BESA BLOG

Thank you all for attending the 2010 Bar/Bat Mitzvah Expo!

Congrats to our doorprize winners!

WHEN:
March 7, 2010 - 12 - 4:00

WHERE:
Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines
10950 North Torrey Pines Road
La Jolla, CA 92037

Map Link: Click Here

Join us for our annual Bar/Bat Mitzvah Expo!
This unique event is the LARGEST one-stop shopping source in Southern California for your upcoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah or Jewish event. Book your Caterer, DJ, Photographer, Entertainment, Venue, Invitations, and countless other vendors you will need for your special day!

For express entry into this year’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah Expo, please download and bring this completed…

Registration Form (Click to download)

Your DJ or Band Leader should…

1. BE ON THE DANCE FLOOR  - That’s where the party is - He/she shouldn’t be “hidden” behind the equipment… that’s where the assistants belong.

2. PACE THE PARTY - Kids eat their meal in 5 minutes. Adults take 45 minutes. What will happen during the interim?

3. MAKE THE BAR/BAT MITZVAH THE STAR OF THE SHOW -
If not them, then who?

4. KNOW THE TERMS - It’s not called the “blessing over the bread”. It’s called the “Motzi over the Challah”.

5. HAVE A BACKBONE - Say NO to inappropriate music.

6. KEEP CHANGING THE SHOW - Within any school year, the same kids will appear over and over again - literally. If they know what to expect, then the material is too old.

7. USE ASSISTANTS - There’s only so much that a staff of one can do.

8. FAMILIARITY WITH BAR/BAT MITZVAHS - Has the band leader done equivalent kinds of parties? Can the group accommodate ceremonial needs during the reception?

9. MINIMUMS - Is there a minimum number of hours the group requires?      How much is overtime? (This question will help the client to focus on the realistic timing of the party).

10. KNOW THE NAMES - Correct pronunciations of Mom, Dad, Brothers,
Sisters, Rabbi, etc…

For more information about the qualified event planners in BESA, please visit this link:

http://www.besasandiego.com/djs.php

http://www.besasandiego.com/live_music.php

When ordering your invitations, please remember…
1.    Ordering should be done 6 months in advance; 8-9 months for Save-the-Date cards.
2.    Be sure to count family units, not individuals to determine number needed.
3.  Be realistic when budgeting for invitations and other printed goods, and don’t forget to include the cost of stamps.
4.  Hebrew can be incorporated into the wording, if desired.
5.  Determine what printed accessories are needed; i.e. RSVP, reception,     direction, weekend cards, etc.
6.  It’s necessary to order extra invitations.  Your consultant can help you determine how many.
7.  Problems do occasionally arise…deal with someone who can troubleshoot for you.
8.  Everyone wants their invitation to be special.  Work with someone who can help you customize it.
9.  Your invitation supplier should be a knowledgeable, professional vendor, as they will save you time and money.
10.  An invitation consultant’s experience is priceless and comes at no extra charge.
11.  Choosing your invitations for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah is a very emotional process - don’t minimize the importance of working with a supportive and caring individual (which you won’t get from ordering online)
Choose your invitations wisely - they set the tone of the event!

For more information about the qualified event planners in BESA, please visit this link:

http://www.besasandiego.com/invitations.php

Things to think about when hiring a videographer…

1.    Get referrals …find out who your friends and family used. Were they happy with the service and the final video they received?
2.    Make appointments with several videographers and see the actual work they produce. Look at shooting skills, editing skills, and the final DVD they offer. Make sure the work you view was done by the same people who will be your event.
3.    Make sure you know who will shoot your event and who will edit the footage. You might want to avoid companies that subcontract the work out.
4.    Has the videographer been in business long enough taped enough Bar Mitzvahs to have a complete understanding of the traditions and events that unfold throughout the service and party?
5.    Be aware of how many hours are included in your package and how much you will be charged for?
6.    Does the videographer have the proper equipment to do the best job possible? Are using professional cameras and do they bring adequate lights and wireless?
7.    Make sure your videographer is a good team player and is able to work closely with your photographer and DJ.
8.    Make sure you understand how long it will take to get your video completed and what you are expected to provide the videographer before the editing begins. If it takes you 6 months to a year to finally pick out your music or provide photos, you need to realize that the editing is constantly building and it is often difficult to put your video ahead of the others.
9.    Since video is extremely personal and is regarded as a treasured heirloom for generations to come, it is important that your videographer has a clear understanding of what is important to you, as well as the people and events that must not be missed,
10.    Don’t risk a friendship or family harmony by having a friend or relative do your video. It is difficult (sometimes not even possible) and expensive to fix bad lighting and bad sound once it has been recorded.

