How to Plan to Properly Announce Your Bar or Bat Mitzvah Event with an Invitation

Make sure your invitations match the theme of your Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration.

Your Bar or Bat Mitzvah invitation announces your event to potential guests and asks them to share in the joy of your Mitzvah celebration. The invitation provides an order of events, from the religious service through extended celebrations. Information about accommodations, receptions or parties should be included for invited family and friends.

Things You'll Need

• Guest list
• Customized invitations with envelopes
• Calendar of events
• Location and contact information
• Maps or directions
• RSVP cards

Instructions

1. Compose a "Save the Date" announcement as a prelude to the actual invitation. It can take the form of an oral or written communication as soon as the celebrant's Bar/Bat Mitzvah date is received. Date assignments are generally years in advance. Be sure to give notice to important family members and friends to ensure that they do not make other plans on your special day.

2. Make arrangements ahead of time for out-of-towners unfamiliar with the area to stay at local hotels or with relatives. Try to reserve rooms at a hotel in advance if you will be having a party celebration after the Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Most hotels will furnish a card to insert in your invitation with hotel details. Inquire about discounts for your guests and for multiple rooms.

3. Have formal invitations printed well in advance by a reputable printer. You'll want to choose a theme that reflects the Bar/Bat Mitzvah's personality and party theme. Include the order of events on the formal invitation. You must provide the date and time of the service as well as its location. Make sure you include the name, street address and town where the service will be held.

4. Provide details if other party celebrations such as pre- and post-party dinners, receptions and even open houses, picnics or outings are planned. Select the guests to be invited to all events, some selected events, or to just the service. You may need separate or supplemental inserts to cover all the options.

5. Insert directions and maps for people coming from different areas, as well as from distant states or countries. Always include an RSVP card with a SASE envelope for recipients to mail back. Make sure you give a specific date by which they must let you know of their attendance.

References

• Gallery Judaica: Bat Mitzvah Invitations: The Search Begins for the Right Bat Mitzvah Invitations

Resources

• Invitation Consultants: Religious Bar & Bat Mitzvah Invitations