Bar/Bat Mitzvah Planning:
Booking your Bar/Bat Mitzvah DJ during COVID-19

Having been a DJ in Los Angeles Bar/Bat mitzvah DJ for over 20 years, I thought that I had seen it all! But nothing could have prepared any of us for the 2020 whirlwind that is COVID-19!

First and foremost, I want to work to encourage families to celebrate and invest in their children’s accomplishments and milestones! Life events are still happening and need to be acknowledged with celebration. Some do not want to press the pause button. I want to help educate families on what real options are out there as the big day approaches – so let’s jump right in!

As you begin your planning process, you will want to have a good understanding of your state and local guidelines. Information seems to change daily, so consult your local county health department for information on reopening, protocols and other safety guidelines.

Booking a DJ in COVID-19 times is not unlike booking a DJ any other time, with a few exceptions. I’ve included below a list of 10 questions that you should ask your Bar/Bat Mitzvah DJ no matter what the circumstance are, as well as questions related specifically to booking a DJ during covid-19. In this day and age, one of the most important questions you’ll want to ask of perspective DJs is how flexible and creative can he or she be when it comes to “the new normal” of your celebration.

The term “Micro-Mitzvah” has been tossed around quite a bit these days and your DJ should have firm understanding of what that means and what options that may include. We, at Get in the Groove Djs have broken down (depending on your state or localities phases and guidelines) some out-of-the-box options:

 Classic Event < 100 guests

 Intimate Event < 50 guests

 Micro-Event < 20 guests

In California, we are unfortunately still a ways off from safely celebrating with the Classic or Intimate Mitzvah options. However, many are opting for the alternative Micro-Mitzvah path which offers a safer and more economical alternative that considers the following:

1. Shortened event duration – reducing it from 4-5 hours to 2-3 hours.

2. Simplify the format – reduce some of the standard formalities e.g. Motzi, candle-lighting, etc.…) and focus on the ceremony and reception essentials that focus on the couple’s relationship and memory makers such as micro-horah w/chair, or video montage.

3. An all-inclusive, one-stop-shop package. Simplify and find an expert that can package-in most or all of your vendors under one umbrella such as:

 Day-of coordination to help organize set up/ tear down, rentals, décor, timelines etc.…

 Rentals: tables, linens, tent, stem-wear etc.

 DJ: for pro-audio sound system and microphone procession, recessional & ambiance music.

 Photo booth for a fun keepsake of the day.

 Lighting for décor and ambiance.

 Cake or dessert: Yummy!

 Photographer: to capture your ceremony and special moments.

Get in the Groove Entertainment is proud to offer these Micro-Mitzvah packages to our wonderful clients so they may continue to get dressed up and celebrate an amazing milestone (that doesn’t break the bank)!

10 Standard Questions to ask your DJ:

1. Will they travel out of state? (We do)!
2. How long have they been in business?
3. How many Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations have they provided entertainment for?
4. Will they help to coordinate our timeline?
5. Are they insured?
6. What type of equipment do they use and do they provide back up on the day of?
7. Do they have a list of former clients we can call?
8. Does the DJ provide MC services and announce or lead any activities?
9. Do they offer price packaging or video samples?
10. Do they offer other services like lighting or photo booth?

5 Important COVID-19 related questions to ask your DJ:

 Can I book one date and hold a back-up date later in the year?

 Will they transfer a deposit to a future date?

 What is their refund policy in relation to COVID-19?

 What safety protocols do they have in place?

 Do they have additional staff in place should a performer fall ill?

Although it may not be what you had originally planned, I hope that you now have some understanding of how you can still acknowledge and celebrate during COVID-19. If you have any questions or would like to contribute any updated information, feel free to email me at andrew@getinthegroovedjs.com and best of luck!

Andrew Langsam has been a DJ and MC in Los Angeles for 20 years, and is the owner and operator of Get In The Groove Entertainment! He has enjoyed performing at over 2500 weddings, mitzvahs and social-events in Southern California (and beyond). Andrew is also a professional actor and comedian. He’s appeared in commercials, theater and television shows and is currently an ensemble member of The Second City Hollywood improv house team Brother Bradley. He lives with his beautiful wife and daughter in a quiet LA suburb.