Your child’s bar or bat mitzvah is probably
something that they will have been thinking about for years. Seeing cousins
celebrate theirs, friends’ older siblings, and of course hearing about it
through the synagogue means that it will never be too far from their minds.
After all, it is the first step on their journey into adulthood, so it’s
understandably as important to them as it is to you. The parents however, are
the ones that need to organise the celebrations, so it’s vital to have a list
of important details on hand to help you plan.
Don’t Get Carried Away
Even if you are having a lavish party with 300 guests, it’s important that you don’t lose the meaning of the event: your child’s bar/bat mitzvah classes are more important than what DJ you have. The same goes for their mitzvah project, and the charity that your child wants to support. It should be something that they really believe in, and it can even become a theme for the party itself.
Pick a Date
You will likely know the date that the synagogue gives your child up to three years in advance, so you can preliminary book a venue with plenty of time to spare. When you have settled on a date, it’s important that you send save the dates out to everyone that is invited so that the dates don't clash.
This means that not only can get it into their calendar early so that your date is less likely to clash with others, but if someone else is thinking of the same date as you, there is always the option of changing plans to have a joint celebration with another child. This way, you can split the costs.
Venue
The venue you choose can help you to really
get all of your plans clear in your mind. Whether you are having a small
intimate gathering, or a large celebration, a themed party, or a traditional
feel, the venue can help all of this become a reality. If you’re based in the
city, there is a whole variety of bar and bat mitzvah venues to hire in London.
It’s recommended that you take your time and view a handful before making your
decision on what one is right for you and your family. Many have their own
caterers that can provide kosher and non-kosher food as well as a full children’s
menu, which will be one more thing ticked off your list.
Consider a Party Planner
Some bar/bat mitzvah are likened to
weddings when it comes to the detail of planning that goes into them. From a
candle ceremony to catering, décor and entertainment, it’s a lot to do, and
many families simply don’t have the time. Of course, you can scale back the
celebrations, but if a big event is what you want, then a party planner might
just save you a whole load of stress. Even for smaller parties, it is sometimes
useful to have someone who is looking after it for you. Leaving you to make
decisions on what you’d like, without having to contact any vendors or spend
ages coordinating.
Theme
There are so many fantastic themes that you can choose from, but note that the theme for this celebration should reflect your child’s interests in order to make it special to them. Whether this is sports, a favourite TV show or movie or something like Hawaiian or Hollywood, make sure that you have an agreement from them.
If they really don’t like your idea, then they’re not going to have a good time. It’s really important that you try and involve them in this process as much as you can, and the theme is one way that you can do that. You should be in charge of the planning, but the child should be in charge of voicing what makes them happy.
Have a Timeline
As with any big event, having a timeline
for when everything is going to occur is essential. After all, you need to make
room for a range of formalities, and if you are having horas or a candle
ceremony, time needs to be made for this as well. Having a timeline will let
everyone at the party know what is happening and when. It will be particularly useful
for caterers and entertainers. If you have a particular time that the event
needs to close at, make sure that all of the guests are aware of it and can
arrange the appropriate transport home or to their hotel.
Entertainment
In your kids’ eyes, this might be one of the biggest factors to consider.
Having a band or a DJ, or even just playing the music that they like, will mean that the dance floor is never empty. Consider a photobooth or a live painter to spice things up, and ensure that you will have a fun, yet still sophisticated barmitzvah.
Your child’s barmitzvah or batmitzvah is an event that they will remember forever, just as you will. It has so much significance in their lives, that it’s important that you try and get the balance right between spiritual meaning, and entertainment for your guests. It starts with a fantastic venue and ends with your family's ideas.
So long as your child enjoys their day and are involved in the planning to a degree, everything is sure to go smoothly - perfect barmitzvah here we come!