Twin City Mitzvah Guide 2022

Jeffrey Schmieg Photography

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Jodi Rankin CEO & Founder Tonya Brandt Director of Finance Lori Greenberg Project Coordinator

Karyn Libson Project Coordinator

Cortland Bechtell Graphic Designer

Amy Sayler Graphic Designer Liz Fay Account Executive

© 2022 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission of the publisher. Twin City Mitzvahs does not make any warranty of any kind with regard to the services or products advertised herein. Twin City Mitzvahs does not assume any responsibility or liability for any of the content within this publication or for any errors or omissions to such content, and reserves the right not to publish any material. The entire cost of the publication is offset by the advertisers. Twin City Mitzvahs controls the advertising content of this publication.

Cover Photographed

By: Jeffrey Schmieg Photography

Letter from the

Ceo and Founder

As we move into a new day for Bar and Bat Mitzvah planning, we are thrilled to be able to bring you the first all digital Twin City Mitzvahs Event Planning Guide. In addition to our comprehensive website, our 2022 guide encompasses all things Bar and Bat Mitzvah.

We welcome you to meet the people who have revolutionized parties and events during a very challenging event planning time. They have come back stronger than ever and are excited to celebrate with you and your families for years to come.

We recognize how daunting it is to plan a life cycle event of this magnitude and even more difficult coming through the Pandemic. Our wish is that you find exactly what you are looking for and that this guide will make your event planning life just a little easier.

In this issue, we have found the places, the talent, the photographers, the food and the fun. We invite you to flip the pages, click inside and plan your event.

I was always told not to wish the time away, because these moments go quickly, so take a deep breath, start planning and know that Twin City Mitzvahs is about to introduce you to the Who’s Who of 2022!

Mazel Tov to you and your family and we look forward to seeing you on September 28th at Mitzvah Magic!

Jodi Rankin and the TCM TEAM CEO & Founder, Twin City Mitzvahs

VENUe VIBES

THE PLACE MAKES THE PARTY

The planning process really begins with choosing your venue. There are so many options to pick from; all different locations, sizes, prices, and tones. Choosing a venue does not have to be a headache — it should be fun! This is your chance to really get creative and show your guests how much thought you have put into this event! Your party space has the ability to set your Mitzvah Party tone, which is why choosing your venue wisely is absolutely imperative. No pressure, right? What look/feel you going for?

If your Mitzvah vision is far from cookie-cutter, think outside the box. Go with an unexpected or unconventional venue. Think experience rather than just an event space. Rent out your favorite team’s stadium and party on the field. Celebrate your Mitzvah in a grand theatre, with your child’s name in lights on the marquee! Love movies? Do a movie theater takeover, show a film and fill up on movie-theater candy and popcorn. Hop into the digital age with virtual reality and take your guests to new heights!

Show your guests all the thrills and rent out an amusement park (yes you can do that)! These venues are a fantastic mix of unconventional and nostalgic, so have fun with it and give your guests a night like no other!

Looking for industrial chic? This means former factories, revamped warehouses, converted lofts, distilleries and wineries. These spaces are generally blank slates with characteristics such as exposed brick, visible pipes, cement floors, and peeling paint. This raw framework allows you to add modern decor for a Mitzvah that is both gritty and glamorous. Many of these types of venues have on-site caterers while with others you may need to hire a caterer or a food truck. Either way,

Cont...

made into interesting To achieve a boho chic or “Mitzvah-palooza” feel, incorporate tents, teepees or yurts, lawn games, food trucks, fire pits, and of course, music! Make sure that whatever venue you choose is either entirely outdoors or has the option to

Want all the feels of summer camp? Have your guests join you in the great outdoors and do a camp takeover. Roast marshmallows, make s’mores, play gaga, eat and sing by the campfire and relive your camp days with a party under the stars. Go casual with a rustic celebration or bring on the fancy décor and have a glampinginspired Mitzvah! The sky’s the limit.

Sportier venues are a great option if you’re looking to have a more casual, laid back, family-friendly

venues that typically offer elegant interiors and whiteglove service from experienced staff. Hotels and Country Clubs are skilled in the art of hospitality and will make sure that both you and your guests are treated right. They are adept at working well with different vendors and brands

TRENDS

NO "THEME" AT ALL?!

Using your child's name with big and bold favorite colors is where it's at. Design a unique logo with multiple versions to use on invites and project it around the venue throughout the weekend.

