Things You'll Need:
- Find out if any of your Bat Mitzvah guests have special dietary needs so you can include them in your menu planning.
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Step 1
Decide on the party venue, as they may have special rules or restrictions about catering. Many synagogues require kosher caterers, and locations like banquet halls, hotels and restaurants often have in-house caterers or only work with a few preferred companies.
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Step 2
Get recommendations for caterers from friends, family and other members of your synagogue. Think back to wonderful events you've attended and find out who catered them. You may be able to ask the venue you're using for their suggestions as well.
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Step 3
Visit a Web site such as Partypop to find an online list of caterers. Most caterer Web sites will show you menus and other food services provided, and some will even give you online quotes.
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Step 4
Choose the three companies that sound best, and schedule an interview with each of them. They will need your guest head count, date and time of the party and available budget. You should find out details like menu options, wine and liquor charges, rentals and service fees. Each company will deliver you a proposal, which you can review and use to make your decision.
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Step 1
Come up with a budget that you would like to spend on food, and ask your caterer what your options are. You will be quoted a price per head for appetizers, entrees, dessert, and sometimes drinks.
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Step 2
Think about having two separate menus to accommodate the children and adults. Since your younger Bat Mitzvah guests will want to devote their time to partying and having fun, select a buffet of easy-to-grab finger foods for them and serve the adults a plated meal or separate buffet.
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Step 3
Pick some delicious appetizers to get the party started. Hand-passed appetizers, appetizer stations and appetizer mini-buffets are all great options for cocktail hour.
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Step 4
Offer a decadent dessert buffet table or select from your caterer's choices of plated desserts. If you would like, you can also have a special Bat Mitzvah cake to honor your daughter.
