1. Your first step is to decide whether or not your son wants a theme party, a formal reception or a party for his friends, separate from the adults. What are his favorite hobbies, movies, theme ideas, sports, etc.? You can pick a fun theme regardless of the boy's personality. Theme parties provide some of the most exciting opportunities in party planning, allowing you to incorporate the use of props, scenery, unique designs, customized themed floral arrangements, novelty entertainment and party gifts, etc.
2. If you choose to go in the direction of a themed event we highly recommend that you use the services of a party coordinator who can help you plan every detail. This person should have experience doing bar mitzvahs. Your party planner will present you with a list of the services they provide and you can usually pick all or some of them depending on how much help you need.
3. Theme parties come in all sizes, shapes and colors. Some fun theme ideas include a casino night, Las Vegas, Hollywood, awards party, sports theme, jungle or safari, surfing, beach, yachting, tropical, underwater, butterflies, garden, books, dancing, music, MTV, futuristic, shopping, astrological, outer space, neon, Italy, Paris, Morocco, Arabian Nights, Israel, Brazilian carnival, mardi gras, Cirque du Soleil, carnival, ballet, acting, theater, movies, TV shows, famous couples, famous actors and actresses, Star Wars, piano, etc. 101Barmitzvahtips lists thousands of vendors who provide services for theme parties.
4. Entertainment is a key factor to the success of any bar mitzvah. Kids have a lot of energy and need to be kept busy with dancing and activities. Otherwise you'll have a bunch of kids running wild throughout the party location.
5. A good DJ/MC with at least four interactive party dancers is highly recommended for bar mitzvahs. The DJ and dance team should be able to produce a fun, energetic grand entrance for your son, coordinate the hora, the Motzi, introductions for first dance, meal service, and special video production. They should also handle organizing all of the candle lighting songs and assist with the ceremony by playing a special song for each person coming up to light the candle. Ask the DJ what kind of music they play for all ages of guests and make sure they have a good dance mix of a hora. The song should be at least 10 - 15 minutes long.
Party games for the kids and interactive dancing are popular activities at every bar mitzvah. Contests such as the limbo, freeze dance, huggie bear, Pepsi Cola 7-Up, hula hoop contest, bubble wrap popping contest, toilet paper wrap, etc. are common games to play with the kids. Buy some prizes like CD singles, movie tickets, gift certificates from McDonald's, Baskin Robbins, or Blockbuster are always big winners with the kids.
The interactive party dancers should dance with both the kids and the adults. Old favorites like a conga line, the YMCA, disco dancing, the Electric Slide, Jewish folk dancing, break dancing, circle dancing or hip-hop dances where the kids follow along with the dancer are also popular.
6. There are also many good party bands that are professionals at playing music for Bar Mitzvahs. The bandleader should be able to entertain the kids similar to a DJ. Make sure your band brings current dance music on CD so they can answer some of the special song requests from the kids. Jewish music is a must and the band should be familiar with Jewish traditions, songs, the hora, etc. This is very important!
7. If you want the best of two worlds hire a DJ and a live band to work together in alternation. Both the DJ and the bandleader should meet in advance to discuss the division of duties. Many companies can offer you a combination of both. In any event you should definitely hire some party dancers because they're the people who are the catalysts who get the crowd moving.
8. It's also important to provide additional entertainment for the kids. Entertainers such as a glass blowers, candy makers, tattoo artists, henna artists, airbrush t-shirts, name on rice, jewelry makers, etc. are always fun additions and provide guests an opportunity to take home a memento of the event.
9. Strolling entertainers like mimes, magicians, balloon twisters, etc. always make for humorous moments and are especially beneficial during the cocktail hour.
10. Stage shows and dramatic grand entrances are also becoming very popular. Many bar mitzvahs feature a full dance production; stage show or other entertainment during the time just after the meal. Grand entrances can include introductions of the bar mitzvah with various types of entertainers such as the Lakergirls, stiltwalkers, Jewish dancers, actors, look-alikes, etc.
11. It is recommended to hire a couple of security guards just to ensure that someone doesn't get out of control. The kids get excited and can sometimes get into trouble if not supervised.
Bar Mitzvahs are celebrations that provide a lifetime of cherished memories for you, your son, the guests and family relatives. Make it special and spare no expense. You'll be glad you had a party that people will talk about for years to come. Welcome your son to manhood in grand style!