POOL PARTY THEME

(When There’s No Pool!)

Minnesota, your family can enjoy the summer pool party. From vivid blue uplighting to the vibrant LED dance floor, every element can create a seamless event.

GO DIGITAL!

GIF Photobooths: Incorporating GIFs into your photo booth experience allows you to up the ante when it comes to capturing that perfect event photo.

360 Photo Booths: Gives guests a chance to showcase their outfits and attitudes from all angles.

Hiring a photo booth for a Mitzvah has numerous benefits, including:

• Allowing the guests to display their personality and creativity

• Providing entertainment for everyone, young and old

• Giving you the ultimate way to remember your big day

• Permitting everyone to create informal snapshots with laughter and props

FAMOUS AND UNUSUAL

Invite your child’s favorite celebrity to your Mitzvah. (This could be costly, but unique)

Bring a live experience to your guests by painting an heirloom painting capturing your occasion! Talk about thinking out of the box! A few other ideas are circus performers, and temporary tattooists.

SAFE SERVICE CONTINUES

Bites under a bubble, Individuallypackaged and trendy small bites are still on the forefront

Cups and cones make convenient and novel holders for appetizers and charcuterie.

Catering Displays for the Dance Floor: A catering display doesn’t get more interactive than a tiered long tray-turned-limbo stick. Think of all of the cool ways you can bring the food to the floor.

DRINK FRENZY

Satellite beverage stations: Fill the room with spirits and we mean drinks! Root beer Bars, Sparkling water bars, vodka bars and more adorn the rooms of events in 2022.

Mocktails: Have a mixologist let loose with delicious high-quality zero-proof drinks for the kids.

Ice, Ice baby: We are loving initials in rocks or stamp your event logo in ice and watch it float around in your beverage of choice. Cont...

DIFFERENT AND EXCITING

Aroma DJ: THIS IS NOT A DRILL. Imagine this. You’re on the dance floor, all of your favorite songs are playing and your guests are having a great time, AND THEN the most delightful smells are mixed just for your party and wafted into the crowd using fans. This is called “aroma jockeying” which has become more mainstream in the past few months.

Audio/Video Guestbook: With a simple phone call, friends and family can express their Mazel Tov. The recordings can be saved, plus it creates a unique keepsake that becomes more meaningful with the passage of time.

Wallpaper Accent Walls: Take your photo wall to paper… wallpaper that is. Design a backdrop and build your studio! Remember if you build it they will come

Overly Packed Welcome Bags: Fill them up! For 2 years guests were not able to come, so, welcome them back in style. Stuff those welcome bags! Let your guests from out of town know how much you appreciate them.

Scan and Celebrate: Event QR codes have hit the Mitzvah scene. All different shapes and sizes. Have one for your service program, one for your menu, and one for your custom playlist …the choice is yours!

KEEP IN MIND

Supply chain issues may effect events: As we deal with outsourcing and procurement issues, the cost of food is going to really start changing our choices. Be flexible and patient with your selections. Things are just a little trickier to secure in 2022. The bottom line is don’t let supply chain issues ruin your event, just roll with the choice.

Twin City Mitzvahs will be here to keep you posted on all things Mitzvah!

HAPPY PLANNING!

Jeffrey Schmieg Photography

NO

DRAMA ALLOWED

Every family has it, though some of us don’t want to admit it. Dealing with challenging family circumstances when preparing for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah can be tricky. Conflict and drama should be avoided at all costs during the Mitzvah weekend. Here are some tips to help everyone enjoy the weekend, drama-free!

Manage & Set Expectations

This is key! Consider creating a shared document so that everyone knows what is expected of them. There are many moving parts to a Bar/Bat Mitzvah weekend, so don’t forget the details. Make sure to think all the details through as they relate to the service, the party, the aliyot, the speeches, and the pictures. Pre-assigned roles will keep the weekend free of drama.

Create and Enforce Boundaries

Emotions run high during major family events so, try to anticipate what might stress you out. You most likely know who and what the problems are going to be when it comes to family emotions. Decide ahead of time what will be tolerated and how much. Keep in mind, that the weekend is really all about the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child. It may even be a good idea to communicate what your boundaries are prior to the event with your family members. It is important to guard your boundaries fiercely, to keep you and your family sane.

Sue Lund Photography

Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still.

- Dorothea Lange

Meme your Mitzvah!

