Planning a Bar/Bat Mitzvah can be extremely stressful and overwhelming. With so many different aspects to consider, it can make even the calmest parents lose their cool. There are numerous different venues, themes, entertainment, food, decorations, etc that need to be considered when planning a Bar Mitzvah party. Not to mention the emphasis nowadays put into how much money you spend rather than the overall meaning of the celebration.
When planning a Bar or Bat Mitzvah party it is important to focus on the major tasks at hand. These are in chronological order, however they can be switched around to best suit your needs.
Save the Date Cards
Choosing a theme
Finding the perfect venue for your reception party
Creating personalized Bat Mitzvah and Bar Mitzvah invitations
Centerpieces and other party decorations
Finding the right entertainment and games
Picking a DJ
Making a list of music or songs
Food and catering
Party Favors
Photography or video
Speeches
Thank you cards
Of course there are other aspects to consider like place cards, sign-in boards (or an equivalent), napkins and other small accessories - however they pale in comparison to the more important planning decisions.
We have dedicated different guides and tips within our website to help address some of these party planning requirements. If you don't see something that you're looking for, give us a call! We'll do what we can to help answer any questions and assist you in the preparation of your son or daughter's big day!
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Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Christening Invitation Etiquette
Christening invitations are the first impression your guests will receive, so it is very important you are aware of and follow the proper invitation etiquette guidelines. Most Christening ceremonies occur very close to the actual birth of the child. Preparing your Christening invitations in advance is a good way to save yourself a lot of unnecessary stress. Follow these simple invitation etiquette guidelines and ideas to ensure that you make the right first impression.
Christening Invitation and Ceremony Timing
Most Christening ceremonies occur between 1-6 months after the child is born. This is because a Christening is traditionally when a child receives his or her name. Occasionally, due to potential health issues with the mother or baby, this timeframe can be extended. Other reasons for delay could be due to the fact that family or friends might not be able to attend otherwise.
Christening invitations should be sent out at least 3-4 weeks prior to the actual service or ceremony. This will allow guests plenty of time to save the date and reschedule any prior commitments. It will also allow sufficient time to prepare any gifts, speeches, or other arrangements that need to be made.
Who Gets Invited to Your Child’s Christening
Baby Christenings can be both a very private and public event. Most of the times the main attendees consist of close friends and family members. However it is not uncommon to invite congregation members or others affiliated with your church. Depending on your own preferences you can either have a small, intimate ceremony, or a large party. Typically the child’s parents will send out christening invitations, however sometimes that honor is reserves for the infant’s Godparents.
What to Include On Your Christening Invitations
Christening invitations are commonly opened with a bible verse, poem, or greeting. The child’s name should be prominently featured near the top of the invitation or underneath the greeting. It is customary to include the name of the church or location that the Christening ceremony is going to be held. Due to the fact that many guests attending a Christening may be from out of town, it is suggested that the full address of the location be included on the invitations. If more specific driving directions are needed, do not add these to the Christening invitation. Instead, enclose the directions in the invitation envelope on a separate piece of paper. If a reception is going to be held after the services, this should be included on the invitation. If directions are enclosed, there is no need to repeat them on the actual invitations. RSVP requests can be added at the bottom of the card if required, along with any contact information or accompanying christening response cards. If for any reason you feel that your guests might not be aware, it is not impolite to add a reminder that proper dress is required (i.e. Sunday Clothes). Don't forget to send Christening thank you cards 1-3 weeks following the service.
Invitation Wording and Grammar
Christening invitations may be either formal or informal; it’s a matter of preference. If a more formal tone is preferred, do not use abbreviations. This applies to the date, time, and address as well. It is permitted to omit the year, due to the relative proximity between the event or services and the time the invitations are received.
Christening invitation etiquette is not as difficult as it sounds. Just remember to consider the mood of your Christening, the guests that will be attending, and the atmosphere of the reception. If you incorporate these ideas along with your own personal style and preferences, you can never go wrong!
These baby Christening etiquette guidelines can also be applied to First Holy Communion invitations
Christening Invitation and Ceremony Timing
Most Christening ceremonies occur between 1-6 months after the child is born. This is because a Christening is traditionally when a child receives his or her name. Occasionally, due to potential health issues with the mother or baby, this timeframe can be extended. Other reasons for delay could be due to the fact that family or friends might not be able to attend otherwise.
