Bar/Bat Mitzvah of ________________________________________ Date ___________________________________________ Caterer ________________________________________ Venue Location _________________________________ Party Planner/Decorator _________________________ DATE
2-3 years before _________ Contact synagogue to set date _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________
1 year before Begin formal bar/bat mitzvah lessons Discuss community or mitzvah project Determine budget If the ceremony will be in Israel, find travel agent who can arrange location and rabbi Find vendors: videographer/photographer, party planner, caterers, DJ, band, florist, venues Contact hotels and decide where to book blocks of rooms Create list of out-of-towners to be invited Send save-the-date reminders
10 months before _________ Have bar/bat mitzvah child meet party planner, if using one, to give input on decorations 8 months before _________ Create guest list with complete addresses 7 months before _________ Begin to look at invitations _________ Decide on wording for invitations _________ Decide arrangements to transport kids to and from party _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________
6 months before Order invitations, thank-you notes Create maps, directions sheets Pick calligraphy style for envelopes Order informals Order yarmulkes Find child’s tallit Begin to plan menu
4 months before _________ Weigh invitation at post office _________ Choose and purchase postage stamps
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DJ/Band/Entertainment __________________________ Photographer ___________________________________ Videographer ___________________________________ Hotel Block _____________________________________ DATE 3 months before _________ Take invitations to calligrapher, print mailing labels _________ Work on second mailing _________ Discuss valet _________ Decide on hotel room gift bags for out-of-town guests _________ Select clothing for family members _________ Finalize menu _________ Decide on centerpieces and sign-in board 2 months before _________ Mail out-of-town invitations _________ Make hair appointments for family for the week before the event 6 weeks before _________ Mail in-town invitations _________ Send second mailing to out-of-towners _________ _________ _________ _________ _________
4 weeks before Reconfirm with service providers Put together seating plan Have child practice speech out loud Set up rehearsal time with synagogue Put together gift baskets for out-of-town guests
3 weeks before _________ Work with caterer on floor plan and plan agenda for the event 2 Tuesdays before _________ Order any necessary kosher dinners 2 Wednesdays before _________ Assign tables _________ Personalize gift bags, if desired Weekend before _________ Finalize guest count/seating as best you can Monday before _________ Finalize seating cards Day before _________ Deliver gift bags to hotels
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