Bar or Bat Mitzvah Cost

Typical costs:

• Invitations for a bar or bat mitzvah typically cost $1-$4. For example, Fine Stationery^[1] 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^[2] 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^[3] 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^[4] 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.

• Blue Suit Mom^[5] 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^[6] 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^[7] for bar and bat mitzvahs.

• 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^[8] features traditional Jewish gifts for bar and bat mitzvahs for $50-$200. Shop Wiki has a buying guide^[9] for gifts ranging from $20 to $100 that are geared toward 13-year-old girls.

• Jewish Journal^[10] 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.

• 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^[11] 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^[12] for luncheon-style bar and bat mitzvahs.

1.  www.finestationery.com/shop/party/bar-mitzvah-bat-mizvah-invitations.html
2.  www.cateringbygeorge.com/pdf/CorporateCatering.pdf
3.  www.cohenproductions.com
4.  www.walzerphotography.com/SeattleBarMitzvahPhotographers/Bar-Mitzvah-Photography/1...
5.  www.bluesuitmom.com/family/activities/mitzvah.html
6.  www.jewfaq.org/barmitz.htm
7.  www.bnaimitzvahguide.com/bar.mitzvah.decorating.ideas.php
8.  www.judaism.com/lifecycle/bmitzvah.asp
9.  www.shopwiki.com/w/Birthday-Gifts-for-Thirteen-Year-Old-Girls
10.  www.jewishjournal.com/bar_and_bat_mitzvahs/article/pinched_pocketbooks_no_bar_to_p...
11.  www.jewishjournal.com/bar_and_bat_mitzvahs/article/unique_party_planning_isnt_chop...
12.  www.barmitzvah101.com/BarMitzvah-433

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