Planning a Bar or Bat Mitzvah can be frustrating and time consuming. There are so many details that must be addressed prior to this special lifetime event. One such detail is choosing the right entertainment source. The selection of an entertainment company is often influenced by personal experiences you or members of your family or friends have experienced.
At Mitzvah List, we have often wondered, what makes a successful Mitzvah? Is it the number of guests on the dance floor, the delicious food, the amazing décor and fun activities or is it the extent in which the guests are engaged? A lack of engagement and/or interaction may cause your event to end earlier than anticipated, thus causing your son or daughter's much anticipated experience to be disappointing. An experienced event entertainer can partner with you in preparing for this lifetime event. In order to assist with the planning of the entertainment for your Mitzvah, the engagement of a professional entertainment company is a must! It is important to seek out those companies with good references as well as first hand experiences from clients. For this reason,
Mitzvah List
consulted with Ross Reimer a/k/a "Ross the Boss" from Music in Motion.
Music in Motion brings nearly 20 years of experience and knowhow in the entertainment industry. Their excellent reputation and incredible team will create the ultimate party experience. Music in Motion is well prepared to listen to the client and deliver on the important details. Their superb customer service will assure a successful event. Music in Motion provides great value with their customized non-stop entertainment, high-energy master of ceremonies (MC) and spectacular party motivators (dancers). They have extensive experience in the entertainment industry that will take your vision and make it a reality.
Ross of Music in Motion provided the following suggestions in selecting an entertainment company for your event:
1. Experience. Find someone with extensive Mitzvah experience. Entertaining 50+ kids at a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is vastly different from entertaining adults at a wedding or kids at a school party. You want someone who understands Jewish cultures and traditions. It's also helpful to have a professional who is familiar with the format and timeline of the event. The DJ and MC working in concert with the dancers will assure that your event runs smoothly.
2. Professional. Find a team that will provide professional service and will dress for the occasion. Good service and professionalism cannot be overestimated. It is important to find a company that will work well with your guests, party planner and other vendors associated with in the event. Knowing that there will be a significant number of tweens and teens at your party, you should select an entertainment company that
has a good sense of what this age group enjoys. The entertainment company you select should not
just play music for your event, but should also provide interaction with all the guests.
3. References. If have attended an event that had exceptional entertainment, add this company to your list. If you have not experienced the entertainment company at an event, ask the company if you can view a video of their past events. Always ask the company for a least three references. There are no "do-overs" when it comes to entertainment. Remember, your entertainment company can make or break your child's Mitzvah party.
4. Comfort. Hire a company that you feel comfortable with. Always meet your DJ or MC prior to the event. This will assure that he or she has the right personality to fit your event. The DJ or MC should ask about your child's hobbies, music requests, games or contests that may be implemented in to the event. Try to meet with a few of the entertainers prior to the event. This will enable you to build rapport with the entertainers. The entertainment company will assist in the development and execution of the event timeline/itinerary.
5. Creativity and Flexibility. Hire someone that has creativity and flexibility. After going to 50 or even 100 Bar or Bat Mitzvahs, 13 year-olds get bored. You want your party to be different and you want to work with someone who will come up with new and fun ways to pack the dance floor. You don't want your guests leaving and thinking, "been there done that!" A creative and flexible DJ will read the crowd and make adjustments to what is not working.
6. Energy. Look for someone with the right energy. You want someone who not only has tons of energy, but someone who has the right energy. You don't want a DJ who is obnoxious or annoying and certainly don't want someone whose ego takes over. Is your DJ a people person who will be good with your guests? The most successful DJs are those who can read a crowd and know how to interact with your guests. If your DJ is fun, full of life and has the ability to get your guests on the dance floor, you've found the one!
7. Music. Hire a company that knows the latest songs that your guests will want to hear, but can also accommodate all ages. Make sure your DJ will take requests, but will filter the music so that the music it is appropriate.
Ask for a selection list of music that the entertainment company will have available at the event.
8. Equipment. Hire a company that has equipment that will provide great sound quality and is of professional grade. Even the best equipment has the potential to failure; therefore, make sure entertainment company has back-up equipment available on site so that event can go off without a hitch.
9. Insurance. Hire a company that has that a liability insurance policy in force. You can verify this with a copy of the insurance certificate. Accidents can happen. If something does happens you want to be confident that your entertainment company's insurance policy will cover losses for damage, injuries and more.
10. Price. While price is almost always an important factor, do not choose solely on price. Some higher priced entertainment companies have earned their reputation and work consistently at Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. It's tempting to seek the cheapest alternative, but consider hiring a company that provides the best value. Mitzvah entertainment companies at the bottom of the price scale are likely relatively new to the business and trying to get established with tempting fees. On the other end, spending more does not always mean you are getting more. What you are really looking for is value.
If you are looking for an entertainment company that provides high quality service and great value, contact Music in Motion. Ross and his high-energy team are ready to meet with you and begin the planning process. Music in Motion offers sound and lighting packages, event furniture rentals and more! They will turn your Bar or Bat Mitzvah into a unique celebration that will be remembered for years to come!