a gu ide to s imcha hs

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Fabulous And Frugal

The party of your dreams doesn't have to empty your bank account.

Ronelle Grier I Special to the Jewish News

Danielle Keith of
Farmington enjoyed the
candy buffet at her bat

mitzvah.

C 6

celebrate! I

March 2010

C

an you throw a marvelous party that doesn't
blow the lid off your budget?
Absolutely. Follow simple guidelines for a
celebration that's cost-effective and unforgettable.
Roz Keith, president and creator of the party resource Web
site www.partyplanningplus.com , believes it's possible to give a
party that's both fabulous and frugal. But first, it's important to
establish priorities.
Keith suggests making a list of the things that are most
important and then narrowing it down to the top three to five
items to help determine how your money should best be spent.
Before you start, take some time to think about the party you
envision. Will it take place in a synagogue or a hotel or a more
off-beat venue such as a disco or sports place? Will the dress
be formal, casual or something in between? What kind of food
will you serve and will it be buffet-style or sit-down?
Will there be dancing? If so, do you prefer a live band or a
DJ? What will your decor look like? Do you have a theme? Will

the centerpieces be elaborate floral arrangements or something
more informal, like balloons?
If other family members are involved in the decision-making
process, consider holding a meeting before making any definite
plans. Give each person a chance to express his or her wishes.
Maybe your daughter has her heart set on hiring a profes-
sional entertainment company to emcee her bat mitzvah party,
but she couldn't care less about serving an elegant sit-down
dinner. Or maybe the bride-and-groom-to-be are willing to limit
their guest list so they can have their wedding at a special
venue.
If you have a beautiful back yard or outdoor setting, and your
event will take place at a time when the weather is likely to
cooperate, you may want to consider having the party at home.
Keith warns that, while a home-based celebration may be
lovely, it may not necessarily be the least-expensive option.

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