How to Plan a Bar or Bat Mitzvah Celebration
- 1). Finalize the dates and times of the ceremony and celebration. You'll need to discuss this with your rabbi or the administrator of your congregation well in advance, since some dates may not be available or appropriate for a bar or bat mitzvah.
- 2). Set a budget for the celebration. This may affect the size of your guest list, your choice of venue and the type of party you decide to have.
- 3). Determine the size of the celebration. Will you ask just family and congregation members? Friends from your child's school? Out-of-towners? Make the list (don't forget to consult your child), and review it several times to be sure no one has been left out.
- 4). Reserve the location where the celebration will be held. The synagogue or Jewish Community Center may have a hall that can be booked for these occasions, or consider a banquet room at a local hotel, restaurant or conference center.
- 5). Decide what sort of food and beverages you'll provide. Will the celebration include a full sit-down meal? Finger foods? Alcoholic drinks? Get estimates from a few different caterers if you plan to have a fully catered party.
- 6). Think about decorations. You could decorate the location yourself, or enlist the caterer to do it for you. Make sure that someone is in charge of the post-party cleanup.
- 7). Book a DJ or a band if dancing will be part of your celebration. Interview various candidates before you make the booking to find out if they can provide the type of music you want. If you want to include some traditional Jewish or Israeli music, you may have to provide the DJ with some CDs.
- 8). Plan the order of events carefully (for example, speeches, a special dance and/or a presentation of some kind). Remember to keep your child in the loop by discussing all the possibilities with him or her.
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