Meme, meme, meme, meme, meme…

You hear and see them all over social media and they have pretty much taken over the web. So, what exactly is a meme? A meme is an image with text on it, typically designed to elicit a response. Memes can also be videos, gifs, reels and any other creative play on words that is trending at the time.

A meme would make a great addition to a personal event i.e. a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. You can easily create your own memes through a variety of free tools and apps available on your phone or tablet. This is a great way to lighten up your event and who knows, maybe it will go viral!

Research: Check what’s trending on sites that are meme worthy. (Reddit, TikTok, Memebase, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) You can grab a lot of great ideas from these sites. Remember to search your topic by hashtag as well as the routine search methods.

Content: The best meme text is short, quippy and relatable. Get creative with your image sources and use easy-to-read large text. A lot of the apps available will let you upload your own image so that you can personalize it.

Here are a couple of tips that will help you get started with making your meme.

Choose a meme Generator:

Some meme generators might not be private so make sure you read through everything and know that in order to get more out of the app, you might have to pay. Check out some of these meme generators: Canva, Giphy and Adobe Creative Cloud Express to make a meme filled mitzvah!

Keep your guests laughing all weekend long by sharing memes throughout the entire event!

Pros &

of Digital

Invites

Your invitations definitely set the tone for your Mitzvah, so should you send a print or digital invite?

There is so much debate over this topic. Check out the pros and cons to decide what is right for your event.

Digital Invite: PROS

Less expensive

The most beneficial part of sending a digital invitation is the cost savings. Paper invitations vary in costs due to paper weight, paper size, specialty paper, and layers. Online invitations are less expensive than traditional paper invites. Not only do you not have to pay for the paper on which the invitations are printed, and you don't have to pay for postage.

Eco-Friendly

It’s safe to say that most people don’t hold onto the Mitzvah invitations that they receive. Sadly they most likely end up in the trash, or best case, the recycling. Digital invites are greener and more ecofriendly.

Online RSVPs

Keeping track of RSVPs can be a pain in the you-know-what, especially amid all the other Mitzvah details. When you send your invitations electronically, people can respond digitally. Tracking your RSVPs in one place digitally with one of the digital invite platforms can be an advantage.

Easier Updates if Things Change

If you end up changing a time or event venue you can easily update it in real time.

Digital Invite: Cons

Less Traditional

Paper invitations that come in the mail are a timeless tradition. People enjoy tradition, and to be honest, they enjoy getting something special in the mail. You can never go wrong with a paper invitation. There is a certain elegance and personalization to mailing and receiving Bar and Bat Mitzvah invitations. Lots of times they become a family keepsake as well!

Guests May Not be Tech Savvy

You need to know your audience. Are they tech-savvy? Will they know how to view a digital invite? Do they use email? This needs to be considered, as some of your guests may not know how to navigate the clicks and links of the digital invitation.

No Guarantee of Delivery

Between spam filters and incorrect email addresses, digital invites can get lost in cyber space. Many people don’t check their spam folder causing you to not realize that this hasn’t been viewed. The chance of someone missing your Mitzvah invite altogether is much higher when you go digital.

Guests May Confuse Who is Included

When you send a paper invitation, you get to write the name of the guests on the envelope. This makes it crystal clear who is invited –whether it’s just the adults, the adults plus their kids or just the kids. An online invite will only be sent to one email address, so it can get confusing. It can also lead to some awkward conversations when people need to clarify who exactly is invited.

Out of Sight, Out of Mind

Many emails go into that dark hole of the universe, never to be seen again and sadly never to be remembered. The importance of your Mitzvah day communication could end up circling the galaxy and gone forever. Even when the digital invitation does make it to your guests, it tends to become just another email in their inbox among the thousands they receive.

Thinking through the digital invitation pros and cons will help you make an informed decision for the big weekend ahead!

MitzvahTimeline

2-3 YEARS

Set the Bar/Bat Mitzvah date Determine a budget for event

Think about the type of celebration and theme you would like the Bar/Bat Mitzvah to have Begin to research venues for the Friday night dinner, kiddush luncheon, party and brunch

16- 18 MONTHS

Meet with the Rabbi or Cantor to understand the Bar/Bat Mitzvah process and answer any questions you may have

Begin to work on a guest list. Separate the list into 'Must-Haves' and 'Nice-to-Haves'

Determine what other events your family will host (Shabbat Dinner, Shabbat Kiddush, Sunday Brunch)

Begin thinking about potential Mitzvah Projects Reserve a venue, caterer, photographer & entertainment

