Create Your Own Wedding Experience

Weddings are first and foremost about the bride, It is the one day that is about you and you should embrace it; but while you it is important to remember that your wedding is about coming together in celebration to honor the next chapter in your life, how you set that in motion is important for how you start your new life.

When planning your wedding it is important to think about the experience you want to create for your guests.  How do you want them to feel while they are present with you throughout your day.

I like to think that your wedding experience begins the minute your guests step out of the car.

Music always sets a tone for an event.  Live music creates an amazing energy. Think about having  a single musician playing at the entrance of your ceremony site. So your guests are greeted with an air of celebration even before they step inside. 

Another way to make your guests feel welcome is to offer them a soft drink or custom beverage when they arrive.  If you are having a summer wedding try an infused iced tea or lemonade. For a winter wedding set up a hot chocolate, coffee or  tea station.

Flowers are a wonderful way to acknowledge your guests.  Greeting each guest with a rose is a nice touch.  You can adorn your flower with a special thank you note, poem or chorus from “your” song.

Dear Reader, What kind of experience are you offering for your guests?  Have you thought about how you would greet your guests? 

If you found this article helpful or interesting please leave a comment.  Let me know your thoughts, If you have any questions or need any information or would like to see me write about a topic you need help on let me know.  If you don’t want to leave a comment below you can always email me: Julia@eventuresinc.net or simply visit our website at www.eventuresinc.net. Subscribe to our list for your free ebook “Make it Your Own! The Ultimate Guide to Personalize Your Day”

Grace, Gratitude and Happy Planning!

Bar Mitzvah Service: Ideas to Make the Experience MORE Meaningful

I remember years ago flying to Boston for a relative's Bat Mitzvah.  I was very excited to be invited. I would like to tell you that the service was lovely, however, the service lacked personality and depth. Furthermore, it was quite evident that the Rabbi did not know anything about the families of either of the 2 children standing on the Bima that day.

I left that service appalled and clear on one thing: discovering ways to make the Bar/Bat Mitzvah service  a personal experience for my family and my clients.  So when I came home I completely immersed myself into discovering ways to make this day meaningful and memorable.

Try writing your own prayer book.  I know this sounds daunting however, it is not as hard today to make that happen.  There are a number of services throughout the country that can help you with this task.  Infuse the book with information.  You would be surprised at how many people do not know what it means to become a Bar Mitzvah.  Explain the rituals and meanings behind the prayers.

You can also enhance your service by including readings for various members of your family or close friends.  If you have lost a loved one like a Grandparent invite the grandchildren to the Bima for the reading of the Kaddish. Maybe provide a special poem or prayer for them to read during this time. The more involved you make your guests feel the more they want to celebrate with you.

If your child is talented musically have them showcase this during the service.  Pick an appropriate piece of music for them to perform. Perhaps you can find something that ties in with their Torah portion and ask your Rabbi for help.

I have always thought that Judaism is a religion based on community and involvement.  So take this day to embrace your guests and include them in this experience.

Dear Reader, Have you ever been to a service that moved you?  Let me know. I would like to hear your stories.  I am always looking for new ways to make a child's Bar/Bat Mitzvah more meaningful.

If you found this article helpful or interesting please leave a comment.  Let me know your thoughts, If you have any questions or need any information or would like to see me write about a topic you need help on let me know.  If you don’t want to leave a comment below you can always email me: Julia@eventuresinc.net or simply visit our website at www.eventuresinc.net. Subscribe to our list for your free ebook “Make it Your Own! The Ultimate Guide to Personalize Your Day”

Grace, Gratitude and Happy Planning!

What is the Biggest Obstacle You are Faced with? Right Now!

Dear Reader,

Every week for almost a year I have been writing about topics that I think you may find interesting.  Handing our information that I think would help you.  But, I would love to hear from you.  What do you want to learn about?  What is the one biggest obstacle you are facing today as you are planning your wedding, or trying to decide if you want to become engaged?

Let me know I would love to help you in the journey and write about what it is you want to read.

Thanks for this opportunity to be of service.

