Doubletree Hotel Offers Top Ten Tips for Planning a Bar or Bat Mitzvah

April 1, 2009 - PRLog -- It seems that the sagging economy is having little effect on the Doubletree Hotel’s Bar and Bat Mitzvah bookings.  In fact, the hotel, which recently unveiled its new 10,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom, has seen a steady increase in these types of celebrations.   In addition to featuring the largest ballroom in Westchester County, the Doubletree also offers a separate Glatt Kosher kitchen for food preparation.

Catering Sales Manager Donna Baumuller, the local expert on Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations, has developed her own practical “Top 10” list for parents planning them.  

1.   Decide a date and time frame for the reception.

2.   Decide on a Budget. “Having a budget is an important step in planning a successful event,” said Baumuller. “People should be realistic and shop within their means. Your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah doesn’t have to be as elaborate as the parties seen on MTV or VH1. Plan something matches your budget.  In today’s economy, establishing a budget up front is key.”

3.   Theme or no Theme? Themes can be as simple as an afternoon tea to as formal as a “Black Tie” event. A recent Bat Mitzvah she handled had a “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” theme featuring a high tea with scones, tea sandwiches and petite fours. “This was an afternoon event and very reasonably priced. The theme you choose can affect your budget” Baumuller added.  More elaborate themes have included “Harry Potter” and various “Sports” themes.

4.   Determine the size of the celebration. This will again be dictated by the budget. Decide whether the guest list will include only close family and friends, or extended family and other acquaintances.

5.   Reserve the location as soon as you have finalized the date and time. You might be able to lock into this year’s pricing for next year. An afternoon event can be less expensive than an evening party.

6.   Book a DJ, band or other entertainment, photographer and videographer. Shop around, as you might be able to lock into a better price the earlier you book.

7.   Order invitations four months before the Bar or Bat Mitzvah date. The sooner you order them, the more time you'll have to proof them, make any changes, and address the outer envelopes (a calligrapher, for example, requires up to two weeks to address 100 invitations). The most common time to mail invitations is six weeks before the party, though eight weeks is ideal (10 weeks for guests coming from abroad).

8.   Arrange for a food tasting with the venue you selected. Menus might change and more variety might be offered since you first booked your event.

9.   Review your contract. If you've arranged for additional amenities such as valet parking, coat check, and rest room attendants (most place charge an additional fee for these services), be sure it's stated in the contract. “Ask all your questions upon booking and always get detailed information in writing”, said Baumuller. “You don’t want any surprises the day of the party”.

10.   Plan the order of the day’s events, such as speeches, special dedications and dances.  Review this not only with the DJ or band, but with the event planner and banquet manager. “Communication and timing is key to a successful event,” said Baumuller. “Try to incorporate the traditions such as the Ha-Motzi, Hora, and candle-lighting ceremonies.  After all, this is a great time in the life of a young adult and there are lots of memories that you’ll be creating.”  

In addition to gaining a reputation as a great new venue for Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, the Doubletree’s new Grand Ballroom is becoming Westchester’s premier site for business meetings and events.  In warmer weather, the spacious pre-function area opens to a magnificent outdoor terrace, with both areas sharing a huge two-sided stone fireplace.  

Set on 11 acres of landscaped grounds in the heart of the Hudson Valley, the new Doubletree Hotel now offers the largest Grand Ballroom in Westchester County. With 247 guest rooms, 24,000 square feet of meeting and pre-function space, a Business Center, indoor pool, sauna, fitness room, and Bistro Z restaurant, the Doubletree offers a country atmosphere and friendly service for both business guests and vacationers.