Practical planning for your gala party
If you are planning a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, here is a good sample overview of what a typical affair might consist of. Typically a Bar/Bat Mitzvah is a four-hour affair. Since there is quite a bit you have to tuck into these hours it works best to keep them high-energy from beginning to end.
If you have ever attended a Bar/Bat Mitzvah on the East Coast you know they are
lavish affairs. Many hosts/hostesses like to blend some of the interactive
activities used on the East Coast with the casual California lifestyle.
Many Bar/Bat Mitzvahs involve a theme (movies, shopping, sports, etc....). Both
the music and activities should be custom-tailored to any theme you choose.
Whatever musical entertainment you end up hiring, the interaction of them with
your guests is as important as the music they play in making your event into
something special. The best way to ensure a successful event is to make it
unique and memorable. Use your knowledge of your guests and your vision of what
you want your party to be to decide which activities to choose.
Introductions
Many affairs start off with a high-energy feel. The guest of honor will be
announced into the room accompanied by upbeat music (often the master of
ceremonies will announce the entire family as well). Often times they will have
all the guests stand on both sides of the entrance forming a gauntlet allowing
the guest of honor to shake hands and high-five as he/she walks through.
Candle lighting
The candle lighting ceremony will give the Bar/Bat Mitzvah an opportunity to
honor those people who are most important. The usual order is grandparents,
aunts, uncles, cousins, older relatives, younger relatives, friends, Bar/Bat
Mitzvah's friends, siblings and parents. The usual amount of candles is 13 or 14
(14th for Bar/Bat Mitzvah). A memory candle may also be lit to honor a deceased
loved one.
You will need to choose music selections for each candle dedication. You may
choose Jewish music, pop music, theme music, or any combination. Try to choose
upbeat music whenever possible. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Family Members: We Are Family, As Long As We've Got Each Other (from growing
pains), Little Sister and I Love My Sister
Friends: Friends, That's What Friends Are For, Thank You For Being A Friend
General Ideas: Celebration, Mazel Tov (from Fiddler On The Roof soundtrack),
Places: New York, New York, Chicago, etc., Sports Themes
Games, Games, Games
There are dozens of innovative games and activities available to increase the
fun of any event. Many interactive games involve not only the kids but the
adults as well. Following are a few favorites:
Game Show: You are provided with a game show set complete with electronic
scoring and lock-out buzzer system (just like the TV game shows). This can
easily be done with individuals or teams and works well either during dinner or
immediately afterwards as an ice-breaker. You can go adults vs. kids, girls vs.
boys, etc. The questions can be general questions designed by the staff, or you
can make up your own about your family or theme of the event. This game usually
lasts between 15-30 minutes.
Air Band: This is one of the best ways to kick-off a party! You will
hand-pick ten people from your guest list to participate. These participants
must be outgoing and enthusiastic. These participants will be called to the
front just prior to the dancing. They will be introduced one by one as great
musicians to fanfare and adulation. Each will be given an inflatable instrument
to "play", guitars, saxophones, keyboards and even drums. The band will be asked
to "warm-up" by playing a song together. They won't know what they will be
playing until they hear the first few notes from the sound system, but once they
do, it's wild! Your audience will go crazy watching and clapping along to your
band (give it a catchy name). By the end of the song, your entire group will be
up on their feet, and most will be on the dance floor. Although you are only
five minutes into the dance time, your party will be in full swing.
Mitzvah Trivia: This works great during the meal as an entertaining ice
breaker. Using information supplied by you, you can quiz your guests on trivia
involving the guest of honor. Questions could include the guest of honor's
favorite food, band, teacher, color, etc. Another idea to involve all ages is to
play "Name That Tune". Many selections will be for the "60's" and "70's". Dont
allow the adults to answer so there is a lot of interaction between the kids and
adults. This also works well with a movie-themed event involving music from the
movies.
follow the instructions as the rest of the guests watch and laugh. Although
it looks easy, it's virtually impossible to beat a pro running the game.
Karaoke: The original sing-along activity! The professionals provide songs
on disc, with the lyrics appearing on a monitor for the singer. You can sing
individually or in groups, with any talent level. This works best with small
parties, as it can keep a party going if there isn't much dancing.
Big Screen Video: Music videos have been popular for years. A good
professional can mix music videos and live shots (and any special video you may
have) on a huge 6 foot by 9 foot screen.
Confetti Launch: Nothing is more exciting than confetti raining down on the
dance floor. You can add a confetti launch during dancing, air band, or awards
for extra excitement and surprise.
Lights: There are several different lighting packages available for your
party. You can opt for simple mirror ball-type effects or basic ambiance
lighting if your facility has only "on" or "off" lights (no dimming capability).
Also available are complete high-end lighting systems consisting of "smart
lights" (as seen in rock concerts) and lasers.
Party Enhancers: Adding specialty party giveaways such as tambourines,
maracas, hats, inflatable guitars and saxophones, leis, sunglasses, etc. are a
great way to turn your event into a party.
Additional Staff: One of the best investments you can make to increase the
participation and energy of your event is to add additional staff members.
Standard are an Emcee and a DJ. More elaborate parties can feature Dancers/Party
Motivators who dress in the same attire as the Emcee and are terrific in leading
group dances, preparing for skits like YMCA, and passing-out "Party Enhancer"
items during the dancing. The more interactive you want your event to be, the
more staff you should add. A good rule of thumb for a very interactive evening
is one staff per 75 guests.
Traditional Dances: Dancing to a Hora is a must. Everyone gets involved in
a Hora right after the introductions. Hoisting the guest of honor, siblings and
sometimes the entire family is a time-honored tradition. You can also involve
your guests by introducing them to Israeli dances such as "Mayim Mayim" and "Yesh".
