How to Create DIY Bar & Bat Mitzvah Centerpieces on a Budget Using Acrylic Cubes

Learn how to create stunning DIY bar and bat mitzvah centerpieces on a budget using acrylic cubes. Step-by-step guide covering personalized clings, DIY centerpiece stickers, acrylic risers, LED lights, and more.

Want bar or bat mitzvah centerpieces that look professionally designed — without the expensive price tag? Acrylic cubes are the budget-friendly tool that savvy mitzvah parents are using to create personalized, professional-looking table displays — and in this guide, we'll show you exactly how to do it.

Why DIY Bar & Bat Mitzvah Centerpieces Are the Way To Go

Planning a bar or bat mitzvah is one of the most meaningful — and most expensive — milestones a family can celebrate. Between the venue, catering, DJ, and photography, it's easy to feel like every line item is out of your control. But here's the good news: centerpieces are one area where going DIY can actually produce better results, especially when your child has a specific vision.

DIY mitzvah centerpieces give you:

• Full creative control over colors, theme, and style
• Significant cost savings compared to custom florist arrangements or party planners
• A personal touch that guests will actually talk about
• A creative way to carry your mitzvah theme throughout the entire room
• A fun family project to do together in the weeks leading up to the big day

Ready to get started? Here's your complete guide.

Step 1: Start with an Acrylic Cube as Your Foundation

The cornerstone of a modern, elegant DIY mitzvah centerpiece is the acrylic cube. These clear, sleek bases have become a go-to in the event design world because they're versatile, reusable, and photograph beautifully.

Choosing Your Cube Size

The two most popular sizes of DIY acrylic centerpiece cubes are:

• 8" Acrylic Cube — Perfect for smaller round tables, narrower banquet tables, cocktail hour setups, kiddush luncheons, kids' tables, or when you want a more understated, modern look. 
• 10" Acrylic Cube — A bolder statement piece ideal for larger tables or when the centerpiece is the clear focal point of the design.

Pro tip: Many families order a mix of both sizes — using the 10" cubes for larger tables and 8" cubes for kids' tables.

Why Acrylic?

Unlike traditional vases or wooden boxes, acrylic cubes are:

• Crystal-clear — They reflect light and candlelight beautifully
• Lightweight — Easy to transport and set up on the day of the event
• Reusable — Family members or friends can repurpose them after the party
• Neutral — They work with any color palette or theme

Step 2: Personalize Your Cubes with Your Child's Theme

Here's where the magic happens. A plain acrylic cube becomes a personalized, themed centerpiece through custom graphics applied directly to the surface. There are two great ways to do this:

Option A: Printable Sticker Sheets

If you love a hands-on craft project, printable sticker sheets are the perfect DIY solution. These adhesive sheets are designed to be printed at home on a standard inkjet or laser printer, then applied to the cube faces.

How it works:

1. Download the printable sticker sheet template of your choice and import the pdf file into your favorite graphic design program.
2. Create either a single design using your child’s mitzvah logo that can be used on all centerpieces or design something unique for each table that matches your theme.
3. Print the sheets at home or at a local print shop.
4. Carefully apply the sticker to each face of the acrylic cube.

Things to keep in mind when ordering centerpiece sticker sheets: 

1. When designing the artwork, extend your graphic so it is a bit larger than the outline of the shape on the template. Depending on your printer model, the sheet may shift slightly and this will help to create a safety area. The shape will peel away, leaving the unwanted ink on the sheet.
2. Delete the template layer before printing so the outline of the shape does not print on your design.
3. The sticker sheets will not extend to the edge of your cube. Incorporate this as a design style by using lights or even colored paper inside the cube.
4. You have one shot to place the sticker correctly. Once it is placed on the cube, it can’t be easily removed. Start by applying it at one corner very gently, and don’t press down until you are sure it is centered.

Best for: Families who enjoy crafts, want maximum budget control, want a unique design on each cube, or are working with a tight timeline and need something fast.

Option B: Custom-Printed Acrylic Clings

For a more polished, professional-looking result, custom acrylic clings are the way to go. These are printed specifically for acrylic or glass surfaces; the colors are vivid, and the static-free clings are easily removable, so if the first application isn’t bubble-free, you can simply remove and try again.

How it works:

1. Either create your own artwork using your favorite design program or work with the DIY Mitzvah design team to create one or multiple designs that match your theme.
2. Your clings are printed and shipped directly to you — ready to apply.
3. Simply peel and apply to the cube — no mess, no guesswork.

