Ready to start planning your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah? A great first step is to establish your budget. On average, families spend between $10,000 and $40,000 on a B’nei Mitzvah celebration. Costs can be significantly higher if you’re planning the event in major metropolitan areas like New York or Los Angeles. While these figures are typical, it’s important to remember that you can tailor the celebration to fit your financial comfort level.
In this article, we will detail the typical expenses associated with a Bar or Bat Mitzvah and provide you with a realistic expectation of cost.
B’Nei Mitzvah Service
Synagogue Fee
Synagogues often charge a fee to cover the expenses associated with hosting a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, including educational materials and weekly sessions with the Rabbi. The typical fee for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah ranges from $1,200 to $1,800. You may wish to set aside a bit more if you plan to make a donation in recognition of your child’s B’Nei Mitzvah.
Torah Tutoring
It is not uncommon for families to hire a private tutor to help their child learn the prayers and chant Torah. The cost of a tutor varies depending on where you live, but most charge between $35-$75 per hour. You should be safe budgeting $1,200 for tutoring.
Tallit
Many families choose to buy their child a new Tallit for their Bar or Bat Mitzvah. The price of a tallit generally depends on its size, style, and material used. A tallit made from synthetic fibers can cost under $100, while a large custom-made wool tallit can exceed $300.
Tefillin
Tefillin is a small set of black leather boxes that contain Torah verses written on parchment. Typically worn by Orthodox men during daily prayers, tefillin are somewhat expensive, with prices starting around $500. Many Conservative and Reform Jewish families choose not to purchase tefillin.
Event Planner
Hiring an Event Planner for your child’s B’nei Mitzvah is a smart investment. Their experience and vendor relationships can save you time and stress. Planners offer full or partial planning services, depending on your needs. Pricing can vary significantly based on experience, but rates start around $2,500 for full service planning.
Party or Kiddush Luncheon
Venue Rental
Venue rental can take up a significant portion of your budget, so you’ll want to establish a rough estimate of your guest count and start touring venues early in your planning process. The cost of renting a venue for any type of celebration is always dependent on factors such as size and location, date and time, and amenities. If you require a kosher kitchen, this will increase the cost.
Food
Food will likely be your largest expense when it comes to your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah – and can easily represent as much as 25% of your total budget. If you plan to hold a kiddish lunch and host a dinner at the party, add another 20% to 25% to cover room rental and additional food costs. You can control your costs better if you can select a caterer of your own. Some venues, however, require that you use their catering services. Generally, buffet-style meals are less costly than sit-down dinners. Expect to pay more if the food needs to be kosher.
Beverage/Bar
When budgeting for an open bar, a lot depends on the types and quality of the alcohol you serve. An open bar that serves only beer and wine will be significantly less expensive than a full bar. We recommend budgeting $15 per person if you plan to serve wine and beer. If you want a full bar, budget $35 per person.
Party Rentals
When you select your venue and caterer, be sure to ask what is included in the price. Some venues charge extra for tables, chairs, linens, and parking. Prices will vary by venue and caterer.
Photography & Videography
Photographer
The cost of a photographer varies considerably based on their level of experience and the package you purchase. An experienced photographer will charge between $1,200 to $2,500 for a basic package and $2,500 to $5,000 for a comprehensive package that includes pre-event shoots and albums.
Videographer
Videographers are usually less expensive than photographers. Expect to pay between $750 to $2,000 for an experienced videographer.
Entertainment
DJ/Music & Lighting
Hiring a DJ with B’nei Mitzvah experience will typically cost more than someone who only handles general events. This higher price point can be attributed to their knowledge of the flow of Mitzvah parties as well as the Jewish traditions and music involved. An experienced DJ/MC is also skilled at keeping large groups of kids/teens engaged and entertained. You should budget $2,500 for a DJ. If you want to add Dancers/Motivators to keep the party moving, expect to pay $125 to $250 per dancer. Many DJ’s also offer packages that include lighting options.
Photobooth
Photobooths are always popular at Bar and Bat Mitzvah parties. Most operators charge between $225 to $600 for up to four hours.
Activities & Game Rentals
Looking for something besides a photo booth? You can hire a graffiti artist to create custom designs on t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats for about $225 per hour, including their materials (you will need to provide or pay for the blank items to be painted). If gaming is more your style, you can rent a classic arcade game for less than $300, though many companies have a minumim order value and delivery fees to consider. If you prefer creative activities, craft stations for making jewelry or perfume begin at $200/hr. Hour minimums vary.
Decor
Flowers & Decorations
Depending on your theme and vision, you should budget $300 to $800 – more if you want to incorporate a large balloon installation or rental props.
Invitations
Invitations
A basic “Save the Date” card typically ranges from $1.00 to $2.00 each. For a higher-quality card with foil or embossing, the cost averages about $4.50. Invitation sets, which encompass an invitation, an outer envelope, and an RSVP card, generally start at $2.00 but can exceed $7.00 for a premium set. Some families choose to do electronic invitations, which are lower in cost.
Postage
Currently, the price of a standard postage stamp is $0.68. You will likely need at least three stamps: one for the Save the Date card, one (or more, depending on size/weight) for the invitation itself, and one for the RSVP envelope. In total, postage will cost you $2.00 to $3.00 for each family you invite.
Other Printed Materials
Do you want to display a welcome sign as your guests enter the building? How about table number signs, name place cards, and menu cards? The cost of a welcome sign usually starts around $25, but framing will cost you extra. Table number signs, name place cards, and printed menus start at around $1.00 each.
Cake/Candy Buffet
Some families opt to serve a classic sheet cake. A full sheet cake, which serves around 100 people, averages around $350. Candy buffets are always popular among kids and adults alike. A catered candy buffet typically costs $4-$7 per guest.
Clothing, Shoes, & Accessories
Ceremony Attire
The Bar/Bat Mitzvah family usually dresses formally, with suits or sport coats and ties for men, and modest dresses or skirts for women and girls. Don’t forget to account for the cost of shoes and accessories as these add up. Your budget will depend on your needs, style preferences, and preferred fashion brands. Additionally, you may want to account for a visit to the tailor.
Party Attire
Your choice of clothing—and budget—will depend on the level of formality of your event. Most people opt for a different outfit than what they wore for the ceremony. Many choose to purchase new clothes and shoes for the Bar Mitzvah boy or Bat Mitzvah girl, even for informal events.
Transportation
If you need to transport guests to the reception hall, expect to pay $150 per hour for a 10-person shuttle. Most limousine companies have a four-hour minimum.
Favors & Gifts
Favors & DJ Giveaways
Since your DJ will be organizing different types of games and activities, you’ll need to purchase some small prizes. You should also consider passing out party favors to guests when they leave. Budget between $300 and $800 to cover the expenses associated with both the DJ’s giveaways and the party favors.
Mitzvah Gift
You will want to give your child a gift for their Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Your budget will entirely depend on the type of gift. Most people set aside $150 to $400 for their child’s B’nei Mitzvah gift.
Tipping
While tipping is optional, it is common practice to show your appreciation to the individuals who supported your event. You should check with your event planner to find out who you should tip and the amount. It is not necessary to tip your event planner but consider a 15% to 20% tip if they went well above and beyond what was expected of them.
Conclusion
Creating a fun and memorable B’nei Mitzvah celebration doesn’t have to break the bank. By prioritizing what matters most to you and your child, you can host a significant milestone event without overspending. Remember, the success of your celebration doesn’t hinge on its size or budget. What truly matters is the joy and significance that comes with your son or daughter becoming a Jewish adult.
