Broke and planning a bat mitzvah

[Anonymous]

I don't think so. Why?

[Anonymous]

There was a post about if the OP had served juice and challah no one would blink, I was going to say I didn't think that was the case. Now that post is gone. Weird.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It really sounds like you are celebrating materialism
Why not have an out of town party? That way you could avoid the party

Shut uuuuuuup! The OP has stated her case clearly. Move your petty soap box to Off Topic. This poster needs help, not cheap shots.

Is that not the readon why people fly to Israel? To grt a holiday and avoid spending money on people

[Anonymous]

OP, I like your idea of hiring help and bringing in food. When my parents host large holidays they hire someone to help serve and clean up so they can actually enjoy the company of their guests - I think one time she even just hired her housecleaner to do it.

You mention indian food - what about some food trucks? Could be trendy and fun.

Definitely itunes and make your own playlist. Depending on the space, and if you want activities other than music you can rent arcade games or arcade style basketball hoop.

Oriental trading company for some of those silly party favor things like glowsticks or inflatable microphones for dancing etc. Dollar store for socks for dancing. Put a few of those type of things in a gift bag to hand out at the beginning and make that the favor and the party giveaway things.

Decorations, spell out her name with those giant letter balloons, use a disco ball or something simple for the centerpiece/other decor.

Make your own sign in board or book.

Turn to pinterest for ideas but don't over do it - maybe pick a signature mocktail or just a couple of fun touches.

Hire a photography/photojournalist student for pics.

[Anonymous]

http://www.younghouselove.com/wedding-album/

Young house love threw a cheap wedding, maybe you can use some of those ideas for the party after the ceremony.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, I like your idea of hiring help and bringing in food. When my parents host large holidays they hire someone to help serve and clean up so they can actually enjoy the company of their guests - I think one time she even just hired her housecleaner to do it.

You mention indian food - what about some food trucks? Could be trendy and fun.

Definitely itunes and make your own playlist. Depending on the space, and if you want activities other than music you can rent arcade games or arcade style basketball hoop.

Oriental trading company for some of those silly party favor things like glowsticks or inflatable microphones for dancing etc. Dollar store for socks for dancing. Put a few of those type of things in a gift bag to hand out at the beginning and make that the favor and the party giveaway things.

Decorations, spell out her name with those giant letter balloons, use a disco ball or something simple for the centerpiece/other decor.

Make your own sign in board or book.

Turn to pinterest for ideas but don't over do it - maybe pick a signature mocktail or just a couple of fun touches.

Hire a photography/photojournalist student for pics.

When my son was Baptized (Not the same....I know) we had guests from NY & MA. We rented the room in our townhouse's community hall (now that is $250). I hired 1 waiter and brought food in from a Deli in Alexandria where I also got the cake. We use paper products. The whole thing was less than $1000. When someone asked if they could help (my brother, for a close aunt) I'd ask if they could help me set up the party room the morning before the ceremony. My best friend kept an eye on the wine/beer and coffee. My brother in law is a catering waiter. He had good ideas about set up. We were able to rent things for not that much $, but when something is sent over by a caterer, somethings they have the chafing dishes.

I love the Indian food idea. If she has people donate to a charity in leiu of gifts, (maybe education in India...or animals..) if the event is less ornate, people will get the message.

Only invite people who love you and your kid.

[Anonymous]

Op just rent a party room at a nice apartment condo building get pizzas and a DJ this will be about $500

[Anonymous]

I've done 3 so far, 2 were very inexpensive. For one I just did a kids party at a local video gaming place (also invited adult relatives to the kids party). I had a catered lunch but it was simple (think I paid like 2K for the lunch). I didn't do decorations because we were at a place that was already set up for kids parties. I had a DJ just playing music. I did a candy bar for the kids.

Very untraditional but it was for my son and he didn't really care what type of party he had. Everyone had a great time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. I think we are in good shape re: fees / tutoring (some family help there). Since so many people are coming from out of town, it is the social side that has me more concerned. I like the idea of a luncheon after the service, followed by a party at home for the kids (perhaps a slumber party?).

Have people ever hired the waitstaff / linens / tables / chairs, but then gotten all of the food from a local restaurant in chafing dishes. My daughter loves Indian food, and keeping it vegetarian might be a fun, reasonably priced option. Any thoughts or suggestions on that?

Granted I know nothing about Bat mitzvahs so I'm not sure if my suggestion is helpful or not. Would it be possible to hold the lunch at an Indian restaurant thoat has a buffet? There is one in Rockville that I've been to with a co-worker for lunch. It is certainly not fancy (in a dumpy strip mall) but the food is pretty good. It might be that they would rent out the entire restaurant. Here's the website.
http://www.memsahibrestaurant.com/rockville.php