Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Checklist

from CandyTorahs, makers of adorable, unique Bar Mitzvah favors and place cards.

I make To-Do lists for everything so I don't forget things. It's very comforting! Enormous lists are less comforting (especially at the beginning), but they're still helpful.

If you Google "Bar Mitzvah Checklist" you'll get 18,000 exact phrase matches. "Bat Mitzvah Checklist" yields 13,800 matches.

Let me save you from surfing those 13,800 web pages by offering you my very own Checklist. Be forewarned: this is based on my own modest, Mid-west experience. It doesn't include chartering cruise ships or retaining a cinematographer (not that there's anything wrong with that).

The List

Diagram View. The organization might seem a little arbitrary in places. It is. Think of it as a tickler to help you remember stuff, not as a complete guide to planning a party.

  • Research
    • Mitzvahlicious.com
    • MitzvahMarket.com
    • MitzvahChic.com
    • Party411.com, Bar Mitzvah message boards!
  • Schedule
    • Arrival
    • Hospitality suite
    • Shabbat dinner
    • Shabbat Services
    • Saturday AM
    • B Mitzvah service
    • Luncheon
    • Reception / party
    • Appetizer reception
    • Kids party
    • Late night events
    • Brunch
    • Departure
  • Event Planning
    • venues
      • Temple/Shul
      • Hotel
        • welcome gift bags
          • weekend itinerary
          • local maps, attractions
          • visit jewish-clipart.com for graphics help
          • special local treats
        • reserve a block of rooms well in advance
      • Public hall
      • Home
      • costs
      • capacities
      • deposits
      • floor plans
      • rental chairs, equipment
      • special dietary considerations
    • Food
      • Caterer
      • multiple meals
      • sit-down / buffet
      • afternoon / evening
      • kosher
      • vegetarian
      • allergies
      • drinks
        • bar drinks
        • dinner drinks
      • appetizers
      • sweet table
      • friends baking
      • attended food stations
      • plan to donate leftovers
    • Decorations
      • theme
        • child's interests
        • actionable
        • time to pull it off
        • vendors
      • centerpieces
        • give away afterwards
        • plan
        • make / buy
      • favors
      • goody bags
        • design
        • contents
      • Sign in / board
      • guest book / nice pen
      • room decorations
      • Flowers
    • Activities
      • band
        • must-play songlist
        • don't play songlist
      • entertainer / dj
        • must-play songlist
        • don't play songlist
      • slideshow / video
        • gather photos
        • ask relatives for photos
        • make or buy
      • confirm who's giving toasts
      • attrractions
        • games
        • photo booth
      • special food attractions
        • chocolate fountain, e.g.
      • video games
      • various vendors
  • Child
    • Are they ready
      • meet with rabbi
      • Torah reading
      • speech
      • kids guest list
      • writing for service pamphlet
        • jewish-clipart.com
      • clothing
      • haircut
      • make-up
      • Mitzvah project
        • plan
        • execute
        • summarize
    • special time
      • connect with the child
      • keep them involved
  • Guests
    • guest list decisions
    • Invitations
      • extra envelopes
      • weigh and determine postage
    • RSVP Tracking
    • Cost Estimating
    • seating arrangements
      • older people away from loudspeakers
      • careful, it's a treacherous minefield!
    • Place cards
    • Gift tracking
      • who
      • what
      • thanked?
    • thank you notes
      • personalized stationery
      • return address stickers on-theme
      • you can start before the event!
  • Clothing and Hair
  • Photography
    • Hire a photographer
    • schedule photos
    • coordinate everyone
    • purchase decisions
    • make a list of must-have photos
      • keep extra copies with you
  • Travel coordination
    • siblings at college
    • out of town relatives
    • transportation to/from airport
    • transport to weekend events
    • Kids drop off / pick-up
    • arrange for parking if needed
      • valet
  • Vendors
    • Photographer/Videographer
    • Party Planner
    • Baker
    • Venue Manager
    • Florist
    • Entertainer / DJ
    • Band
    • Special entertainment
      • stand-up
      • dancers
    • Calligrapher
    • Dressmaker / Tailor
    • Stationer (Invitations)
    • Decorator
    • Baker (for Bar Mitzvah cake)
  • Cost and budget
    • Make a budget
    • Monitor budget
    • track on computer
    • Meal, tax, tip

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Fast Facts

Kosher?

Yes, kosher's available at no extra charge (except Purim favors). Here's the heksher and certification letter.

Price?

From 95¢ ea. See Price Sheet.

Lead time?

As little as 7 days!