18 Months Prior
Arizona is its own unique market when it comes to Mitzvahs and booking the BIG 3 (Venue, Photographer and DJ). As soon as you get your date, you should check these three off your box, and then you have some time until the next phase!
Research & Visit Venues
Book your Venue of choice
Research Photographers
Hire a Photographer (very competitive for dates in Arizona)
Investigate a DJ & MC
Hire DJ (very competitive for dates in Arizona)
12 Months Prior
10 Months Prior
If you have a lot of out of town guests send a save the date (mail or email)
Trial and book Hair and Makeup (especially if they are coming to your house and if they are in high demand)
Start sorting photos for the montage and think about music
Research Videographers
Hire a Videographer (optional)
Reserve room blocks of local hotels if you are having a lot of out-of-towners
Research and reserve Friday night Shabbat dinner if at a Venue
Research and Reserve Sunday brunch if at a Venue
8 Months Prior
Start sorting photos for the montage and paying attention to/thinking about montage music choices
Create a guest list (Some people choose to create two lists. One for teens and One for adults/family)
Initial Decor meeting
Decide on theme or Mitzvah vibe/feel and work with Graphic Designer or Decor company on logo creation
Research and Hire Rentals (i.e. photo booth, tattoos and any other extras)
Book Transportation if shuttling teens from service to party is necessary
6-3 Months Prior
Mitzvah child-Research & choose Mitzvah project
If you are having a bat mitzvah-start looking at options for the bat mitzvah girl, she might grow, but it is good to start looking
Second Decor meeting
Meet with a Giveaways person and decide on what logo favors you want to pass out
Look/Shop for Tallit and order
Finalize Guest list
Order Invitations and thank you notes
Have Invitation envelopes addressed (try to have thank you note envelopes addressed if they can provide that services)
Order cocktail napkins (optional)
2 Months Prior
Even if you are a really advance planner wait as long as you can to purchase and alter a Bar Mitzvah suit. Boys grow a lot at this age!
Start gathering DJ Giveaway prizes (5 below, $5 gift cards and $2 bills)
Start ordering “floor trash” if you are having a dance party
Purchase cheap socks for teens
Select date for food tasting with Venue/Caterer
Mail the Invitations (8-9 weeks ahead)
Third Decor meeting and a staging/view of centerpiece(s)
Give photos and music selections to Video Montage vendor
Begin thinking about Aliyot and honors
Confirm with the temple or venue if all Mitzvah supplies are provided (Kiddush cup etc.)
1 Month Prior
Start writing speeches and toasts
Meet with DJ regarding speeches, music, kids games and timeline/flow of the party
Work on seating as the RSVPs come in
Have tasting and finalize the menu
Select and purchase candy for candy bar (optional)
Order challah (if needed)
The Month of
Call/email any guests who have not sent in a response card
Confirm room reservations with the hotel
Choose people for Aliyot and honors and ask them to participate
Provide Venue with seating assignments one-two weeks prior to the event
Finalize your speeches and toasts
Create welcome bags (Costco is a good place to get snacks)
The Week of
Give guest count to the Venue/Caterer
Finalize seating
Bring gift collection box/bag to the Venue so that it’s there when you arrive for the celebration
Deliver welcome bags to hotels
Confirm final details with all Vendors (timeline, give socks/giveaways to DJ)
Prepare tips in separate envelopes
Pay all balances
Day & Evening Prior
Take the Kiddush cup (if you are using a special one) and tallit to the temple for safe keeping
Enjoy Shabbat Dinner (if you have one)
Enjoy Shabbat Service (if you have one)
SLEEP!!!!!
The Mitzvah Day!
IT’S FINALLY HERE!
Parents – Bring speech, $$ for vendor tips, speech/toast you when you leave the house
Mitzvah Child-Make sure your child brings his/her speech, prayers book, etc.…
HAVE FUN!
BE PRESENT!
AND BE PROUD OF YOUR CHILD’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND YOURS TOO 🙂
Mazel Tov from Mitzvah Chit Chat