For more information about the qualified event planners in BESA, please visit this link:

http://www.besasandiego.com/videographer.php

Questions to ask when choosing a Venue…

1.  Are there food and beverage minimums/restrictions?
2.  Are there any rules on bringing in outside vendors (DJ’s, bands, equipment, etc.)?
3.  Are there parking fees?  Can they be negotiated?
4.  When is the space available for set up/vendors/guest arrival?
5.  Are there any restrictions on event times – how early and how late?
6.  What clean up fees are mandatory?
7.  What is/is not allowed  (confetti…fog machines…candles)?
8.  What provisions are made for security?  Who provides it and who pays for it?
9.  Will there be any other events going on simultaneously? Are there restrictions on noise level?
10.  Is Kosher food an option?

For more information about the qualified event planners in BESA, please visit this link:

http://www.besasandiego.com/venue.php

Your Caterer should…

1.    Be familiar with Jewish customs and traditions.
2.    Be familiar with venue.
3.    Be flexible to incorporate client’s requests.
4.    Welcome working with event planners.
5.    Understand the laws of Kashrut, if applicable.
6.    Offer to do a tasting and allow you to discuss the menu with the chef.
7.    Show you all fees up front.  There should be no “surprises”.
8.    Show you pictures of food and events and provide references if requested.

For more information about the qualified event planners in BESA, please visit this link:

http://www.besasandiego.com/caterers.php

What you should know about Event Planners…

1.    Décor and design. A BESA event planner is an expert in turning your personal “vision” for the event into reality.
2.    Vendor Selection.  Established relationships with top quality and reliable vendors are a “priceless” insurance policy that can make or break an event.
3.    Event planners will get the most value for your financial investment with each vendor because of the leverage they maintain as repeat customers.
4.    Organizational skills. Your planner is a multi-tasker who will help you create the schedule for the party and ensure the event runs smoothly.
5.    Cultural affinity. A BESA planner knows the customs, rituals and dietary laws to ensure that the proper customs are followed for your event.
6.    Troubleshooting. A BESA event planner has the experience to recognize and solve potential problems so you can enjoy your family and friends.
7.    Menu selection. Creating a perfect menu for three generations in one room is a great challenge for any Bar or Bat Mitzvah parent.
8.    Personalize the party. Lighting, signage, place cards, table names, mitzvah projects, custom favors, etc., are just a few examples of details that can be customized.
9.    Room diagrams. A BESA event planner will design a functional room setup including the proper placement of tables, activities and food to ensure a smooth flow.
10.    Day of Event Coordination. Having someone there to act as your personal representative who is a single point of contact for all the vendors of the event is absolutely necessary.
Using an event planner is the smart way to ensure a successful event. They can help you get organized, save you money, find you vendors and create a very personalized and creative party that will be remembered by everyone on your child’s special day.

For more information about the qualified event planners in BESA, please visit this link:

http://www.besasandiego.com/event_planners.php

Your Décor company should:

1.    Be able to help you decide on a theme and colors - the look and feel of your room, subtle or glitzy, elegant or whimsical, or a combination.
2.    Show you lots of photos of past events. Make sure you like their work.
3.    Let you have as much or as little input into the look of the room as you want.
4.    Be clear on what you are renting and what’s yours to keep at the end of the night.
5.    Be able to take an idea and create a fantasy for you.  Talk to them about your ideas too.
6.    Help you make decisions on appropriate décor; balloons, flowers, props, functional décor and eye candy.
7.    Help you make decisions on seating styles, lounge furniture, etc.
8.    Help you decide what type of décor you need: centerpieces, entrance inside and out, lines, chair covers, overlays, buffet tables, dance floor, stage, place card and gift card table, candle lighting, etc.
9.    Be able to make your event unique, personalized and extraordinary.
10.    Have lots of ideas and resources to create your look. Imagination and creative ability are key when selecting your décor person.

For more information about the qualified decor providers in BESA, please visit this link:

http://www.besasandiego.com/decorators.php

Things to consider when planning your KODAK moment…

1. Hire a photographer who is experienced with Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and Jewish traditions.

2. Always arrive early for your portrait sessions and allow extra time for traffic, parking and socializing.

3. As your child will be photographed reading from the Torah, hair should be styled so that it does not fall forward over your child’s eyes and face when they are looking down.

4. Parents should make sure their child appreciates the importance of their photographs and the need to cooperate with their photographer.

5. Splashy bright colors and bold prints can be distracting in photographs and should be avoided.

6. Make sure your extended family knows what time they will be needed for pictures and allow 30 minutes more time than you think you will really need for the session.

7. Your professional photographer will welcome your input as to special wants and needs regarding the photos.

8. Family members should be asked to refrain from snapshots while your professional photographer taking photos. is people to time and keep the subjects from being distracted.

9.Arrange formal group and family shots PRIOR to your cocktail hour, and not during your event.

10. If you are requesting table shots of your guests during dinner, keep your decorations at a lower height, or make them light enough to be removed easily from the table.

For more information about the qualified photographers in BESA, please visit this link:

http://www.besasandiego.com/photography.php