Becoming a bar or bat mitzvah is an important milestone for any Jewish family. Having a big celebration with all your child's loved ones is customary, but how much does the average New Jersey bar or bat mitzvah cost?
Much like weddings, mitzvah celebrations can range from simple to lavish, and many families want to go all out to commemorate this important occasion. According to The Knot, New Jersey weddings are among the most expensive in the nation (roughly $62,000 on average in the North and Central regions of the state, and about $40,000 in South Jersey), and New Jersey mitzvahs often follow suit.
If you're planning to have a traditional in-person mitzvah celebration in the Garden State, here's a breakdown of vendor costs, as well as some tips for staying on budget.
Average New Jersey mitzvah vendor costs
Much of what goes into the price of a mitzvah depends on where you live, how many attendees there will be, and the type of venue you choose. For instance, if you live close to a major city like New York or Philadelphia and host your event at a formal venue, your celebration may be more costly than one hosted at a private residence in the suburbs. The time of day and venue can greatly impact the cost as well. Typically, mitzvahs held during the afternoon are less costly than those held in the evening.
Assuming a total budget of around $40,000 for your New Jersey mitzvah, here are some of the most common types of mitzvah vendors and their average costs:
Venue and catering: Venue costs are typically the largest part of a mitzvah budget, especially if catering services are included. Catering and venue costs can account for 40% or more of your total budget, and your costs will increase as you add more people to your guest list.
Entertainment: Entertainment can make or break any party, so this is one area you don’t want to skimp on. Basic bat or bar mitzvah DJ services can account for 15 to 25% of your mitzvah costs, but if you want an unforgettable event with entertainment enhancements like multimedia screens, custom logos, uplighting, live performances, photo booths, and more, be prepared to allot more of your budget to entertainment.
Photography/videography: Every great event needs to be remembered, and what better way to do that than hiring an experienced professional? Mitzvah photographers and videographer pricing can range depending on the length of time you hire them for (e.g. just for the ceremony or for the entire day’s events) and the number of photographers/videographers working your event, but you can expect to spend about 10 to 15% of your budget for a package that includes both photo and video.
Flowers/decorations: Depending on the size of your venue and your child’s chosen theme, the cost for custom floral arrangements and/or decor can add up. While the typical cost for mitzvah decorations may account for 5 to 10% of your budget, you may be able to save some money here by DIYing your decorations (plus, it’s a great way to get your child involved in planning their mitzvah!).
Mitzvah party planner: If your budget allows, hiring a bar or bat mitzvah planner can be a great way to alleviate the stress of planning and coordinating all the details of your child’s day. Depending on the services offered, a party planner can range from 2 to 6% of your budget.
Other mitzvah costs
Additional costs like invitations, attire for your child and immediate family, guest favors, custom party swag, gifts for the guest of honor, cash tips for vendors, and more should also be accounted for in your budget.
Costs can vary greatly here, especially if you compare prices and shop online, so do your research and prioritize what’s most important to you and your family. Here is an average cost breakdown for some of these items:
Party invitations: Depending on the number of guests you’re inviting, formal printed invitations with inserts, RSVP cards, and postage will likely account for 2 to 3% of your budget.
Mitzvah attire: Aside from attire for the guest of honor, the immediate family will need formal outfits for the event, which may end up being 5% or more of your total costs.
Guest favors and customized party swag: The price point for favors and custom giveaway items like apparel or tote bags will depend on how many guests you’re having, the types of items you’re ordering, and the level of customization. Basic favors with a small printed tag may cost around $5 per favor, while screen-printed tees, tank tops, or hoodies can run $15 to $25+ per item (but keep in mind many printers offer a bulk discount for larger orders). Plan to dedicate 1 to 3% of your budget to this area.
Save on mitzvah costs by throwing a virtual or hybrid mitzvah
A bar or bat mitzvah budget can quickly increase, and with the current pandemic, families may be hesitant to spend money on a large, traditional in-person event.
By hosting a virtual or hybrid mitzvah, you can save on costs like catering and event venue fees while still being able to throw an event for all your child’s family and friends. These events are just as memorable and exciting as an in-person event, at a fraction of the cost. And without having to spend as much on physical items, you can devote more to making it your child’s perfect day.
Hosting the perfect mitzvah celebration should be joyous and stress-free. Our team at Xtreme Event Group can create a personalized and special Zoom mitzvah for your child and their guests. Contact us today to schedule a consultation call.