If you found this article helpful or interesting please leave a comment.  Let me know your thoughts, If you have any questions or need any information or would like to see me write about a topic you need help on let me know.  If you don’t want to leave a comment below you can always email me: Julia@eventuresinc.net or simply visit our website at www.eventuresinc.net. Subscribe to our list for your free ebook “Make it Your Own! The Ultimate Guide to Personalize Your Day”

Grace, Gratitude and Happy Planning

Eventures Premier Wedding and Event Specialists: Bar/Bat Mitzvah Find the Perfect Venue

Eventures Premier Wedding and Event Specialists: Bar/Bat Mitzvah Find the Perfect Venue: Are you having trouble trying to decide where to have your child's Bar/Bat Mitzvah? Why not try a theater. I love planning events in theat...

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Find the Perfect Venue

Are you having trouble trying to decide where to have your child's Bar/Bat Mitzvah?  Why not try a theater.  I love planning events in theaters.  They are unusual and offer so many creative opportunities to have a party that is not like everyone else's.  Also, if you pick the right theater, that fits with your theme you may not have to spend a lot of money on decor.  Here are 3 fabulous theaters in Los Angeles to explore.  Explore the possibilities:

The Orpheum Theater in Downtown Los Angeles is dramatic and a fabulous place to hold an event.  They have many options and spaces.  Try hosting your party on the stage, that is what we did for this Harry Potter themed Bar Mitzvah.

The Hollywood Palladium is another great venue to explore.  It is very large- so if your party is small you will have to create a room within a room which might take you out of your budget, but it is well worth exploring.  That is where I did this wonderful Wizard of Oz event with flying monkeys and a witch.

My all time favorite venue for a Bar Mitzvah is the El Rey theater.  They are flexible and easy to work with.  The space is beautiful and here too there are many possibilities on using the space.

Dear Reader,  Where are you holding your child's Bar/Bat Mitzvah?

If you found this article helpful or interesting please leave a comment.  Let me know your thoughts, If you have any questions or need any information or would like to see me write about a topic you need help on let me know.  If you don’t want to leave a comment below you can always email me: Julia@eventuresinc.net or simply visit our website at www.eventuresinc.net. Subscribe to our list for your free ebook “Make it Your Own! The Ultimate Guide to Personalize Your Day”

Grace, Gratitude and Happy Planning!

Whose Wedding Is It?

Do you feel like you are going crazy listening to all your friends and family telling you what to do?  Is your head about to explode with all the information coming at you?

I know- it’s your wedding and you want it your way.  Sure you love to listen to what others have to say but just because your cousin had a parade of flying geese doesn’t mean it is the right thing for you.

When you feel overwhelmed and tired of listening instead of losing your cool and screaming try one of these things instead:

1.     Unplug for an hour or even a day- heck if you need it take a whole week off from all the wedding advice, information.  No phones, no internet and no computer.

2.     Take a walk or if you are into biking or nature maybe a hike will help or perhaps you should look into yoga.

3.     Get a massage, mani/pedi or a facial.

4.     When your friends and family chime in with all their knowledge and information before you react or answer take a deep breath. And pause.  Or maybe excuse yourself and head off to the bathroom for a quick break and a little alone time.

5.     If breathing and a pause didn’t work, smile and thank everyone for their information.  Acknowledge that you heard them.  Just because they speak it doesn’t mean you have to do it.

Dear Reader, Are you feeling overwhelmed and bombarded by well intentioned friends and family?  How are you choosing to deal with all their advice?  Write me andlet me know.   Or leave a comment.  I promise to answer.

If you found this article helpful or interesting please leave a comment.  Let me know your thoughts, If you have any questions or need any information or would like to see me write about a topic you need help on let me know.  If you don’t want to leave a comment below you can always email me: Julia@eventuresinc.net or simply visit our website at www.eventuresinc.net. Subscribe to our list for your free ebook “Make it Your Own! The Ultimate Guide to Personalize Your Day”

Grace, Gratitude and Happy Planning!

Personalize Your Bar/Bat MItzvah

The more personal you make your Bar/Bat Mitzvah and the more you infuse your child into the theme and the day the more involved and enthusiastic your child will become.  If he/she is excited about becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah the energy will just ooze from their presence.  Studying the Torah portion will become less of a struggle and the whole experience will become more fun.

