A Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremony is a special milestone worthy of celebration. A year of change, 2020 welcomed new experiences and traditions. Specifically, we love all of the inspiring small Bar and Bat mitzvah celebrations we’re seeing. Our team at PartySlate loves how these thirteen micro Bar and Bat Mitzvah parties reimagined their original party plans in order to follow COVID-19 regulations — while still amazing guests with out-of-the-box ideas.
If your celebration can’t be big, why not make it bold? The saying “quality over quantity” definitely applies to these Bar and Bat mitzvah celebrations.
In recognition of new safety procedures, creative party favors include branded masks and take-home hand sanitizers. Catering took a different approach at these Bar and Bat Mitzvah parties by directly delivering food to guests from a mini food truck parked right outside the venue or pre-portioned into chic individual containers. And friends and family still danced the night away — but under the stars and on the streets.
1. Pastel & Pretty Outdoor Bat Mitzvah Party
Scarsdale, NY
This socially-distanced Bat Mitzvah party was big on space — and also creative, wow-worthy details. This celebration was featured as one of PartySlate’s “top events of the week” as well as boasting one of our highest click-through rates on social media.
And the masses are not wrong. This outdoor Bat Mitzvah celebration featured iridescent-themed décor everywhere from its dramatic balloon arch that cascaded into the pool to its perfect pastel florals and gorgeous invitation suite. We adore the elevated “keep-safe” details like custom masks and individually-packaged snacks. Click through to see the adorable bakery boxes and more.
photographer: Michael Jurick Photography | planner: M.Studio Events | design, décor & floral: Diana Gould Ltd | invitations: Alpine Creative Group
RELATED: Pink Bat Mitzvah Party Ideas [Photos]
2. Dreamy & Creative Zoom Micro Bat Mitzvah & Party
COVID-19 did not get in the way of this family celebrating their daughter’s special day. Utilizing their backyard — Sofia’s immediate family gathered to celebrate while capturing the entire service on Zoom. We were so thrilled by this social-distanced Bat Mitzvah party that we included it in our 30 social-distanced events article and featured it in PartySlate’s “top events of the week.”
We love a standout balloon installation that highlights a delicious dessert table. From personalized water bottles and hand sanitizers to lots of pink décor, every detail stands out.
This Bat Mitzvah party dance floor looked a little different from the norm; nonetheless, Sofia was thrilled when her friends surprised her by joining her in the street for an epic social-distanced dance-off.
photographer: Next Exit Photography | planner: The Planning Society | florals: Love Struck Blooms | tablescape: soiree 8 | temple: Temple Isaiah | balloons: Michelle Rodgers | pillows+pouf: teak and lace | furniture: Premiere Party Rents | lawn signs: Love this way LA | invitations and program: Signature Imprints | calligraphy: sign of our lives | catering: fundamental LA | invites: Invite Amy | cake and sweets: sweetesbakeshop | lighting: Padano Productions | cotton candy: twisted for sugar | DJ: D and G Entertainment | fashion: Un Deux Trois
RELATED: This Virtual Bat Mitzvah in New York Created Meaningful Memories
3. Coachella-Themed Micro Bat Mitzvah Party
We’re feeling all the Coachella vibes at this micro Bat Mitzvah celebration. This mini getaway was the perfect escape from a difficult year. Guests were invited to lounge in an enclosed tent that sat perfectly in sight of the Statue of Liberty.
A light wooden refectory table stood out against the surrounding black metal chairs. Vases overflowing with pampas grass created a beautiful and chic tablescape.
This gathering also offered interactive outdoor lawn games. Then, while watching the sunset, guests got cozy next to a campfire with their Coachella-themed mugs filled with hot chocolate.
photographer: Matt Peyton | venue: Collective Retreats | event planner: The Planning Society & Jennifer Richardson of Travelesq | florist: The Fern Botanica
RELATED: 3 Ways a Top NYC Bat Mitzvah Planner Made Her Daughter’s Celebration Personal
4. Luxe Monochrome Social-Distanced Bar Mitzvah Party
An elegant Bar Mitzvah party is attainable even during a pandemic. This monochrome celebration with a black and creme color scheme was perfectly accented with greenery. Plants were delicately woven around centerpieces, drawing guests to their social-distanced tables.
