Downloadable Bar and Bat Mitzvah Planning Timeline
Planning your child's bar or bat mitzvah can feel a lot like planning a wedding. It may feel overwhelming but having a checklist can help to make it manageable. Peruse our planning timeline and checklist below or click here to download a printable version.
18-24 Months Before
☐ Reserve the date of your child’s bar or bat mitzvah with your synagogue
☐ Start considering what type of celebration feels right for you
☐ Join some Bar & Bat Mitzvah planning groups on Facebook and other social media channels to start getting inspiration
12-18 Months Before
☐ Start to think about how many guests will attend
☐ Decide on reception style (formal dinner, casual lunch, kids-focused venue)
☐ Set overall budget and allocate funds across categories
☐ Reserve the reception venue (popular venues book up quickly)
☐ Research and book photographer/videographer and DJ
☐ Decide on caterer if food is not included with the venue
☐ Check with your synagogue to see when your child’s bar or bat mitzvah lessons will begin
9-12 Months Before
☐ Select a theme and create your logo
☐ Create tentative guest list
☐ Send out Save the Date Magnets to out-of-town guests and immediate family
☐ Make hotel accommodations for out-of-town guests and reserve a block of rooms
☐ If budget allows, make arrangements to have a “Day Of” planner assist you setup on the big day or see if your venue provides this service
6 Months Before
☐ Decide if you will send out digital or printed invitations
☐ Select a method to manage your RSVPS
☐ If printed invitations have been selected, get them ordered
☐ Finalize your guest list and gather mailing addresses and/or email addresses
☐ If using a florist, coordinate details with them for the party
☐ Help your child select their Mitzvah Project and work with them to make it happen
3 Months Before
☐ Purchase clothing and shoes for your bar or bat mitzvah child and your family
☐ Start gathering photographs for your slideshow
☐ Decide how your bar or bat mitzvah party will be structured. Will you give speeches? Have a candlelighting ceremony, play dance floor games, etc?
☐ Decide on room decor and order items needed for centerpieces
☐ Order your sign in board, candlelighting ceremony sign, dance floor decal, swag, party favors, dance floor giveaways, and other products
☐ Book appointments for hair and makeup
☐ Order your kippot
2 Months Before
☐ Send out invitations and include RSVP cards or digital link to RSVP with deadline set for 3-4 weeks prior to the big day
☐ Purchase Tallit
☐ Get started on your photo slideshow
☐ Make arrangements for any additional weekend events such as a Shabbat dinner, brunch, or meals with out-of-town guests
1 Month Before
☐ Confirm ceremony participants at the service (who will have aliyot) and design any additional items wanted for bar or bat mitzvah such as a program mentioning honors
☐ Help your child write their D'var Torah speech
☐ Write your speech if you will give one at the party
☐ Create a list of photo groupings for your photographer
☐ If doing a candlelighting ceremony, select songs and prepare speeches
☐ Finalize your slideshow
☐ Coordinate rehearsal time with your synagogue and photographer
☐ Order thank you notecards with your logo
☐ Work with your venue to finalize table linens and other room details
2 Weeks Before
☐ Finalize your event timeline with your vendors
☐ Finalize seating charts
☐ Create place cards and table numbers
☐ Have your child try on all clothing and shoes to ensure they still fit
☐ Prepare hospitality bags for out-of-town guests
1 Week Before
☐ Confirm all vendor arrival times
☐ Confirm hair and makeup appointments
☐ Confirm final head count and give to venue
☐ Get haircuts and other grooming needed
☐ Deliver hotel hospitality bags for out-of-town guests
☐ Coordinate with venue to drop off swag, party favors, place cards, DJ giveaways, sign in board, items for candlelighting ceremony, centerpieces, and all other items as early as they will allow it
☐ Prepare check payments and gratuity envelopes for vendors
1 Night Before
☐ Get a good night’s sleep and remember to enjoy every moment of your child’s big day. It will go by fast, so remember to be present and take it all in as you enjoy this special milestone.
About DIY Mitzvah
DIY Mitzvah provides bar & bat mitzvah party planning ideas & support, decorations, and swag. A portion of all proceeds from sales of our products including custom centerpieces, dance floor decals, save the date magnets, sign in boards, candlelighting displays, and swag are donated to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).
