A Bar/Bat Mitzvah is a milestone and cause for much celebration. There are so many details to consider when planning a Bar/Bat Mitzvah party. Creating a dedicated Bar/Bat Mitzvah website that can be easily updated and customized will help make your Mitzvah celebration a true success.
Here are 8 reasons to have a Bar/Bat Mitzvah website:
1. Ability to share and update event details
A Bar/Bat Mitzvah typically consists of an entire weekend of events including Friday night Shabbat dinner, synagogue services, partying, and a brunch or gathering the next day. Your mitzvah website will provide your guests with details regarding the events, including the date, time, and location. Your website can include a map of all locations to direct guests. Having a Mitzvah website is a good way to keep your guests informed as they can be easily notified of any last minute updates or changes.
2. Manage out of town guests
Family and friends from out of town will often travel long distances to be a part of your family celebration. To make your guests’ trip planning easier, you can post links on your website for various lodging and travel options. Having a travelers page on your Mitzvah website will inform your guests about weather conditions, provide maps of locations, have a list of things to do in your city, as well as cheap options for hotel, flight and car reservations.
3. Send Invitations and RSVPs Online
You can invite people to your Bar/Bat Mitzvah by sending out invitations by mail or you can save time and money by inviting people online by email broadcast. Regardless of how you send out your invitations, invitees should be encouraged to RSVP online. You can customize your RSVP form to inquire about anything, including dietary restrictions.
4. Share photos and videos
You can further personalize your Bar/Bat Mitzvah website by displaying photos and videos of you as a baby, with family and friends, on vacation, etc. Friends and family should also be encouraged to post photos. Photos of your Bar/Bat Mitzvah and after the celebration can also be posted. Photos and videos are a great way to remember.
5. Explain the Torah reading
Your Mitzvah website can provide viewers and your guests with the English translation and meaning behind the Torah portion read on your Bar/Bat Mitzvah date. Being able to understand will make it more meaningful to your guests.
6. Explain the Project Mitzvah
Your Bar/Bat Mitzvah website is the best place to describe to guests the social good deed you will be doing as part of your Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation. You can explain why you chose that particular project and why it is important to you. If you’re raising money for a particular cause or organization close to your heart, you can ask your guests to donate to the cause online directly from your Mitzvah website. Your guests will be more willing to donate since it’s easier and more convenient to donate online with a credit card.
7. Gift Registry
You can make it easier for your guests by providing them with options for possible gifts. You can set up a gift registry directly on your mitzvah website, with details and a direct link to your online registry. This not only saves your guests search time, but also ensures that you will receive gifts that you will enjoy.
8. Message Board / Questionnaire
To make your mitzvah website more fun and interactive, you can include a quiz about yourself and see how well your family and friends know you. You can also communicate with guests before and after your Bar/Bat Mitzvah using a message board on your website. You can engage your guests by asking for their opinions on possible party themes, music, and activities.