NYC Theme Bat Mitzvah Planned by Creative, DIY Mom

This NYC themed Bat Mitzvah had it all! From invitations featuring the scenic skyline to Metrocard place cards and a Statue of Liberty candle lighting centerpiece, Vanessa Tawil’s love of the city was clear. A black and white color scheme, with a pop of blush pink (to match Vanessa’s dress), created a sophisticated, feminine look for the Bat Mitzvah reception. Mitzvah Mom Jen, who planned the event herself, says parents don’t need to make the event “over the top.” “With a little creativity you can create a memorable event on any budget,” she says. Great advice for everyone!

Photo above (L-R): mom Jen, Bat Mitzvah girl Vanessa, dad Michael. The photographer for this event was Gregory Perry Photography. A complete list of Vendors follows at the end of this spotlight.

Service

Bold black and white invitations, with the NYC skyline, were made by mom Jennifer online

Vanessa and her family pose before her service at Temple Israel of Northern Westchester

The Bat Mitzvah girl was joyous as she carried the Torah through the sanctuary

Brother Miles performed the Hagba; lifting and opening the Torah before raising it in the air and turning to show the script to all assembled

The Tawil's were surrounded by a lot of love - and family members! - on their special day

Reception

The Tawil's enjoyed a light-hearted moment before the reception

The Bat Mitzvah girl and her brother, Miles

Adults, including mom, Jennifer (right), enjoyed an outdoor cocktail hour under a tent

When guests entered the reception they were greeted by this skyline sign-in board

A family friend created these unique placecards which were cleverly disguised as Metrocards

Close-up of place cards, with table assignments

Vanessa made her big entrance

Tables were named after NYC landmarks like Grand Central Station and Rockefeller Center

To add a pop of color, mom Jennifer chose to highlight the blush pink color of Vanessa’s dress which was reflected in the napkins and some of the balloons at the reception

Mom Jennifer built this centerpiece from Centerpieces by Awesome Events

The custom three tiered cake carried through the skyline theme, along with other hallmarks of NYC like taxi cabs and the Statue of Liberty

Vanessa's girlfriends joined her for a candle

The Bat Mitzvah girl and her friends wore their new swag during a fierce game of... Coke and Pepsi!

The BM girl also led her friends in a trivia game about... who else? Vanessa!

Vanessa's dance with her dad was a special moment

Special Touches

An airbrush artist provided entertainment for kids during the cocktail hour... and a memorable keepsake

Vanessa's custom sneakers were purchased online and bedazzled by a local mom!

A balloon arch framed the candle lighting table

Mitzvah Advice

“Don’t feel any pressure to ‘go over the top’ with the reception, says mom Jennifer. “With a little creativity you can create a memorable event on any budget. In my opinion, the two things that matter most are the food and the DJ. Everything else is supplementary.”  Jennifer adds: “Do your research on Google, Pinterest and Social Media to get ideas and ask friends for recommendations. Luckily, this was the second mitzvah I planned so I was very organized and I knew which items need to be prioritized and which could be placed on the back burner. This was especially important because I was also supporting my husband’s local election campaign at the same time! This last aspect is what required me to get ‘creative’ with where I needed to spend the most or the least amount of money. So stick to your budget and I promise you will not look back on this special day wishing you had spent more money on the decor ”

Mitzvah Project

Vanessa participated in three Midnight Run events organized by her synagogue. Midnight Run coordinates groups to distribute food, clothing, blankets and personal care items to the homeless poor on the streets of New York City. The late-night relief efforts create a forum for trust, sharing, understanding and affection. That human exchange, rather than the exchange of goods, is the essence of the Midnight Run mission.

Vendor Directory

The following companies helped to make Vanessa’s celebration unforgettable. If you contact them, please tell them you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.

Venue: Vittoria’Z on the Lake, 914-245-0630
Party Planner: Mom, Jennifer Fields-Tawil
Music/MC/DJ: Total DJ Entertainment Group, 914-494-8015
Photographer: Gregory Perry Photography, 646-345-7077
Videographer: Neil Fennell Video, 402-202-4729
Candle Lighting Centerpiece, Centerpieces by Awesome Event, 888-443-4267
Favors: ooShirts.com, 866-660-8667
Logo/Place Cards/Table Card Cards: family friend and graphic designer Amy Yules
Invitations: Zazzle.com, 888-892-9953
Cake: Homestyle Desserts Bakery, 914-737-4659
Balloons: The Westchester Balloon Company, 914-862-2292
Sign-In Board: family friend and graphic designer Amy Yules (design); SBS Shipping and Business Services (printing), 914-923-8115
Dresses: Teri Jon by Rickie Freeman (mom); All Dressed Up (Vanessa), 914-690-1593
Suit: Macy’s (brother Miles)
Hair/Makeup: Shine Salon and Spa (hair), 914-762-6675; Justine Golfo (makeup), 914-434-5820
Custom Sneakers: Zazzle.com (printed sneaker), 888-892-9953; Kïrsten Harzewski (bedazzling), 914-469-3979
Dance Floor Socks: Eros Wholesale, 1-888-EROS-PRO (376-7776)

Planning your own DIY Mitzvah celebration? Ask questions and get advice in Mitzvah Market’s regional Bar Bat Mitzvah planning groups on Facebook. Join here.