It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so you want to make sure everything is perfect and that includes the party to celebrate this unique milestone. But don’t overthink it, the most important part of the celebration is that it should be fun.

Remember, it’s not your party, it’s your child’s party, so when you’re considering any of the advice below, make sure you think about it from the perspective of the person this party is all about. What you want, and they want, especially when it comes to what is considered fun, is likely to be quite different.

Party Themes
Choosing a theme? Make sure it’s a theme your child is going to like, not one you like. What are they interested in? We’d love to give you some great tips for specific themes but if you’re picking a theme based on what we say, you’re not looking in the right place for inspiration. City Cruises can help with all the other details but the theme should really be based on what your child likes.

Personalization
Tailor the celebration to reflect the interests and personality of the host. Incorporate elements that are meaningful to them, such as their favorite hobbies, colors, or themes. Another great way to personalize, and commemorate at the same time is with custom personalization on t-shirts, cups, or sweatshirts – the ideas here are endless!

Entertainment
Plan engaging entertainment options to keep guests entertained throughout the event. This could include music, dancing, games, photo booths, or interactive activities that appeal to both children and adults.

Food and Drink
Select a menu that caters to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. Offer a mix of hors d’oeuvres, main courses, and desserts, and consider incorporating traditional Jewish dishes or family favorites.

Photography
Make sure you capture all of the events on camera. It’s usually a good idea to hire a professional, and to get both photos and video. If you want the best, ask to see examples of their work. When it comes to photographers, ask to see albums of previous Bat/Bar Mitzvahs they have photographed.

A photo booth can also add an extra element of fun and provide great memories of the night to be shared on social media as well as providing plenty of entertainment.

Invitations
Make sure you get invitations out early. A good guide to timing is to get out a save the date email about six months before the date of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah. This gives plenty of time for any out-of-town guests to make travel arrangements etc. You want to be sure no one who should be there has an excuse not to be there.

Send out invitations around three months in advance. It’s a special occasion deserving of a proper, mailed invitation, not just an email. So you’ll want to be sure you’ve prepared by making sure you have postal addresses for all the invitees. It’s also a great idea to get any other printing, such as thank you cards, done at the same time as your invitations so you can save some money on the printing.

Bat/Bar Mitzvah gifts
Like any birthday celebration, gifts are an important part of the day. Many like to opt for traditional gifts such as a tzedakah but, more than likely, you’ll also want to give something as a simple birthday gift. Just like with the theme, your best bet here is to consider your child’s interests, we’re sure they’ve already given you plenty of ideas!

Bat/Bar Mitzvah Venue
For the celebration/reception you’ll want a venue that’s great for kids, but also something the adults attending can enjoy. That’s where City Cruises comes in. No matter the size of your celebration, we have the perfect space aboard one of our luxury yachts. And anything you want to do on land can be done on the water, with added amazing views and atmosphere. You’re guaranteed to create lasting memories for this once-in-a-lifetime event.

Find out more about City Cruises’ Bar/Bat Mitzvah packages and get in touch today with one of our experienced event planners. We’ll help you every step of the way and ensure a fun event for all!

Original Post Date: February 27, 2019