12- 14 MONTHS

Discuss the Bat/Bar Mitzvah requirements with the Rabbi

Reserve a block of rooms at a hotel for out of town guests central to the service and party Consult with a decorator/ florist or brainstorm décor ideas on your own

10- 12 MONTHS

Send/Email out a Save-the-Date (helpful for out of town guests to think ahead for dates and times)

Select a Mitzvah Project

Begin sorting photos for video montage Begin thinking about the type of invitation you would like

6 - 8 MONTHS

Begin Mitzvah Project

Finalize the guest list and enter the addresses and/or emails into a spreadsheet (verify all information is current)

Decide what enclosures need to be included with each guest invitation (maps, party card, response cards)

Order invitations and thank you cards or begin designing digital invites

Order any items that require customization, including kippot and party swag

Purchase Tallit and Tefillin, if necessary

4-6 MONTHS

Go to the post office to have the complete invitation weighed and purchase the appropriate stamps (make sure to place a stamp on the return envelope or postcard)

Plan the menu for the reception

Arrange for the rental of party supplies not supplied (chairs, dishes, linen, etc.)

3 MONTHS

Have envelopes addressed

Finalize photos for the video montage and complete the video

Shop for clothes and shoes (don’t do any tailoring yet)

2 MONTHS

Mail or email invitations. It’s Official (8 weeks is standard)

Select aliyot/honors and make sure to collect your honorees full Hebrew names

Work on parents’ speech or blessing

Finalize centerpieces (including flowers for the synagogue service), décor and favors

Finalize all remaining entertainment for the party i.e.ww photo booth, caricatures etc.

Make a draft of the seating chart

Work on the service program

Begin ordering supplies and compiling local information for welcome bags/baskets for out of town guests

Compose candle lighting introductions or poems (where applicable)

Arrange for transportation of family and/or guests, if necessary

Ask close friends and relatives to bake for Kiddush

1 MONTH

Meet with the DJ and entertainers to pick songs and games and go over party preferences

Arrange for a rehearsal in the synagogue sanctuary

Confirm party timeline and schedule with all vendors, including photographer, videographer, music/entertainment and caterer

Purchase any items not provided by the caterer (liquor, challah, cake, gift cards and other giveways, etc.)

Finalize aliyot list and provide a copy to the synagogue

Make sure to schedule all hair/nail/makeup appointments

3 WEEKS

Visit the tailor

Assemble toiletry baskets for the bathrooms

Finalize ceremony programs, print and assemble Create Mitzvah Day itinerary

Compile list of must have shots for the photographer

2 WEEKS

Confirm final headcounts

Finalize seating chart and write place cards (wait to fill in the table numbers until closer to the event if possible)

1 WEEK

Drop off welcome baskets/bags at hotel

Have a rehearsal at the synagogue

Make sure Kiddush bakers know baked good location and drop-off times

Schedule family photos the day ahead and assign times for family to arrive

Contact all event vendors with last minute details or questions

Confirm all details are in place (food, decorations) for other events being hosted (Shabbat Dinner, Kiddush, etc.)

Prepare payments and tips

DAY OF EVENT

Relax and enjoy the day!

POST EVENT

Write and mail thank you cards BREATHE and RELAX!

And tell us all about your event at TwinCityMitzvahs.com/send-us-your-photos!

The RSVPs are in, now it’s time to

WHAT TABLES WILL YOU USE?

Will you use round or rectangle tables? Rectangular tables are trendy, create a dinner party feeling and allow for long hanging light installations. Round tables are more classic, seat more people and allow your guests to converse more easily. Round tables traditionally come in 60” and 72”.

A 60” table will seat 6 to 8 people and a 72” will seat 10 to 12. Rectangular tables come in 8 feet lengths; each table seats 8 people.

Think about your headcount and budget when choosing your tables. You will need more rectangular tables than round tables, meaning more space is needed. Your expense will be higher for rectangular tables. Consider a mix of round and rectangle tables to give you the best of both worlds and to create visual interest in your room, consider round tables for the adults

Jeffrey Schmieg Photography

SEATING

come up with your seating plan!

and rectangular tables for the kids.

A hot trend right now is to have a “kids’ lounge area” with comfortable lounge seating by the dance floor and other activities. Make sure this area has a place for sitting and eating. Add an Instagram worthy backdrop and a charging station and the lounge will be a hit with all the kids!