Elegance encompassed every corner of this Bar Mitzvah party which took branding to the next level with a modern monogrammed everywhere from the custom yarmulkes and prayer books to the water bottles and masks. Each detail was perfectly curated.
photographer: Domino Arts Photography | planner: Chris Weinberg Events | décor: Jose Graterol Designs | venue: Aventura Chabad | catering: Nathalie’s Catering | coffee: La Vela Coffee | kippot & masks: Kippot World | boxes: Palms & Paper | hand sanitizer & water: ID It All | cinematography: Timeline Video Productions
RELATED: Conveyor Belts, Slip ’N Slides, and Other Creative Catering
5. Exquisite Nature-Inspired Micro Bat Mitzvah Party
We love how this micro party utilized every inch of this patio. The outdoor space was recreated into a beautiful Fall garden-themed celebration. An autumnal colored balloon arch nestled upon lush hedges surrounding the patio, highlighting the beauty of nature.
Although the dining tables were small, the details were bright and bold. Beautiful blue glassware glistened against the turquoise vases that were flooded with flowers and accented with mini pumpkins. We applaud all the intrinsic detail put into this Bat Mitzvah party.
photography: SDK Photo & Design (Stephanie D Kleinman) | event Planner: The Planning Society | florals: Hand Picked Floral Company | rentals: Premiere Party Rents
RELATED: Mouthwatering Sweet & Candy Table Ideas for Bar or Bat Mitzvah Celebrations
6. Six Feet Apart(y)-Themed Bat Mitzvah Party
This celebration turned the phrase that we’ve heard all year long into a Bat Mitzvah party theme. Six Feet Apart(y) was both intimate and glamorous. You can expect that a party with an outdoor tent and sparkling chandeliers will have a lot of personality.
And, trust us, this party was full of unique details. Shades of pink and white balloons hovered above luxe lounge areas. While bundles of roses adorned the center of every table (next to personalized hand sanitizers, of course).
This Bat Mitzvah party goes above and beyond to keep the glamour in a social-distanced event.
photographer: Andy Foster Photography | planner: Events Custom Taylored | design & décor: Extraordinary Productions Event Design | venue: Crestmont Country Club | invitation: Julie Maloof Designs | music: PURE Event Group | swag: SWISH
RELATED: Clever Ideas for Ice Hockey-Themed Bar Mitzvahs
7. Glamorous Tropical Outdoor Bar Mitzvah Party
During a pandemic, it’s hard to get that beachy vacation you desire. Well, this Bar Mitzvah party brought a tropical atmosphere right to their guests — and we absolutely love it. Towering archways of balloons give us all the watermelon feels.
An assortment of kippahs and masks with a leaf logo were available — as well as a temperature check. Hints of sports and pop culture appeared within the chic décor. And to ensure limited encounters between guests, a carefully-curated menu was placed at each table setting.
photographer: John and Joseph | event production: Harper Sloane Productions | florals: Hidden Garden Flowers | venue: The Beverly Hills Hotel | graphic design: Laura Mendoza | av: No Static | furniture rentals: Revelry Event Designers | balloons: WILDCHILD | yarmulkes: Kippot World | flooring & staging: Bright Rentals | monogramming: Monogrammit Beverly Hills | challah cover: Kippot World
RELATED: Inspired Ideas for Hosting an Outdoor Bar or Bat Mitzvah Celebration
8. Blue & Neon Yellow Outdoor Bar Mitzvah Party
This outdoor luncheon catered to sweet tooths and fulfilled salty cravings. The Bar Mitzvah party incorporated the accent colors of blue and neon yellow into the food and drinks as well.
A non-buffet celebration is the safer choice during a pandemic, and lucky guests were served their own plates of either salmon or Chick-fil-A. To top it off, an ice cream truck was parked right outside the event.
Before going home, all the kids joined in on a confetti popping party and were gifted customized drawstring bags.
photographer: North Shore Photography | planner: Rochelle L. Baker, Special Event Consultant | décor: Kehoe Designs | venue & catering: Bryn Mawr Country Club | dessert: San Juan Freezer | catering: Chick-fil-A | napkins: Noteworthy Notes
RELATED: These Baseball-Themed Bar Mitzvah Celebrations Sport Home Run Details
9. Three-Ring Circus-Themed Triple B’nai Mitzvah Party
This “three ring circus” had been planned for over two and a half years. But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, this family turned to their event planner for guidance. The B’nai Mitzvah Party was turned into a tented backyard celebration.
