Planning a Bar/Bat Mitzvah
By Jennifer Delaye, President of JDK Catering
Your child’s bar mitzvah will be one of the most memorable and meaningful events of their lifetime. After all, this ceremony marks their entrance into adulthood.
Although planning a bar mitzvah may seem like a challenging task, if you stay organized and plan ahead, you’re sure to pull off a wonderful event the celebrates this momentous occasion in style. Here are a few tips from event expert Jen Delaye of JDK Catering to help you get started.
- Plan the ceremony early Contact a synagogue or temple and arrange this special ceremony as far in advance as possible. As the date approaches, you may also want to create a ceremony guide to hand out to guests, and prepare a few remarks of your own to deliver at the event.
- Determine the budget The amount of money you have to dedicate your child's bar mitzvah will help you determine how elaborate the event is, and how much you can afford to spend on items such as food and entertainment. Determining how much you can spend early in the process will help avoid going over budget in the long run.
- Establish a ‘plan’ for the event Do you want to hold the event at your house, at a hotel, or another venue? Do you want to prepare the food yourself, or would you like the event catered? How many guests will you invite? Do you need entertainment, photographers, or videographers? If you’re not sure what you’d like — talk to other parents who’ve planned their child’s bar mitzvah, or call a local caterer or event planner and request their help planning the party.
- Select vendors as far in advance as possible Schedule caterers, entertainment and venues at least 6-12 months in advance. Selecting these vendors as far in advance as possible helps ensure that you get exactly what you want.
- Prepare invitations early The earlier you figure out how many guests will be attending your event, the better. This will help you determine how much food you need, and what venues can accommodate your guests. At the same time, you’ll want to begin sending invites anywhere from 2—3 months in advance to ensure the maximum amount of invitees can attend. Remember to include directions and hotel information for out–of–town guests.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help You’ve got thousands of resources at your fingertips. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or don’t know where to start, don’t be afraid to consult an event specialist, ask friends for help, or ask your caterer or venue for assistance in accomplishing you vision.