First things first...

Get a 3-ring binder and page protectors. Start saving all of your contracts, notes, ideas, brochures, business cards, quotes, sample menus, questions, and potential guest lists... Make sure you have the correct Hebrew spellings for your child's name, mother's & father's names, and grandparents too (if child's mother & father are called up for an aliyah). Anyone else who may be called up to the Torah for an aliyah will also need to know their Hebrew name (and their parents' Hebrew names.) Save invitations that you and/or your child receive, for reference. Save a copy of your synagogue's bulletin/newsletter so you will be able to easily write the announcement for your own child. Save a program from a Bar or Bat Mitzvah at your synagogue to become familiar with the variety of aliyot (honors) that might be available for you to assign to your family members and/or friends.Keep a copy of your child's Torah reading or other important information.

Ideas for the DIY crafter in you :)

place cards: lollipops, labels, styrofoam block covered with fabric using spray adhesive

custom cake from www.flourpowerdesserts.com with candle lighting centerpiece made from glass votives, vellum printed using inkjet printer, and Mickey Mouse paper punches using aluminum foil instead of paper... 

table set up - fabric wrapped glass floral cylinders (using Xyron permanent adhesive), vellum printed using inkjet printer and wrapped around glass votive, submersible LED lights, and custom chocolates - all on a black tablecloth - huge fan of the black - I was afraid it would look dark, but it was so incredibly elegant looking!

another view of the table and lights, with Mickey Mouse shaped cookies made by a friend

kids tables set up - also against a black tablecloth - perfect!

I was so pleased with how the alcove was transformed into the perfect kids area!

another view of the candle lighting centerpiece I made using glass votives

vellum wrapped votives as table markers and fabric wrapped vases for LED lights

newsletter format information for guests

Seating - ugh.

(Click on the images for a larger version to view and print.)
My gift to you: a blank seating chart. Now if only filling it in were so easy...

... and since many places offer a U-shaped set-up for kids' tables:

Party Time Schedule

I think it's just nervousness, but I'm suddenly overwhelmed with the logistics of the actual party itself... Introductions, Candle Lighting, Blessings, Speeches, Cocktail Hour - and more of the "when does THAT happen during the party"??? I'm anxiously awaiting feedback from friends, and you! The www.facebook.com/BarBatMitzvahPlans page has been super helpful, and full of other parents and professionals that are eager to help with questions! I have also found two snippets from websites with interesting 'day of the event' information:
Sample Schedule 1
Sample Schedule 2
Please feel free to comment with your thoughts, suggestions, and ideas, and join us on Facebook too!
Thank you!

The traditional Candlelighting

I've never actually seen one of these ceremonies in person; I guess it's not something that was popular where I'm from. My husband had one, and everyone else I know here has had their own and seen plenty others. So I've asked lots of questions and done lots of searching so that I can help my daughter come up with something short enough and interesting enough... We'll see if I'm successful. In the mean time, here are a few links to some ideas you might find helpful:
http://www.adlerentertainment.com
http://www.barmitzvah101.com/BarMitzvah-393

Torah Blessings for an Aliyah

I'm sharing this short video I made to help my family (and maybe yours too) as they prepare to receive the honor of an Aliyah, the blessings before and after a Torah reading during a Shabbat (Sabbath) service. My family will be doing this during our daughter's Bat Mitzvah, for which we are so grateful! I hope you enjoy the video and find it helpful for your own simcha (special celebration). Feel free to comment, rate, or 'like' it!

whoa!

I'm on a fast spinning merry-go-round and I've got to hop off!

It's been a whirlwind frenzy of Bat Mitzvah planning activity...
-ordered invitations (from www.zazzle.com, but also liked several choices on www.tinyprints.com)
-firmed up a few things with the DJ contractor (www.washingtontalent.com)
-hired a photographer (www.goodvibrations.org), but still considering something creative and interesting for rehearsal and portraits - ideas welcome as always!
-booked rooms (at the www.HiltonGardenInn.com)
-designed a logo for the sweatshirts & sent it off to the screen printer (www.planetcotton.com)
-started to contact some possible airbrush artists
-got approval from the world's best calligrapher to do the envelopes at no cost - THANKS MOM!
-updated the Shutterfly Bat Mitzvah website collaboration: www.mitzvahmagic.shutterfly.com

There is still a LOT to do, including ME practicing for my Torah reading. Now why did I agree to do THAT?!?!

Lots more fun stuff to talk about soon. I hope.