When I planned my sons’ bar mitzvah, at the time he was an avid reader and he was in love with the Harry Potter books.  So, I too, read the series. It not only gave me great ideas for his service it gave us something to talk about so it was a great and positive bonding experience.

We incorporated both Harry and Kabbalah into his party so his celebration would retain the element of Judaism. After finding the perfect venue, LA's Orpheum theater the fun and imagination took over.  We had a life size sorting hat handing out the table assignments.  For the escort cards I used stuffed owls that were later donated to a battered women’s shelter.- The décor was simple and featured 200 suspended candles and I even had our Rabbi dress as Hagrid.  Go wild- Have fun!  Think outside the box! Today, almost 10 years later his party is still being talked about.

Dear Reader, Do you need help finding the inspiration for your child's Bar/Bat Mitzvah? On May 6, 2012 attend Be Mitzvahed! The Bar and Bat Mitzvah Bootcamp.  We will show you how.  For information contact me, Julia I am here to help.  Call 818 673 2961 or email me julia@eventuresinc.net.  Tickets will be going on sale shortly!Grace, Gratitude and Happy Planning!

Wedding Day Video? Why You Should Have One

I help a lot of newly engaged couples with budget woes when they begin to plan their wedding.  They all tell me that they don’t want a videographer.  They just don’t see the need to spend additional when they love their photographer. They are worried that Video will cost too much, get in the way, and then they all think they will never watch it.

In my opinion video is a must. A talented filmmaker will capture your event in a different way then your photographer.  Video offers you live interactive moments. Your family and friends will come to life.  Your speeches and the way they are presented to you, at your wedding will be captured forever.  The emotions your guest feel will be there for you to experience over and over again. But, the most important thing that I tell guests is this:  when I got married we couldn’t afford to hire a videographer.  My husband had a friend (lol) who was in the business who said he would shoot for us at our wedding. Hah!  He never showed up. (another reason to hire a professional)  A few short years later my father passed away.  Sure, I have the pictures, but I don’t have him or the way he spoke, laughed or danced. It would mean so much for me to show my children who their Grandfather was with more than just a picture.  So when deciding on where to put your money on this important day, just remember that video brings people to life and when they are no longer with you will you regret your decision.

Dear Reader, are you hiring a videographer or event filmmaker to capture your wedding day?  What are your thoughts on video?

If you found this article helpful or interesting please leave a comment.  Let me know your thoughts, If you have any questions or need any information or would like to see me write about a topic you need help on let me know.  If you don’t want to leave a comment below you can always email me: Julia@eventuresinc.net or simply visit our website at www.eventuresinc.net. Subscribe to our list for your free ebook “Make it Your Own! The Ultimate Guide to Personalize Your Day”

Grace, Gratitude and Happy Planning!

Your Bar/Bat Mitzvah Service

It has become a fairly common practice to not invite kids to your child's service; they can be disruptive and rude.  This concerns me. What message are we sending our children by eliminating them from the most important part of the day?

I am not here to preach about what is right or wrong in this arena.  It can be very disruptive to have a group of 75 kids talking and making noise during your child's Bar Mitzvah, however, isn't that what kids do?  Don't you think that they learn from bad behavior, and misconduct so that we can then hold them accountable with an action meant to teach?  Isn't childhood a place for learning?  If we don't allow them into Temple for this rite of passage than how do we encourage them to come in later?   How do we teach our children to love and embrace their religion if they are not welcome? I am troubled my this new trend.

Dear Reader, How do you feel about kids being a part of the service?  Are you inviting them to yours?  Are you worried that your children will assimilate as they age?

If you found this article helpful or interesting please leave a comment.  Let me know your thoughts, If you have any questions or need any information or would like to see me write about a topic you need help on let me know.  If you don’t want to leave a comment below you can always email me: Julia@eventuresinc.net or simply visit our website at www.eventuresinc.net. Subscribe to our list for your free ebook “Make it Your Own! The Ultimate Guide to Personalize Your Day”

Grace, Gratitude and Happy Planning!