Bar Mitzvah Venues in London

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. When they come of age, your child becomes a full member of the Jewish community, whether a bar/bat mitzvah is held or not, so it’s not about how much you can impress people. Make sure that you talk to your child about the section of the Torah they are to say and discuss their mitzvah project with them.

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. This means that they can get it into their calendar early, and your date is less likely to clash with others. 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. After all, if the children are in the same friend group, they would be going to each other’s celebrations anyway.

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

The theme for this celebration can really be anything but 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.

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 dancefloor is never empty. Other ideas include a photobooth and a caricaturist to make sure that everyone is entertained the entire night. If there are also going to be a lot of younger children in attendance, ensuring that there is something for them is also essential, as it means that their parents can relax.

Your child’s bar/bat mitzvah 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. So long as your child enjoy it and are involved in the planning to a degree, everything is sure to go smoothly, and they’ll be thanking you for organising it so well.

Where are the best venues to hire in London for a Bar Mitzvah?

Like all great parties, Bar and Bat Mizvahs come in all shapes and sizes. And in a city with as many excellent venues as London, you’ll definitely find a space to suit your guest list. The most important thing to know before you start looking for your perfect Bar Mitzvah venue is how many people you want to invite – and how many might turn up even without an invitation! The closer to central London a venue is, the more expensive the larger spaces tend to be – but their venue managers are always very knowledgeable and will easily be able to help you organise the best Bar Mitzvah ever. Mazel tov!

How much does it cost to hire a venue in London for a Bar Mitzvah?

Venue prices in London vary a lot, and it will depend on what you need your venue to provide. Do you need staging and audio-visual equipment? Do you want to have an elaborate meal or an open bar? Will you need secure storage for gifts? If you’re looking for an affordable Bar Mitzvah venue, consider spaces just outside of Central London to get the most for your money.

Can I bring in my own catering at the venue I hire for my Bar Mitzvah?

If you’re interested in providing your own catering, you’re likely to need to find a dry hire space. A venue that will offer dry hire will charge you a fee for using the space, and then you will need to provide everything else. This can seem like a great way to get an affordable Bar Mitzvah venue, but remember that you will need suppliers for all of your party rentals, and this can be very time consuming, expensive and a big logistical undertaking. It works well for smaller gatherings, but if you have a lot of guests we would recommend finding an all-inclusive venue or one that offers a Bar or Bat Mitzvah party package.

How big are Bar Mitzvah venues in London?

Bar Mitzvah venues in London range from small, intimate spaces to large, elaborate ballrooms. So whatever the length of your guest list, you’ll find the perfect space. If you’re intending to hold a ceremony and the party in two different locations, just remember to organise or provide transport for your guests so they don’t get lost en route before the rest of the event begins!

What licenses do I need for my Bar Mitzvah at a venue in London?

Most venues in London provide their own licenses that will be appropriate for most types of parties and gatherings. If you would like to sell alcohol yourself at a dry hire venue, you may need to get a temporary alcohol license. Or if you want the DJ to keep playing until the early hours of the morning, you may need to organise a late license. This will depend on the venue and the area of London, so the venue managers will be able to tell you what licensing you will need to apply for and how.