Planning a Bar/Bat Mitzvah
You’ve got your date from the Temple, now what? Most likely, you’ll be looking at a date two to three years in the future and wondering what to do next. Your temple or tutor will give you instructions on what you need to do to get your son and daughter ready for the service but how will you celebrate after?
Where to start
To start, try to come up with a rough guest list, understanding that the number of kids you’ll be inviting may change as your daughter or son changes grades and classes. Having a rough idea of how many adults and how many kids you’ll be inviting will be helpful in determining the size of the space you’ll need. At the Four Points by Sheraton Norwood we have accommodations for from 50 up to 450 with dancing.
After you’ve determined the size of party you’ll have, it is a good idea to sit down and figure out a budget. You may find, after reaching out to vendors that you’ll need or want to adjust this, but a starting point will help guide what type of celebration you will choose.
Think about the type of party you’d like to have.
Afternoon affairs have been increasingly popular at the Four Points by Sheraton Norwood. Since afternoon is a non-peak time, the minimum spending and package prices are a bit lower, allowing you to have more money to spend on extra party enhancements. With black out drapes in the Ballroom, the party atmosphere won’t suffer just because the sun it still out! With overnight accommodations, an indoor pool, onsite bar and restaurant, your out of town guests will have plenty to do after the party ends.
Evening affairs are also a popular option, and generally a bit more elaborate. With our Zachariah Dining room having seating up to 130 guests with dancing, or our Tiffany Ballroom having seating for 150-450 guests with dancing, you have great options available. With doing an evening affair you’ll have time in between the temple and the party to have family photos taken, or to simply take a break! You’ll also want to plan to have a kiddush for guests at the temple.
Then what?
Reach out to vendors: it is important to line up your venue, entertainment company and photographer early as they book quickly. If you are considering hiring a decor company, this should be done early as well. Ask your Catering Sales Manager for recommendations, we have a list of great vendors we can refer you to!
The waiting game.
Once you get the leg work done and have your major vendors booked, you enter the waiting phase. While you may be eager to start planning decorations, invitations and all the fun details, we’ve seen many, many times, where preteens interests and ideas for a theme change, sometimes multiple times throughout the planning process. Try to hold off till the one-year mark before making these decisions.
To theme or not to theme?
Over the past few years we have seen a shift in this topic. While in the past, every party had a very clear theme whether it be sports, Broadway musicals, hit moves, shopping/fashion or board games, we are now also seeing more celebrations focusing on a color scheme rather than a specific theme. Regardless of whether your child wants a theme or not, we’re here to help you tie in each aspect of your event. From recommendations for centerpieces and decor, to customizing menu items, the Catering Sales team at the Four Points by Sheraton are here to assist in putting together your vision.