There are a lot of little items that you need to account for in creating a Bar or Bat Mitzvah budget. We’ve talked about average costs, but what about all of the little things included in each category? Below is a list broken down by category that includes items that you may not have thought of. Keep in mind that some of these Mitzvah budget categories may also include additional fees (like delivery, disposal, damage deposits, etc.), taxes or gratuities which will add to your bottom line. And hey, there might not be exactly 101 items here, but it was a catchy title and there could be 101. I didn’t actually count.
Venue
- Rental fees
- Food (hors d’ouvres, meal, dessert and cake, exit treat, candy buffet)
- Alcoholic/Non-Alcoholic drinks
- Waitstaff
- Challah for blessings
Photographer/Videographer
- Second shooter
- Album
MC/DJ/Band
- Dancers
- Giveaways
- Prizes
- Deluxe set up with dance floor lights, plasmas, dance cubes, etc.
- Additional cocktail music
Entertainment
- Photobooth/Green Screen
- Games and novelties
- Montage (and something to display it on–projector and screen or TVs)
Decor + Rental
- Tables and chairs
- Centerpieces
- Dishes, glassware, silverware and serving ware
- Lounge furniture
- Linens
- Lighting (uplighting, gobos, pinspots)
Paper Goods + Graphic Design
- Cocktail napkins
- Escort cards/seating chart
- Day of printed materials (menu cards, place cards, signs, table numbers, etc.)
- Invitations, rsvp cards, enclosures, envelope addressing
- Postage
- Save the dates
- Thank you cards
- Sign in board/book/object
- Logo
- Favors
Transportation
- Busses (for kids or out of town guests)
- Valet parking
- Guest parking (Some of my clients choose to pay for guest parking at their events. Not necessary, but a nice touch)
Service Items
- Talit and bag
- Synagogue + tutoring fees
- Kippot, clips and basket
- Candy for throwing
- Programs
- Bima flowers
Personal Attire/Care
- Alterations
- Mitzvah child’s dress/suit for service and party
- Parent’s dress/suit for service and party
- Siblings dress/suit for service and party
- Shoes/accessories for service and party
- Hair, makeup and manicures
Other Expenses
- Security
- Tips
- Socks + container
- Bathroom baskets
- Gift bags for out of town guests
- Card box
- Candles and candelabra for candle lighting ceremony
- Website
- Event insurance
Other Weekend Events
- Shabbat Dinner
- Kiddush Luncheon
- Sunday Brunch
- Kids Only Party