OPEN OR ASSIGNED SEATING?

With open seating there are no table assignments and guests may sit anywhere they choose. Open seating is more casual than assigned seating, encourages more mingling among your guests and is less work for you. The downside to open seating is

that some of your guests may prefer to know that they have a place to sit throughout the party.

With assigned seating, your guests are assigned to specific tables. If you are serving plated meals you will have to have assigned seating. Assigned seating is easy for your guests but more work for you as you must create the seating plan. As with table types, you may want to consider a hybrid of open and assigned seating. Most adults will appreciate assigned seating and the kids enjoy the freedom of open seating.

SEATING YOUR GUESTS!

Assigned seating will need a seating chart. To start, have a layout of your room, then group your guests (i.e. family, neighbors, friends and parents from sports or activities…) and start assigning seats. Make sure that you seat guests with people with common connections or interests. Once you have assigned your guests seats, think of a creative way to share the seating chart. If you can incorporate it into your party theme, do so. If you can’t incorporate the seating chart into your party theme, research seating chart trends and you will find tons of fun ideas.

The best is yet to come!

Sue Lund Photography

MEANINGFUL

MEANINGFUL

Mitzvah Gifts

Choosing the perfect Mitzvah gift may be harder than ever thanks to shifting trends and the influence of social-media. We are here to offer some suggestions.

Ca$h

Cash is the most convenient gift for everyone. It can be used for something the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child wants or put into a savings account for later use (which is many times what the parents prefer). You can gift in cash, check, Venmo, Paypal, or Zelle (the list goes on). Money is many times given in $18 increments, symbolizing the Hebrew letters for the word life (chai), which is numerically equivalent to 18. Any monetary gift you are comfortable with works as well and many times depends on your relationship to the Mitzvah child and their family.

Gift Cards

If you’re looking for a more targeted gift, consider a gift card. It can be to their favorite store, restaurant or spot to meet friends. Think about what the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child’s interests are and purchase a gift card that reflects just that. Some ideas include (Best Buy, Lululemon, Coach, Nordstrom, Target, H&M, Anthropologie, Aritzia, Nike, Free People, Athleta, Urban Outfitters, and more).

Personalized Gifts

Personalized gifts show that you took the time to consider all the things that make your recipient special and unique. You may want to include the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child’s name, (English or Hebrew) and consider including the date of the celebration, an inspirational message for them to look back on through the years.

Jewelry

Whether it’s trendy bracelets or a hamsa necklace, jewelry is a timeless gift. Make sure you know the Bar/ Bat Mitzvah child well enough to know their jewelry style. Are they traditional, sentimental, trendy,simple or edgy? Do they like rings, necklaces or bracelets? Do they like color or mixed metals? These are all things to consider as you are picking that special gift.

Games & Tech

Tech related gifts in many cases are a fan fave. An Oculus, Switch, 3D printer, AirPods, computer or a sought-after video game could be quite the gift. The list for tech related gifts are endless. How about an AirTag, portable charger, AirPod case or even a personalized case. Tech related gifts have that IT factor!

Subscriptions

Who doesn’t love the gift that keeps giving? Give a gift that delivers something new, fun and different each month! There are hundreds of subscription boxes to choose from. Find one that fits the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child perfectly. Think Masterclass, Audible, Baketivity, Champ-Chest, Birchbox, FabFitFun, Casely Club, Rowan, Disney+, ComiXology Unlimited, just to name a few.

Experiences

Want to really celebrate the day with the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child? Why not give them a gift of experience. This can be a behind the scenes tour of their favorite show or a cooking class at their favorite restaurant, or take them to see a play or concert,. How about a trip, a hot air balloon ride, a one-on-one lesson, a day of gokarting, a museum pass for a place they are interested in. The possibilities are endless to create memories that last a lifetime!

TikTok

1FIND A DANCE!

Dance challenges on TikTok go fast. New ones pop up all the time but there will always be the classics that stick around. Ones that are easy to learn so that all your guests can get their groove on. Even Grandma! One that can easily put a smile on your face is “Fancy Like”. So fun! They even use it in commercials!

BREAK IT DOWN

Break the dance moves down to make it easy. Make sure to master doing two or three moves in slow motion, try them again at regular pace and when you get those down, move onto the next two or three moves. Then combine from the beginning. Repeat until you have made your way through the whole dance.

.

TIME TO RECORD!

A camera/phone stand or a helper is very convenient when recording the challenges.

