 | Catering: $15-$125 Per Guest |
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 | Entertainment: $200-$2,000+ |
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 | Venue Rental: $250-$2,500 |
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| A bar mitzvah is a Jewish coming-of-age ceremony for boys reaching age 13, at which time they are celebrated as followers of the commandments. At age 12, girls may have a bat mitzvah ceremony and celebration, which is also a public declaration of faith. The ceremony is typically accompanied by a large reception, which includes a meal, entertainment or music, and cake. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Invitations for a bar or bat mitzvah typically cost $1 -$4. For example, Fine Stationery offers custom-printed invitations for $1 -$5 depending on the design and quantity ordered.
- A bar or bat mitzvah venue typically costs $250 -$2,500, comparable to the prices for a wedding reception venue. The number of guests greatly affects the venue size and cost.
- Catering for a bar or bat mitzvah typically costs about $15 -$125 per guest. The price varies based on the number of guests, the quality of food and if alcohol is served to adults. For example, Catering by George in Houston offers a fajita buffet for $15 per person, with drinks and cake ordered a la carte. Elaborate tiered cakes can cost $1 -$4 per slice, while a simple sheet cake from the local grocery store can cost 35 cents -$2 per guest.
- Entertainment for a bar or bat mitzvah typically costs $200 -$2,000. For example, Cohen Productions in Peabody, MA, offers a $1,300 DJ package which includes three hours of music, an emcee, party lights, contests and prizes for guests. The company also offers add-ons such as karaoke for $100, a magician for $450, and the Dance Dance Revolution interactive video game for $1,300.
- Photographers for a bar or bat mitzvah event typically cost $500 -$3,000. For example, Walzer Photography in Seattle offers an $800 bar mitzvah photo package which includes four hours of shooting, digital images on a CD, a 4x6 keepsake album, and online proofs.
What should be included: | - Blue Suit Mom suggests starting to plan the bar or bat mitzvah party when the child is 10 years old, by contacting a synagogue or temple to prepare a child for the event. She also provides a suggested timeline for planning the rest of the ceremony and reception.
- Judaism 101 explains what a bar or bat mitzvah is as well as why gifts are given.
- Decorations may include flowers, balloons, and candles, as well as personal mementos celebrating the child's life. B'nai Mitzvah offers decorating tips for bar and bat mitzvahs.
Additional costs: | - Gifts for the celebrated boy or girl are a common expense for guests at the bar or bat mitzvah, and may include accessories, jewelry or books. Judaism.com features traditional Jewish gifts for bar and bat mitzvahs for $50 -$200. Shop Wiki has a buying guide for gifts ranging from $20 to $100 that are geared toward 13-year-old girls.
Discounts: | - Jewish Journal suggests that one trend in bar and bat mitzvahs is to save money by having the party at home. The article lists additional cost-cutting tips like printing invitations on a home computer and asking friends and family to bring desserts.
Shopping for a bar or bat mitzvah: | - Though many families don't stray far from the traditional mitzvah party with a ceremony in a synagogue followed by a banquet and dancing, this Jewish Journal article suggests a summer camp theme with cabins, a hayride, and line dancing, as well as options like a casino night, a magic show, or rented virtual reality games. Mitzvah Chic is a book and a website with ideas for creating a unique and memorable bar or bat mitzvah party.
- Bar Mitzvah 101 offers several menu ideas for luncheon-style bar and bat mitzvahs.
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Article updated July 2011 |
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