fbpx

B’nai Mitzvah Checklist — what to do and when to do it

B\'nai Mitzvah Checklist
[additional-authors]
July 13, 2007

Two Years

  • Choose date and time for event (consult with synagogue and reception hall).
  • Set budget.
  • Book private tutor (optional).
  • Book party planner (optional).
  • Book photographer/videographer.
  • Book entertainment (DJ/band) for reception.
  • Estimate number of guests for event; begin guest list.

One Year

  • Child begins learning and studying Torah portion.
  • Choose theme for event (optional).
  • Book caterer.
  • Book florist for centerpieces and floral arrangements.
  • Start shopping for invitations.

Six Months

  • Reserve tables, chairs and other rental equipment for event (unless already handled by caterer).
  • Book block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests (be sure t
  • send out detailed hotel reservations, maps and other important information).
  • Begin clothes shopping for event.
  • Order or design sign-in board and guest book.
  • Book baker (for cake, optional).

Three Months

  • Order/make party favors for guests.
  • Order kippot (optional).
  • Finalize guest list.
  • Make final selections for clothing and accessories.
  • Select and pick up invitations.
  • Arrange transportation for you, your family and guests (as needed) for day of event.

Eight Weeks

  • Mail invitations.
  • Arrange parking for event (if needed).
  • Arrange for special entertainment (e.g., dancers/vendors) (optional).
  • Create desired song list for reception.
  • Finalize seating arrangements by using table chart.
  • Create placecards.

Four Weeks

  • Choose people to honor during event (either by calling them up to bimah for aliyot, to light candle at the candlelighting ceremony or any variation thereof).
  • Write speeches. Also, prepare songs, poems or dances for event.
  • Make hairstylist and manicure/pedicure appointments.
  • Final fittings for clothing.
  • Order food for Kiddush/oneg Shabbat held at synagogue.

Two Weeks

  • Give final head count to caterer/confirm setup instructions and menu items.
  • Call guests wh
  • have not R.S.V.P.’d to event to confirm final head count.
  • Take formal pictures on bimah before event.
  • Arrange to transport out-of-state guests from airport to the hotel.

One Week

  • Confirm delivery locations, times and final arrangements with caterer, baker, location manager/host, florist, photographer, videographer, DJ/band, religious instructor and anyone else associated with event.
  • Attend any previously scheduled beauty appointments (hair, nails, etc.).

Day Before Event

  • Drop off favors, guest book and pen t
  • event site.
  • Confirm with those expected t
  • give speeches.
  • Get some sleep.

Day of Event

  • Smile and enjoy.

After Event

  • Make sure thank-you notes are written and sent.
Did you enjoy this article?
You'll love our roundtable.

Editor's Picks

Latest Articles

Print Issue: Got College? | Mar 29, 2024

With the alarming rise in antisemitism across many college campuses, choosing where to apply has become more complicated for Jewish high school seniors. Some are even looking at Israel.

More news and opinions than at a
Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.

More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.

More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.