| Words of Wisdom From Parents Who've Been There |
 | Taste the food first before signing a contract with the caterer. |
| Remind your DJ/band that some songs may not be appropriate (Jingle Bell Rock) or some lyrics may not be desirable. |
| Take the time to prepare lists for the DJ/band, photographer/videographer, and caterer (i.e. Aliyot honorees, which guests to photograph, candle lighting sayings, agenda etc.) |
| Include in your contract the DJ/band's and photographer's arrival time for the reception. You could have a big problem if these key people are late. |
| Design a travel packet for your out-of-town guests with directions, rental car information, sights to see, etc. |
| Make sure your vendors have experience with Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and not just weddings. |
| Consider not serving liquor. Children may try to sneak it, guests will be driving home, and it can be expensive. |
| Be prepared for "no shows", it always happens. |
| The dance floor size is very important. People need lots of room to dance the "Horah" and other popular favorites. |
| Use a loose-leaf binder to organize all your contracts, vendors, and service providers. |
| Have a family discussion about the type of party you will have. Choose the kind of affair that suits your budget and taste and not others. |
| Don't forget to book a block of rooms for out-of-town guests. The worst thing would be unavailability of rooms on your weekend due to a holiday or big conference/wedding planned for the same time. |
| You could arrange to have welcome baskets delivered to the hotel rooms of your out-of-town guests. |
| Hire a party planner! |
| Slouch socks are nice to offer to the girls, they like to kick off their shoes and dance comfortably. |
| Be sure to check accessibility of hotel or reception choice for your disabled or elderly guests. |
| Start checking the post office for stamps that could match envelopes for theme. |
| Order extra invitations for welcome board, memory books, and framing. |
| Order Thank You notes at the same time you order invitations. |
| You can use cover stock (heavy-weight paper) from art stores and your computer to create beautiful, inexpensive invitations. |
| Place toiletries in restroom of the reception hall for your guests to use. |
