anWims."' celebrate journalism meet beauty + romance beauty + romance meet journalism a guide to simchahs Budget from page C22 blaine siesser photography 248.341.9450 734.845.6512 219 N Old Woodward www.siesserphotography.com two items that will be your "wow factory You can then use the smaller items to illustrate that and drive the theme home. Music A really talented DJ is of paramount importance. A DJ who keeps the kids engaged and dancing all night long is going to give them a really fun evening. You don't need much else if the DJ is talented and experienced. He will do games and contests, or teach the kids a dance. So, if you don't have the extra money to add kids' activities, make sure you choose a wonderful DJ. Local talent is always less expensive than bringing in people from other loca- tions so look for DJs or bands in your area. If you are really on a bare bones budget, have a friend put together a great playlist on a solid iPod system, or do it yourself, but you'll have to arrange for a player and speakers. RESTAURAI ,I I (‘:.,11.01ANIGE 29555 Northwestern Hwy, Southfield, MI 248.996.9929 I www.dineduo.com Monday Friday Saturday 4:OOFM 2:0014^ - 2:00Am - Expire:, Marr.it 31. 2012 N,,t valid E alt.ohol Ttle IN tip not IIIf ad It, reCe.V. offer an y ,Alwn- offor. Must pr esent "Breakfast and Lunch so good we can leave dinner to someone else." BREAKFAST BRUNCH OPEN 7 DAYS 6:30 AM TO 3:00 PM Great place to meet family & friends for birthdays, showers, anniversaries or any celebration! • 27909 Orchard Lake Rd. (Corner of 12 Mile in the Orchard 12 Plaza) Farmington Hills Carry out available - call about delivery 248..994d7388 e Wit Dana Ishbia's L414CH t cite? just bring me the paper, I'll do the rest! Envelope Addressing, Invitations, Placecards 248.851.9626 DISH 1 000@COMCAST. NET THE BEST IN SERVICE, PRICE AND QUALITY FOR THE PAST 17 YEARS! C2 4 celebrate! I March 2012 Venue/Food Each venue comes with its own quirks and deals. When looking for a venue, make sure to find out if it has a food and beverage minimum and what that buys you. Sometimes it's not a great pack- age, and it would be wiser to bring in a caterer. Many synagogues have function spaces and charge very little. On the other hand, don't rule out hotels. If it's off-season and a hotel has an empty ballroom, you may be able to negotiate a low-cost package. When it comes to food, you should be realistic about the format for a party. Think luncheons, food stations or buffet — not a four-course meal.There are many interesting ways to present food. You can get a lot of mileage out of fun street food — pizzas, a noodle bar, burgers. The kids will love it, and it will cost you less. Finding a venue that is closer to home — school gym, town hall or college — as well as a local vendor will always save you some money. Quick Tips After 35 years in the party-planning business, there are a few tricks you learn: Get a planner: Although it may seem counter-intuitive, a planner can actually help you save money. A good and experi- enced planner will help you stay on bud- get, or let you know that what you want is not realistic for your budget. A planner can help you establish priorities within your number and comes with a working knowledge of what that number will buy you. A planner will also have a Rolodex of different vendors at different prices and know whom to call. Use the Internet: The Web is a great resource, especially for favors. Edible favors are the least expensive, and you can create custom labels or wrappers to make it fun and personal. There are also a multitude of promotional items, like T-shirts or drawstring bags that you can find online now. Depending on the time of year, there are frequent promotional sales, and things will likely be cheaper when bought in bulk. The Importai Of 'Branding' If you are really looking to have a lower- budget party, make it less formal and make it all about the kids. You can do a simple and lovely lunch and a kids' party at night. They don't really need much to have a great time. Still invite your friends and family, but the message should be: This is for the kids. With that comes a very different expecta- tion. At the end of the day, your family and friends are there to celebrate and share in your joy. You have to be true to who you are — and to your child. You have to know your child well. An expensive party is also not neces- sary to wow the guests. I recently saw a candle-lighting that blew me away. There was no cake, but each guest received a light-up wand. Guests were called up in groups, and instead of being asked to light a candle, lit their wands. At the end, there were 210 twinkling lights; there wasn't a person in the room who didn't have a lighted wand. It was beautiful and inclusive. B'nai mitzvah can often be so generic that the "wow factor becomes what you do to make the event meaningful. Identi fy the little thing that people take away that is unique to your event. That you can do on any budget. 0 Janie Haas, the founder and president of Janie Haas Events, has been in the event planning business for more than 35 years.