Christening invitations should be sent out at least 3-4 weeks prior to the actual service or ceremony. This will allow guests plenty of time to save the date and reschedule any prior commitments. It will also allow sufficient time to prepare any gifts, speeches, or other arrangements that need to be made.
Who Gets Invited to Your Child’s Christening
Baby Christenings can be both a very private and public event. Most of the times the main attendees consist of close friends and family members. However it is not uncommon to invite congregation members or others affiliated with your church. Depending on your own preferences you can either have a small, intimate ceremony, or a large party. Typically the child’s parents will send out christening invitations, however sometimes that honor is reserves for the infant’s Godparents.
What to Include On Your Christening Invitations
Christening invitations are commonly opened with a bible verse, poem, or greeting. The child’s name should be prominently featured near the top of the invitation or underneath the greeting. It is customary to include the name of the church or location that the Christening ceremony is going to be held. Due to the fact that many guests attending a Christening may be from out of town, it is suggested that the full address of the location be included on the invitations. If more specific driving directions are needed, do not add these to the Christening invitation. Instead, enclose the directions in the invitation envelope on a separate piece of paper. If a reception is going to be held after the services, this should be included on the invitation. If directions are enclosed, there is no need to repeat them on the actual invitations. RSVP requests can be added at the bottom of the card if required, along with any contact information or accompanying christening response cards. If for any reason you feel that your guests might not be aware, it is not impolite to add a reminder that proper dress is required (i.e. Sunday Clothes). Don't forget to send Christening thank you cards 1-3 weeks following the service.
Invitation Wording and Grammar
Christening invitations may be either formal or informal; it’s a matter of preference. If a more formal tone is preferred, do not use abbreviations. This applies to the date, time, and address as well. It is permitted to omit the year, due to the relative proximity between the event or services and the time the invitations are received.
Christening invitation etiquette is not as difficult as it sounds. Just remember to consider the mood of your Christening, the guests that will be attending, and the atmosphere of the reception. If you incorporate these ideas along with your own personal style and preferences, you can never go wrong!
These baby Christening etiquette guidelines can also be applied to First Holy Communion invitations
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Holy Communion - The History
Communion is one of the sacraments in the Christian religion and is considered to be a reenactment of the Last Supper.
Eucharist is a Greek word meaning “thanksgiving”. Every time Communion is taken, it is meant to be literally giving thanks for the love of God. The term “Eucharist” refers to not only the sacrament of Communion, but also the bread and wine used in the rite.
For many centuries after the founding of the Christian church, bread was the only thing received during Communion. Later whole meals were shared between church members. There is no definitive time period of when Communion as it is today, consisting of bread and wine, came into standard practice.
Although Holy Communion is a traditional Christian sacrament, the customs and interpretations of this rite vary between churches. These differences result from various translations and interpretations of scriptures as well as an absence of any complete outline on how the sacrament should be administered. The main differences are regarding:
• Who can take Communion
• How often it should be celebrated
• What is included
• Roles and functions of celebrants
• The meaning of the Eucharist
Who can take Communion?
In the Catholic Church, only members in good standing are allowed to participate. Generally members of the Assyrian Church, Orthodox Churches, and Polish National Church are allowed to receive Catholic Communion. Traditionally they will only issue Communion to baptized believers outside of these churches only if they are gravely ill. However, many Catholic priests are more relaxed and generally welcome all believers. Most Protestants allow all believers to participate, regardless of standing.
How often should Communion be celebrated?
Catholic Churches generally celebrate Communion weekly. Protestants and other non-Catholics vary from weekly, monthly, quarterly, or once or twice a year.
What is included?
Catholics and Eastern Churches traditionally celebrate Communion with unleavened bread and wine. In some cases the bread is leavened, and in some cases it is substituted with wafers or rice cakes. Wine can also be substituted with unfermented grape juice. Communion is also served differently throughout churches. Some congregations drink from a communal cup with bread placed on the tongue, while others hand out portions in general or very specific arrangements. The Orthodox Churches administer Communion in a unique manner. Bread is placed on a round plate and wine is served in a chalice. Communicants receive the elements on a spoon, and a piece of the bread is put into the chalice with some hot water to symbolize the reunification of the body and spirit of Christ.