Guests were welcomed with a custom event logo mask and were ushered through three different tents. We love the idea of using one tent for refreshments, one for food, and another for a candle lighting ceremony.
Funnel cakes and cotton candy were a welcome treat in this engaging environment.
photographer: Alison Frank | production, décor, DJ, entertainment, music, live streaming: 84 West | day of coordinator: Kyle Fahnestock | catering: Hugh’s Culinary Catering | desserts: Sweet Treats by JEN | rentals: Sunshine Tents and Event Rentals | makeup: Ivy Leez Luxe Makeup and Beauty Lounge | hair: Salon Euphoria in Davie | dresses: Susan Rose | masks: Atlas Embroidery and Screen Printing
RELATED: How to Plan a Bar or Bat Mitzvah in 2020: A Step-by-Step Guide
10. One Bar Mitzvah, Two Small Celebrations
Scarsdale, NY
Who wouldn’t enjoy a whole weekend spent celebrating your special day? This young man became a Bar Mitzvah with his good friends and family witnessing via Zoom. The service was followed by an intimate luncheon, while the next day was full of towering sundaes and lots of basketball.
What’s better than basketball at a Bar Mitzvah party? Playing basketball with the world-famous Harlem Wizards — with outfits to match.
After the game, guests focused their attention on the ice cream truck and brick oven that toasted up their pizzas. Why choose between sweet and savory when you can have both?
photographer: peter oberc photography | event planner: The Event of a Lifetime, Inc. | entertainment: the world famous harlem wizards | food truck: the singing ice cream man & abbetz mobile pizza oven
11. Tropical Fruity Themed Bar Mitzvah
Custom safety kits were at this Mitzvah entrance to ensure a comfortable celebration while still keeping it chic. As a backdrop and the centerpiece for every table, tropical flowers flourished in front of guests at this Bar Mitzvah. Guests tastebuds were ignited with island flavors — from mango and raspberry drinks to cucumber water — this celebration smelled and tasted so fresh.
But it didn’t stop at the drinks. Personalized appetizers and creatively packaged take-home goodies were the cherry on top at this Covid-friendly Mitzvah. Palm-sized pizzas and mini cylinders full of popcorn and chips were adorable conversation starters. This Bar Mitzvah perfectly created a bright and fun atmosphere while ensuring safety.
event planner: Twenty Three Layers (23 Layers) | venue: Private Residence
12. Pink Lux Themed Bat Mitzvah
After assembling 1,200 flowers and dozens of balloons, this pandemic-friendly Bat Mitzvah was a-go. This Bat Mitzvah — initially planned as a grand affair — was updated to follow Covid-19 guidelines. Forty guests gathered at an outdoor venue space to celebrate this coming of age event.
Mini personalized hand sanitizers were distributed and encouraged for use. Black, sleek masks were also gifted to guests to maintain safety and style. Beautiful transparent pink balloons hovered above guests and a towering wall of pink and cream flowers created the perfect backdrop.
But it didn’t stop there. We love the colorful tie-dye station that was followed by a sushi-bar and many other food options. This Micro Bat Mitzvah was filled with memorable ideas that sparked creativity and delighted tastebuds.
photography: Jan Birch Photography | planner: Sharp Occasions | flowers: Eduardo Herrera | venue: Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel | dj: D’ City Sound | balloons: Balloon Celebrations
13. A Stay-at-Home Virtual Bat Mitzvah
This at-home Bat Mitzvah was brought to life by incorporating beautiful flowers into every design element. A wall draped in gorgeous pink florals and green vines made for the perfect zoom background. The floral designs were also found in masks and kippas.
Our hearts were warmed by this Bat Mitzvah celebration’s thoughtful gift basket. A beautiful woven basket, filled with fresh flowers, juices and branded and boxed bread was the perfect giveaway to conclude this celebration.
photography: Mana Ariel Cuello | flowers: LV Event Designs | kippots: Kippot World | logo design: Csquare Design
A Bat or Bar Mitzvah party is a celebration that kids look forward to for many years. While the COVID-19 pandemic turned many 2020 plans upside down, these kids found a way to celebrate this important milestone.
During this difficult year, PartySlate has continued to recognize small celebrations. This year showed us the beauty of outdoor venues, the importance of making your guests feel included (even if they’re attending virtually), and how to host an epic party — all while following COVID-19 guidelines.