Bar /Bat Mitzvah Planning:
Words Of Wisdom from Parents Who Have Been There
Bar / Bat Mitzvah Planning:
Words Of Wisdom (from Parents Who’ve Been There)
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Taste the food first before signing a contract with the caterer. |
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Remind your DJ/band that some songs may not be appropriate (Jingle Bell Rock) or some lyrics may not be desirable. |
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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.) |
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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. |
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Design a travel packet for your out-of-town guests with directions, rental car information, sights to see, etc. |
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Make sure your vendors have experience with Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and not just weddings. |
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Consider not serving liquor. Children may try to sneak it, guests will be driving home, and it can be expensive. |
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Be prepared for “no shows”, it always happens. |
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The dance floor size is very important. People need lots of room to dance the “Horah” and other popular favorites. |
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Use a loose-leaf binder to organize all your contracts, vendors, and service providers. |
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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. |
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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. |
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You could arrange to have welcome baskets delivered to the hotel rooms of your out-of-town guests. |
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Hire a party planner! |
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Slouch socks are nice to offer to the girls, they like to kick off their shoes and dance comfortably. |
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Be sure to check accessibility of hotel or reception choice for your disabled or elderly guests. |
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Start checking the post office for stamps that could match envelopes for theme. |
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Order extra invitations for welcome board, memory books, and framing. |
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Order Thank You notes at the same time you order invitations. |
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You can use cover stock (heavy-weight paper) from art stores and your computer to create beautiful, inexpensive invitations. |
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Place toiletries in restroom of the reception hall for your guests to use. |