Things to keep in mind when ordering acrylic clings for centerpieces: 

1. If you are designing your own artwork, be sure to add .25" bleed to each side of your canvas so an 8" cling should measure 8.5" x 8.5" including bleed @ 300 dpi in CMYK.
2. Cling material tends to stretch when it is being cut down. Because of this, it’s not uncommon for clings to arrive very slightly larger or smaller than the selected size. The good news is that once your centerpieces are on the table, any minor imperfections are not noticeable.

Best for: Families who want a truly custom, professional look with a bit less DIY.

Step 3: Elevate Your Display with an Acrylic Centerpiece Riser

A great centerpiece isn't just about what's on the table — it's about height and dimension. One of the most impactful upgrades you can make to your DIY centerpiece is placing your acrylic cube on an acrylic centerpiece riser.

Risers serve several important purposes:

• Add visual height so centerpieces can be seen from across the room
• Create a tiered effect that adds elegance and depth to the table
• Keep the cube stable and elevated off the tablecloth for a cleaner look
• Enhance the floating illusion of clear acrylic — the whole arrangement looks like it's suspended in air
• Make a friendlier guest experience since risers remove the visual block, allowing guests to make eye contact with whoever is sitting across from them 

Acrylic risers come in various heights, so you can mix and match to create the exact silhouette you're envisioning.

Things to keep in mind when ordering acrylic centerpiece risers: 

1. Not all centerpiece risers are created equally. You may really do get what you pay for. Be sure to get risers that are stable and not too flimsy.
2. Pay attention to the size of the riser’s platform - especially if you are placing a 5-sided cube onto it. DIY Mitzvah’s risers have a 9” x 9” platform, while less expensive alternatives are often smaller than 8” x 8” which can be an issue if they are being used with an 8” cube without a bottom. 

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches

The cube, the personalized graphics, and the riser are your foundation — but the embellishments are what take your centerpiece from "DIY project" to "professional event design." Here are some of our favorite finishing touches:

✨ LED Lights Inside the Cube

Placing battery-operated LED fairy lights or an LED puck light inside the acrylic cube creates a glowing, ethereal effect that looks absolutely stunning in a ballroom or dimly lit venue. The clear acrylic diffuses and multiplies the light, making the entire cube shimmer.

Look for:

• Warm white LEDs for a classic, romantic feel
• Color-changing LED pucks that can be set to match your theme colors
• Remote-controlled options so you can switch them on right before guests are seated

🕯️ Candles Around the Table

Nothing sets the mood like candlelight. Arrange pillar candles, taper candles, or tea lights around the base of your riser for a warm, sophisticated glow. Use candle holders in gold, silver, or acrylic to keep the aesthetic cohesive.

Safety note: If your venue requires flameless candles, battery-operated options look nearly identical and are often actually preferred by catering halls.

🌸 Fresh or Faux Flowers

Add organic softness to the clean lines of acrylic by tucking in floral elements. Options include:

• Bud vases with single stems placed beside the cube
• Floral rings or wreaths around the base of the riser
• Loose petals scattered across the tablecloth for a lush, romantic effect
• High-quality faux florals if you're setting up days in advance

Other Embellishment Ideas

• Scatter themed gems across the table in your color palette
• Add personalized table numbers in matching acrylic or cardstock
• Use themed props that tie into your child's personality (mini basketballs, musical instruments, travel postcards, etc.)

Tips for a Stress-Free DIY Centerpiece Setup

• Order early. Don’t wait until the last minute. Aim to order at least 4–6 weeks before your event.
• Do a test run. Assemble one full centerpiece before the event so you know exactly how long it takes and can spot any issues.
• Recruit helpers. Make it a family event — siblings, grandparents, and friends can all help apply clings or arrange accessories.
• Label your supplies by table. Pack each table's centerpiece elements together in a labeled bag or box to make setup day simple and stress-free.
• Photograph your test centerpiece. Share it with your venue coordinator so they know what to expect — and snap some beautiful preview photos to share on social media!

Shop Everything You Need at DIY Mitzvah

At DIY Mitzvah, we've curated everything you need to create centerpieces that look like they came from a professional event designer — without the professional price tag. 

Browse our entire collection of DIY centerpiece solutions that include:

• 8" and 10" acrylic cubes
• Acrylic centerpiece risers
• Printable sticker sheet templates
• Custom-printed acrylic clings

Have an idea of what you’d like but not sure how to pull it all together? Reach out to DIY Mitzvah and let us know how we can help.

Stay Connected! Join DIY Mitzvah's Facebook Group: The Bar & Bat Mitzvah Planning Group By Parents For Parents