One to Three Years Before Event
Decide if you want a party planner and set up initial meeting
Secure videographer/photographer
Investigate and choose location and date
Choose entertainment, theme and color scheme
Contact synagogue or temple when your child is under 10 years old to learn about the process
Lessons usually begin one year before the bar mitzvah date
Help your child decide on a community service project
Eleven Months Before Event
Contact hotels to request a block of rooms for out of town guests
Meet with party planner to begin design elements
Ten Months Before Event
Bring the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child to meet with the planner to give input on decorations
Nine Months Before Event
Make any transportation arrangements needed
Eight Months Before Event
Create guest list
Begin choosing invitations, wording and calligraphy style
Decide if you would like to make arrangements to transport the kids to and from the ceremony and party
Six Months Before Event
Develop a guest list with current addresses
Select and order invitations, thank you notes, direction cards, napkins and guest towels depending on your needs
Decide on centerpieces and choose party favors
Arrange accommodations for out of town guests
Decide if you will be hosting other activities for out of towners the weekend of the bar/bat mitzvah
Begin planning menu
Order informal photographs
Begin looking for the family’s attire for the services and for the party
Four Months Before Event
Have invitation weighed at post office and select and purchase postage stamps
Three Months Before Event
Make valet arrangements
Finalize menu, flowers and other details of the party
Order personalized yarmulkes
Make appointments with barber/hair stylist, manicurist
Take invitations to calligrapher
Decide on imprinted accessories and/or give-a-ways
Two Months Before Event
Create candle-lighting ceremony
Develop a timeline for the formalities for the day of the event including the caterer and entertainers, special dances (hora) and food service to make sure that everyone is coordinated
Encourage your child to practice his/her service out loud
Six Weeks Before Event
Mail invitations numbering the back of the response cards to ensure accuracy
One Month Before Event
Reconfirm all service providers
Schedule a rehearsal time at the synagogue
Arrange transportation for out of town guests to and from airports
Arrange floor plan and seating
Arrange hospitality baskets for out of towners including a schedule of events and directions
Final fittings for attire for the entire family
Three Weeks Before Event
Finalize music choices and special songs such as special dances, horas etc.
Call guests who haven’t responded yet
Two Weeks Before Event
Order necessary kosher dinners
Assign tables/prepare seating cards
Reconfirm arrangements with all vendors including photographer, videographer, balloon company/florist etc.
Check accommodations for out of town guests
One Week Before Event
Confirm final guest count with caterer
Adjust seating if necessary
Pack an emergency kit with sewing materials, extra makeup, hairbrushes, pantyhose etc.
Prepare payments for vendors
Two Days Before Event
Deliver gift bags for out of towners to hotel
Day Before Event
Manicure Appointment for mother of Bar/Bat Mitzvah child
Day Of Event
Review timeline to make sure everything is on track
