This is a brief overview of key tips, designed to help you with your Barmitzvah planning or Batmitzvah planning. Never rush into anything, sit down and talk it through and consider all the points below – plus also the most important tip – don’t get stressed! Many of the Barmitzvah planning tips below maybe obvious, but anyway here they are……….
1. Start planning EARLY – this is essential. It’s never too early to consider dates, venues, invites. The earlier you plan the more options you will have and the more feedback you can gather.
2. Choose a DATE and discuss this with your Synagogue – you are not the only one with a 10 or 11 year old so get a date that suits you. Make sure all the key people i.e. family & close friends are aware of this date.
3. BUDGET – work out what you can realistically spend – not what you would like to spend. There is a big difference. There is no need to keep up with the Jones’ – it’s more important to have a religious, unique and personal Barmitzvah or Batmitzvah experience. This is the hardest tip that may cause the most stress so agree upfront and stick to it.
4. Choose a party VENUE – get this booking in early – provisionally reserve a few venues if necessary. Visit multiple Barmitzvah Venues in advance. The great thing is Barmitzvah parties can be held in hotels, restaurants and many other unique venues.
5. THEME. Most Barmitzvah and Batmitzvah functions have a theme – which are very diverse and range from a simple colour based theme to Alice in Wonderland, Football, Safari and many more. This is a great opportunity to be unique – so put great thought into this. The theme should start at the invitation and follow through to the function.
6. RELIGION. Don’t get pre-occupied with the function and remember the religious importance of the Barmitzvah or Batmitzvah. Ensure that your son/daughter focus on the effort required in the Synagogue and the religious purpose of the Barmitzvah / Batmitzvah.
7. CHOICE. Explore multiple suppliers – don’t just settle for the first person you meet or someone that is recommended. Speak to a number of people in the industry – this will help to generate ideas and ensure that you are dealing with the right people. Look through advertisers within this Barmitzvah Directory who are all seasoned Barmitzvah pro’s.
8. ORGANISATION and detail. Remember detail, detail, detail, planning and organisation are key to ensure you can enjoy the weekend. If this is not a strong point of yours – think about a Barmitzvah planner.
9. Utilise ONLINE resources and why not create a Barmitzvah website or Facebook page? Yes I know they didn’t have websites back in “our day” but this helps everyone get involved.
10. ENJOY the function and ENJOY the function! There are not enough big family Simchas in life so ensure that you don’t get stressed and have an amazing Barmitzvah or Batmitzvah.