Bar/Bat Mitzvah Planning Checklist

Select a date

Begin researching synagogues (if you don't already belong to one), venues, and Bar/Bat Mitzvah themes and ideas

Determine budget

Meet with temple and Rabbi and begin learning assigned Torah portion

Book a tutor if necessary

Hire a party planner if desired

Create your guest list to determine size needs for venue

Select and book venue

Book photographer and videographer

Book entertainment (DJ/Band/Performers/Motivators)

Select and block out hotel rooms for out-of-town guests

Book caterer and cake/dessert baker if venue does not include on-site caterer

Research decor and flower ideas: if your venue or party planner will not be providing centerpieces, research and book a florist

Collect guest addresses

Send out save-the-dates by mail or email

Order your invitations and stationery

Reserve all necessary rentals (tables, chairs, china, glassware, linens, etc.)

Select and order personalized stamps for invitations. Bring a completed invitation to be weighed at the Post Office to determine correct postage

Book calligrapher if desired and hand off information. If doing invites yourself, address envelopes or complete your invitations online

Mail out invitations

Determine your look! Shop for Bar/Bat Mitzvah outfits and purchase for the entire family. Allow enough time for alterations

Purchase any additional clothing/outfits needed for the weekend's festivities

Have professional photo or video montage created

Arrange for hair and makeup for the big day and perform a trial run

Attend tasting with caterer and finalize menu items and hors d'oeuvres

Order personalized yarmulkes for service

Select and order sign-in board

Select Aliyot

Select candle lighters for reception

Begin working on seating chart

Plan out candle-lighting ceremony display and purchase or assemble necessary items

Put together a play/do-not-play song list for entertainment

Discuss and finalize games and activities with entertainment (make sure to get giveaways and prizes like gift cards, glasses, hats, etc.)

Book photo booth

Finalize speeches and candle-lighting introductions

Order or create ceremony programs

Create must-have photo and video list for the photographer and videographer

Purchase any accessories for the big day: shoes, bags, jewelry, hair

Arrange for exit treats (pretzels, hot chocolate, donuts, etc.) for guests to take when leaving party.

If you are doing a candy bar order candy, jars and scoopers or arrange through venue or caterer

Select and order favors (order bags and labels for favors if necessary)

Get socks and/or flip flops with basket for kids to use during dancing

Agree on final outline of evening with MC

Prepare toiletry baskets for bathrooms at synagogue and party venues if necessary and deliver them

Complete welcome bags for out of town guests and deliver to hotel

If necessary, arrange transportation from hotel to synagogue, synagogue to venue, and venue to hotel

Finalize seating chart, table names/numbers, and escort cards

Confirm all vendors the week before event

Confirm final guest list and give final head count to caterer

Finalize all plans for related events: welcome dinner, Shabbat dinner, Oneg, and day-after brunch

Bar/Bat Mitzvah: Weekend of Event Planning Checklist

Drop welcome bags at hotel

Drop toiletry baskets to synagogue and venue

Give Rabbi Aliyah list

Adjust seating chart for any last minute guest-list changes and notify caterer

Prepare Kiddish cups, challah, and knife for blessings

Do a rehearsal at the synagogue

Pamper yourselves! Get a manicure, pedicure, massage...

Get a good night's sleep!

Attend your hair and make-up appointments

Finalize all vendor payments

Drop off favors, sign-in board and pen, and any other necessary items to event site

Bring cash and envelopes for gratuities

Take plenty of photos at the synagogue, before the service

Smile, relax, and enjoy. Mazel tov!

Bar/Bat Mitzvah: Post-Event Planning Checklist

Write and mail thank you notes

Order photos, album, and video

Complete Mitzvah project