What are the roles and functions of celebrants?
In many churches the rite of Communion can only be administered by ordained clergy. Although some churches believe elders and authority figures may also administer Communion rites, this view is much less common. However women can also be ordained in many protestant churches, thus resulting in another difference of opinion with the Catholic and Eastern Churches.
What is the meaning of the Eucharist?
Undoubtedly the most heavily debated aspects of Communion is the literal or figurative meaning of what is represented during Communion. Catholic, Orthodox, and other early Christian churches believe that the elements literally become the blood and body of Christ upon blessing and consumption. This process is known as transubstantiation. Many Protestant churches believe in Christ’s presence within the elements, however in a more figurative way (in, with, and under in a concept known as the sacramental union). Others still reject any literal presence and consider the ritual to be merely a symbolic memorial of Christ.
Although differences of opinion are numerous, all Churches can agree that Communion is a central part of Christian worship that recalls the love and joy that Jesus brings to the community of the faithful.
First Communion thank you cards
First Communion bookmarks keepsakes
Holy Communion invitations
Christening Invitations
Eucharist is a Greek word meaning “thanksgiving”. Every time Communion is taken, it is meant to be literally giving thanks for the love of God. The term “Eucharist” refers to not only the sacrament of Communion, but also the bread and wine used in the rite.
For many centuries after the founding of the Christian church, bread was the only thing received during Communion. Later whole meals were shared between church members. There is no definitive time period of when Communion as it is today, consisting of bread and wine, came into standard practice.
Although Holy Communion is a traditional Christian sacrament, the customs and interpretations of this rite vary between churches. These differences result from various translations and interpretations of scriptures as well as an absence of any complete outline on how the sacrament should be administered. The main differences are regarding:
• Who can take Communion
• How often it should be celebrated
• What is included
• Roles and functions of celebrants
• The meaning of the Eucharist
Who can take Communion?
In the Catholic Church, only members in good standing are allowed to participate. Generally members of the Assyrian Church, Orthodox Churches, and Polish National Church are allowed to receive Catholic Communion. Traditionally they will only issue Communion to baptized believers outside of these churches only if they are gravely ill. However, many Catholic priests are more relaxed and generally welcome all believers. Most Protestants allow all believers to participate, regardless of standing.
How often should Communion be celebrated?
Catholic Churches generally celebrate Communion weekly. Protestants and other non-Catholics vary from weekly, monthly, quarterly, or once or twice a year.
What is included?
Catholics and Eastern Churches traditionally celebrate Communion with unleavened bread and wine. In some cases the bread is leavened, and in some cases it is substituted with wafers or rice cakes. Wine can also be substituted with unfermented grape juice. Communion is also served differently throughout churches. Some congregations drink from a communal cup with bread placed on the tongue, while others hand out portions in general or very specific arrangements. The Orthodox Churches administer Communion in a unique manner. Bread is placed on a round plate and wine is served in a chalice. Communicants receive the elements on a spoon, and a piece of the bread is put into the chalice with some hot water to symbolize the reunification of the body and spirit of Christ.
What are the roles and functions of celebrants?
In many churches the rite of Communion can only be administered by ordained clergy. Although some churches believe elders and authority figures may also administer Communion rites, this view is much less common. However women can also be ordained in many protestant churches, thus resulting in another difference of opinion with the Catholic and Eastern Churches.
What is the meaning of the Eucharist?
Undoubtedly the most heavily debated aspects of Communion is the literal or figurative meaning of what is represented during Communion. Catholic, Orthodox, and other early Christian churches believe that the elements literally become the blood and body of Christ upon blessing and consumption. This process is known as transubstantiation. Many Protestant churches believe in Christ’s presence within the elements, however in a more figurative way (in, with, and under in a concept known as the sacramental union). Others still reject any literal presence and consider the ritual to be merely a symbolic memorial of Christ.
Although differences of opinion are numerous, all Churches can agree that Communion is a central part of Christian worship that recalls the love and joy that Jesus brings to the community of the faithful.
First Communion thank you cards
First Communion bookmarks keepsakes
Holy Communion invitations
Christening Invitations
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