From venues, entertainment and photographers to decoration specialists, stationery makers and equipment suppliers, your business can help towards creating the perfect Bar/ Bat Mitzvah celebration.
Nowadays big parties are held to mark the special occasion for 13 year old boys and 12 year old girls who, according to Jewish law, become accountable for their actions. After this age, the boys and girls bear their own responsibility for Jewish ritual law, tradition, and ethics, and are able to participate in all areas of Jewish community life.
The first part of the occasion sees the youngster read from the Torah at a synagogue ceremony and this is then followed by a party, usually the following day. Bar mitzvah festivities typically include a celebratory meal with family, friends, and members of the community, from a low-key gathering to a lavish party commonly held at hotels or country clubs with hundreds of guests.
And this is where you fit in
Venues
Can your venue host banquets, dinners and evening parties for up to 250 guests? Perhaps you already have a specific Bar/ Bat Mitzvah package deal or maybe you could put one together?
Venues that will be advertising in the forthcoming June/ July Bar/ Bat Mitzvah special edition include Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa, The Cairn Hotel, The Village Hotel North Leeds and Pavilions of Harrogate.
Venues that we’ve worked with in the past include the White Cloth Gallery, Hotel Du Vin Harrogate and the Etz Chaim Synagogue.
Leeds is home to some unique venues such as Leeds United’s stadium Elland Road, The Tetley and the iconic Queen’s Hotel. Further afield there’s the Old Swan Hotel in Harrogate and Rudding Park.
Clothing and Accessories
What to wear is high on the list of priorities when it comes planning a Bar/ Bat Mitzvah, often because two outfits are needed for the boy or girl plus each family member.
The ceremony usually requires a more modest outfit where, for example, women and girl’s shoulders should be covered. The party allows for more freedom. Girls often plump for a prom-style dress while mums choose an outfit akin to mother of the bride status. Dads opt for suits for both the traditional ceremony and party. Young boys will wear suits to the synagogue and will perhaps plump for either a smart shirt or t-shirt with chino like trousers at the party.
This edition we’ll be working with The Zip Yard who offer a great altering service and Skopes – suit specialists – will again be running a popular competition where fathers and sons can win their Bar Mitzvah outfits.
Plus, don’t forget about your accessories or shoes. In the past we’ve worked with Bibbiddi Bobbiddi Bows – who offer girls stylish hair pieces – and Moda in Pelle, who have a great selection of shoes.
Do you have dresses, suits or shoes suitable for 12 year olds through to outfits for mums and dads? If so, then you will find a demand for Bar/ Bat Mitzvah events.
Photographers
It’ll come as no surprise that families want to preserve the memories of this special occasion with professional photographs, so there’s a great opportunities for photographers. We’ll be working with Steve Bootle in the special edition. We also work with Flixnpix, Howard Barnett, David Cole and 123Photography.
If you have the right equipment and are looking to branch into other events, then consider Bar/ Bat Mitzvahs as a new opportunity to showcase your photography talents.
Equipment Hire
An all-out Bar/ Bat Mitzvah party leaves nothing out – from lighting and staging to marquee hire to big screens, a big show is what guests are looking for. We’re currently working with Production, Light & Sound who provide technical, creative and management services to the event industry.
Decorations
Everything from balloons, seat covers and table cloths to centrepieces, banners and drapes, are popular decorations at Bar/ Bat Mitzvahs. Themes play a large part of the parties so we’re looking for companies who specialise in providing decorations for events.
Gifts
No special occasion would be complete without the perfect gift. From gadgets and sports presents to beauty and music treats for girls, there’s so much scope for gifts for 12-13 year olds.
Previously, we’ve worked with Kitty and Kobi and Casablanca. Do you have a local gift shop with appropriate present options?
Entertainment
Do you have a unique or quirky act that will liven up any party? Bar/ Bat Mitzvahs often feature performances from live music bands to dance acts – perhaps you have something different to offer or are you a tried and tested popular act?
If you’re based in the North Leeds area and would like to get involved call 0845 052 2911 or email jlife@nutsforprint.co.uk.