A Bar/Bat Mitzvah is a milestone event and a cause for much celebration. There are so many details to consider when planning a Bar/Bat Mitzvah party. Creating a website dedicated to your Bar/Bat Mitzvah, that can be easily updated and customized, will help you make your Mitzvah celebration a true success.
Here are 8 reasons why to have a Bar/Bat Mitzvah website:
1. Ability to share and update details of events
A Bar/Bat Mitzvah usually consists of a whole weekend of events including Friday night Shabbat dinner, synagogue services, the party, and a brunch or get together the following day. Your Mitzvah website will provide your guests with the details pertaining to the events, including date, time and location. Your website can include a map to all locations to direct guests. Having a Mitzvah website is a good way to keep your guest informed as they can easily be notified about any last-minute updates or changes.
2. Manage out-of-town guests
Relatives and friends from out-of-town will often travel far distances to be part of your family celebration. To facilitate the travel planning for your guests, you can post links on your website for various accommodation and travel options. Having a travelers page on your Mitzvah website will inform your traveling guests about weather conditions, provide maps to locations, have a list of things to do in your city as well as economical choices for hotel, air and car reservations.
3. Send Invitations and RSVP online
You can invite guests to your Bar/Bat Mitzvah by mailing out invitations or you can save time and money by inviting guests online by broadcast email. Regardless of the way you send out your invitations, guests should be encouraged 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 vacations, etc. Friends and relatives should be encouraged to post photos as well. Pictures can also be posted of your Bar/Bat Mitzvah and following the celebration. Photos and videos are a great way to reminisce.
5. Explain Torah reading
Your Mitzvah website can provide viewers and your guests with the English translation and significance behind the Torah portion being read on the date of your Bar / Bat Mitzvah. Being able to understand, will make it more meaningful for your guests.
6. Explain Mitzvah project
Your Bar / Bat Mitzvah website is the best place to describe to guests the good social deed you will be completing 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 are 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 inclined to donate as it is simpler 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 potential gifts. You can set up a gift registry directly on your Mitzvah website, with details and a direct link to your online registry. Not only does this save your guests search time, but it also assures that you will receive gifts that you will enjoy.
8. Message board / Quiz
In order to make your Mitzvah website more fun and interactive, you can include a quiz about yourself and see how well your relatives 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 involve your guests by asking them their opinions about potential themes, music and activities to have at the party.