2.WATCH DANCE ON REPEAT

You will want to do this prior to your Mitzvah and get your moves down first. Know your dance so that you can help the other guests.

3.FIND A SLOW-MOTION TUTORIAL

This can be used at your party and put up on a big screen so everyone can learn the dance in slow-mo.

MITZVAH

CATERING

By Melissa Jackson, Deco Catering, Marketing Manager

ATERING

Planning your event does not need to be complicated! Here are some commonly asked questions we get about how to start planning the menu.

1. How do you pick your menu?

Pick a menu that is inclusive. Think about both the adults and the kids that will be attending your event. For kids, have something easy. Choose something that many kids recognize and are familiar with. For adults, think about who is attending your event. Choose menu options that are fan favorites, will be accommodating to the dietary restrictions and preference of your guests and reflect your style or theme of the event. The goal is to choose delicious food that please the crowd at your event.

We are receiving more requests for bold flavors and elevated twists on classics and comfort food. In addition to these food trends, including more flexitarian options are becoming increasingly important. For drinks, specialty cocktails and mocktails are gaining popularity.

You could incorporate this into your event by creating both a signature cocktail and NA mocktail for those who choose to have a delicious drink without the alcohol. Offering something for everyone is what the real trend is here and being mindful of what your guests will appreciate and enjoy.

3. What type of service should I have for my event?

The type of service will depend on the style of your event and your budget. If you’re looking for a more formal style, hors d-oeuvres and/ or a plated meal will match the elegance of your event. For a more casual event, a buffet is the best choice. For an event where you want your guests to move around and mingle, having food stations may be the style you want to go with. No matter the event, there’s a style of service that will help set the tone for you and your guests.

4. What are the benefits of using a catering company for my event?

When you work with catering professionals for your event, you can be confident that your catering will be in good hands. A great catering company will work with you to develop your menu, select your service style and execute your event without a hitch. You can trust in your caterer to provide high quality food and service to impress both you and your guests.

2. What is trending right now in catering?

Planning your event does not need to be stressful! The vendor partners you choose can be super helpful guides to walk you through the event planning process. Don’t be afraid to ask questions – they’re there to help you!

5. What advice would you give to someone planning an event?

The MITZVAH Extra

The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little EXTRA! Going that extra mile doesn’t have to be complicated. It is common for the Mitzvah child to be involved in some of the planning details, but imagine the look on their face when you add something EXTRA and pull off a surprise.

“Extras” can run the gamut in scale. But how do you decide which of the EXTRA details to include? How do you even come up with them in the first place? That’s what we are here for! Tie your EXTRA into the theme of your event. Surprise them with something relating to their favorite interest or hobby. Here are some ideas to get you started.

CELEBRITY

Hire a celebrity to attend and make an in-person appearance, a zoom appearance, send a video, recording or a personalized note. Can’t get the real thing? Consider hiring an impersonator. The look on your child’s face as their favorite actor, athlete, recording artist, mascot or influencer wishes them Mazel Tov on their Mitzvah will be priceless!

FLASH MOB

Make sure the photographer and videographer are ready to capture the look on your child’s face when either you, your spouse, their grandparent or their best friend decides to all of a sudden get their groove on! Hire a choreographer to level up your production.

FOOD

Not all surprises need to be seen, some can be tasted. Add a little EXTRA to your menu or food options. This could be a food truck, a dessert from their favorite restaurant, ice cream from their favorite scoop shop, a fun popcorn bar, novelties from their favorite out of town restaurant, a candy bar, mini donuts, pizza delivery, cotton candy, mocktails, cookies, a chocolate fountain, breakfast at the end of the party, cupcake decorating station, donut wall, the list could go on and on!

ENTERTAINMENT

This can be your typical form of entertainment or can be something out of the box. Think sumo wrestler suits, inflatables, arcade games, basketball shootouts, animal or

reptile shows, comedy shows, live artists, cooking demos, circus shows, live musicians, live dancers, caricatures, tattoos/henna, magicians, makeup artists and hairstylists, fashion shows, pop-up casinos and more.

MITZVAH MERCH

It’s always nice to send your guests off with some swag, and why not surprise your Mitzvah child with it? The most desired giveaway goodies are clothing Hoodies, pajama pants, beanies, baseball caps and tees. Tech gear, like a brick or portable charger, AirPod cases, sunglasses, water bottles and drawstring backpacks are also popular. This nice gesture adds just a little EXTRA for your guests.

