Planning a Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah Party

Planning a Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah Party

The day a son or daughter becomes a bar mitzvah (for a boy) or bat mitzvah (for a girl) is an important milestone for Jewish parents. And in recent years, it has become reason for a big celebration with family and friends. If you will soon be one of those proud parents, here are the steps and details you'll want to consider in planning a bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah party for your child. As with any party, always keep in mind the personality of your child and the degree to which he or she is comfortable with attention.

Step 1: Choose Your Date

The first thing you'll need to know before you plan your party is the date your child will celebrate his or her bar or bat mitzvah in the synagogue. The date may be assigned up to three years in advance, depending on the size of the congregation. Usually it's lose to your child's actual 13th birthday.

Step 2: Book Your Party Venue

Before you choose the location for your party, you'll need to decide whether you want your party to be held in the afternoon or evening. If evening, keep in mind those dates will book up first. Some of the other details you should consider before you speak to the caterer include:

•Will your party be held at the synagogue or another location?

•Will you hold a party only for the kids, or will it be mixed ages?

•Will the food be kosher or non-kosher?

•Is it worth paying more for a nice setting and possibly save on decorating expenses?

•Do you want to have a cocktail hour first? If so, would you like it in a facility that can offer separate rooms for the cocktails and hors d'oeuvres and the main meal?

Step 3: Plan Your Food and Beverages

If you plan to host a cocktail party before the main meal, here are some typical options you can discuss with your caterer:

•A fruit and cheese board.

•A carving station with corned beef, roast beef, and roast turkey.

•Passed hors d'oeuvres.

•A cold fish buffet including smoked salmon, whitefish,...