Planning a Themed Bar or Bat Mitzvah Party

Blackhawk Museum Event Space - Magic ThemeThe Blackhawk Auto Museum event space decorated for a magic themed Bar Mitzvah celebration in red, black and white. Photo by San Francisco Bay Area photographer Cheryl Bigman Photography.

As a San Francisco Bay Area Bar Mitzvah photographer, I see a LOT of party themes! Everything from casual and fun, to elegant and classy, specific themes and color schemes.

And when you're in the early planning stages, I know it's super helpful to get ideas and inspiration by looking at pictures from other Bar & Bat Mitzvahs.

So, thought I'd share some tips and a recent favorite Bar Mitzvah that was not only done really well, but from a pro photographer's perspective, made for some really great pictures too!

But first...

Questions to Ask Yourself When Planning a Theme

• Is your party a mix of kids and adults, mostly kids, or mostly adults?
• Do you want elegant and classy, casual fun, or something in between?
• What is your child's "thing" (sport, talent, hobby, etc...)?
• Are you a "do-it-yourself" person, or do you need the help of an event planner?
• And of course, What is your budget?

How to Execute a Great Theme

1. Choose a venue that lends itself to the look and feel you want.
2. Use table decor, props, and lighting to create the ambience of your theme.
3. Provide activities around your theme for both the kids and adults.
4. Give your DJ theme-based prizes to hand out to the kids during games.
5. Work with your DJ if you have special theme-based music requests.
6. Work with your caterer to create themed desserts.
7. Create themed gifts for your guests to take home.

Magic and Miracles - Daniel's Bar Mitzvah

Daniel's "thing" is magic! And he and his mom decided they wanted a fun, but classy party to celebrate his Bar Mitzvah.

Magic Themed Bar Mitzvah PartyA Bar Mitzvah boy celebrates at his magic themed red, black and white party at the Blackhawk Auto Museum in Danville, CA. Photo by San Francisco Bay Area photographer Cheryl Bigman.

The Venue

Blackhawk Auto Museum was the perfect choice for the look and feel they were after. If you've never been, it's a must-see in the San Francisco Bay Area! "Shiny" is the best word to describe the interior. A gorgeous event space surrounded by a collection of glitzy classic cars.

Blackhawk Auto Museum Event Space - Magic ThemeThe Blackhawk Auto Museum event space decorated for a magic themed Bar Mitzvah celebration in red, black and white. Photo by San Francisco Bay Area photographer Cheryl Bigman Photography.

The Decor

Lights dripping from the ceiling, colored uplighting along the walls, and the cutest magic-themed table decor complete with top hats and magic wands, all came together to complete Daniel's vision. And a red, black, & white color scheme was the perfect touch.

Kid Tables

Magic Theme Party Blackhawk MuseumTable decor for a magic themed Bar Mitzvah party at Blackhawk Auto Museum in Danville, CA. By San Francisco Bay Area photographer Cheryl Bigman Photography.

Adult Tables Blackhawk Auto Museum Event DecorBar Mitzvah party table decor at Blackhawk Auto Museum in Danville, CA. Photographed by San Francisco bay area photographer Cheryl Bigman Photography.

Table Placecards

Table Placecards for Magic Theme PartyTable place cards for a magic themed Bar Mitzvah party at Blackhawk Auto Museum in Danville, CA. By San Francisco Bay Area photographer Cheryl Bigman Photography.

In the lobby, a Step-n-Repeat for iphone photo ops included magic hats and wands for props.

Magic Theme Step-n-RepeatCustom step-n-repeat for a magic themed bar mitzvah party with top hats and magic wands for props. Photo by San Francisco Bay Area photographer Cheryl Bigman Photography/

Activities

What magic-themed party would be complete without a Magician? Card tricks and slight-of-hand magic worked perfectly for mingling with the guests during cocktail hour and dinner. Both kids and adults thoroughly enjoyed it!

Magician Performs at Bar Mitzvah PartyA magician entertains guests at a magic themed Bar Mitzvah party at the Blackhawk Auto Museum in Danville, CA. Photo by San Francisco Bay Area photographer Cheryl Bigman Photography. Magician and Bar Mitzvah BoyA magician added to this boy's magic themed Bar Mitzvah party at the Blackhawk Auto Museum in Danville, CA. Photo by San Francisco Bay Area Bar Mitzvah photographer Cheryl Bigman.

Giveaways and Gifts

Cameron and the team from Denon & Doyle ran kids games and gave magic-themed prizes throughout the evening. Decks of cards placed at each table setting for the kids to take home was another nice touch.

DJ Setup for Magic Themed Bar MitzvahDJ setup for magic themed Bar Mitzvah party at Blackhawk Auto Museum with stuffed rabbit giveaway prizes for the kids.

Magic Theme Bar Mitzvah DecorMagic theme table decor for a bar mitzvah party photographed by San Francisco bay area photographer Cheryl Bigman Photography.

At the end of the night, guests enjoyed a red, black, and white themed candy bar with to-go boxes filled with all their favorites!

Candy Bar Decor - Magic Themed Bar MitzvahEvent decor for a magic themed Bar Mitzvah party at Blackhawk Auto Museum in Danville, CA. Candy bar with classic cars in the background. By San Francisco Bay Area photographer Cheryl Bigman Photography.

Bar Mitzvah Candy Bar - Red Black WhiteCandy bar from a magic themed Bar Mitzvah party in red, black, and white. By San Francisco Bay Area photographer Cheryl Bigman. Enjoying the Candy Bar - Bar Mitzvah PartyKids enjoying the red, black, and white candy bar at a magic-themed Bar Mitzvah party at Blackhawk Auto Museum in Danville, CA. By San Francisco Bay Area photographer Cheryl Bigman.

Got More Tips?

I hope you've found these tips for planning a themed Bar or Bat Mitzvah helpful. If you have any other tips or recommendations for families planning a themed mitzvah party, PLEASE DO SHARE WITH ALL OF US IN THE COMMENTS!

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Service Area

Cheryl Bigman Photography offers event photography services throughout the entire San Francisco Bay Area including the East Bay cities of Lafayette, Orinda, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, Alamo, Danville, and San Ramon in Contra Costa County. Dublin, Pleasanton, Sunol, and Fremont in Alameda County. South Bay cities including San Jose, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Palo Alto, and Mountain View in Santa Clara County, Peninsula cities including San Mateo, Burlingame, Foster City, Menlo Park, Woodside, Atherton, and Redwood City in San Mateo County, San Francisco, and North Bay cities in Marin County including Tiburon, San Rafael, and Sausalito.