French Macarons

Mini fruit kebobs were also available

Hot pretzels (with dipping sauces) and logo water bottles were given to guests on their way home

Mitzvah Advice

“My advice to anyone planning a Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration for their child? Hire an event planner or a day-of coordinator!” says mom Lisa, who is the owner of Lisa Ivler Events. “Even for my own daughter’s party, I enlisted the help of another planner. There are always last-minute details that need attention in the hours leading up to a party, especially when the party is just about to begin! I never would have been able to relax without a planner on-site that day. So, my advice is to hire a planner, relax, and feel like a guest at your own party!”

Mitzvah Project

Gabi volunteers at the family’s temple working with three and four year olds on a weekly basis.

Vendor Directory

The following vendors helped to make Gabi’s Bar Mitzvah a night to remember. If you contact them, please let them know you read about their services on Mitzvah Market.

Venue: Crystal Plaza, 973-992-8100
Event Planning/Invitations/Extra Entertainment/Break Dancers/Sign-In Board/Give Aways: Lisa Ivler Events, 973-826-2108
Decor/Floral: Debbie’s Designs, 973-696-7930
Branding/Logos: Fabu Designs, 312-513-1698
Music/DJ/Electric Violinist/Games: Total Entertainment, MC Robby, DJ Sal Domingo, 201-894-0055
Magician: The Magic of David Corsaro, 973-699-2723
Photographer: Visionary Artists, 908-770-0554
Videographer: Mark Yelen, 973-610-4746
Favors: Let’s Go Invite, 973-685-4547
Balloon Wall: Balloon Design Studio, 908-295-1840
Photo Booth/Games/Airbrush Tattoos: Royal Entertainment, 973-826-7011
Strolling Candy Bar: iCandy Entertainment, 973-826-2108
Dresses: All About the Dress, 914-219-5300