DECOR

You thought you had a lot of options for a little EXTRA element in entertainment, well decor

can be just as surprising! Oh the things you can do here! On the more grandeur side, surprise your Mitzvah child and guests with a balloon drop, fireworks or make it rain confetti as the Mitzvah child makes his/her entrance or at the conclusion of the hora. Decorate your space with lifesize cutouts of your Mitzvah child from the past 13 years or supply your guests with face cut-outs of your child throughout the years. You

can set up different Instagram and TikTok backdrops for photos, put their name in lights, project themed images throughout the room with a Mitzvah logo on the walls or floor, light up the dance floor or have balloon sculptures representing your Mitzvah child throughout your venue.

Your child has studied, prepared, worked, and dreamed of this day, go the EXTRA mile for them, the smile will be well worth it!

STYLE swag

Going to a party or event is an exciting time for everyone involved. The host/ hostess gets to be in the spotlight and show their guests a celebration to remember and the guests get to revel in the music, lights, food, dessert and of course the swag!

Tying the merch to the theme of the party is popular but you can also tie it to an interest of the Mitzvah child. For instance, incorporating the current season to your theme, like summer. Having beach towels,flip flops, visors, and sunscreen with your mitzvah logo all packed into a Bogg Bag. If it’s winter, have personalized beanies, scarves, blankets. Receiving apparel with the mitzvah child’s logo/design like t-shirts, hoodie sweatshirts, hats is super popular so add that logo to everything!

You can also have fun distributing your merch! While many parties hand out swag bags at the end of the event, some are starting to showcase pop up shops, swag stations and swag counters. This is a fun and interactive way for your guests to shop for their items. Take a rest from the dance floor and stop at the swag stations to pick up that cool water

bottle, then the personalized stickers to decorate the water bottle, and then on to the tie dye fanny pack filled with candy!

The fun surprises that await your guests throughout the event can up their experience so have fun with it and make your Mitzvah your own!

The fun thing about planning an event, is making it your own. Get creative!

JUST MANAGEMENT

Your big day is quickly approaching, and the butterflies are taking over your mind and body. When you are planning a huge event or you are the guest of honor, don’t let the anxiety take over. So why does this happen? Why do we get so anxious for an event that is bringing so much joy?

Anticipatory anxiety is a real thing. It can affect even the calmest person. What exactly is it? It is the body's normal response to perceived future “threats.” In the days and hours leading up to an important event you may be a bundle of nerves, which is the fightflight-freeze system in action.

The “threat” can be worry or fear about speaking in front of a large crowd, that someone forgets their portion, worrying that things won’t run as planned, that the guests won’t enjoy themselves. So many things can trigger these feelings. Here are 5 easy tips to calm those pre-event jitters.

1. Just Breath

This is probably advice you’ve heard before. It’s a common response when someone is nervous. When we are anxious, we naturally take shorter, shallower breaths. So, take a couple of deep breaths and you will get more oxygen to your brain. This will help slow your heart rate and relax stomach muscles.

2. Strike a Pose

Stand with your chest and head up and your hands on your hips—you know, like a superhero. Yes, that is it. This is also known as a power pose and is said to help build your self-confidence.

3. Turn Up the Tunes

It is common to know that music can impact your emotions. So, jamming to your favorite tunes before the big day can pump up your self-esteem! Make sure to pick songs that will make you feel ready to take on the world!

4. Give Yourself a Confidence Boost

It is said that self-affirmations will provide a calming effect and build confidence. Start by looking at yourself in the mirror and recite positive affirmations about how great you are. Just do it! Tell yourself how awesome you are! You will be ready in no time to face your fears!

5. Tense and Relax Your Muscles

When you’re nervous your knees will shake, your shoulders will tighten, and your voice will quiver. This is why it’s important to take a moment to relax and take control of your body before entering an event. So, starting with your toes and moving all the way up to your head, slowly tense and relax each muscle group. All you need to do is tense your muscles for five seconds, relax for 30, and then repeat. It will increase your awareness of the physical sensations associated with relaxation and will make you feel less frazzled and anxious.

Remember to try to live in the moment. Everyone struggles with anxiety, but others handle it differently and let it affect them in their day-to-day life. It would be a perfect world if there was zero worry about, but from event socialization to reciting Torah in front of an audience, those nerves will always be there. So just breathe, stand like a superhero, crank up the tunes, tell yourself that you are awesome, and Relax!