Bar & Bat Mitzvah Questions

When should I start looking at invitations?
Normally, four months prior to the event.   Nevertheless, most families begin planning this event eight to twelve months in advance to avoid scheduling difficulties.  Appointments are strongly recommended.

When should I send my invitations?
Invitations should be mailed at least eight weeks prior to the event.  As locations for the bar or bat mitzvah are generally reserved months in advance, it may be wise to consider sending out a save-the-date announcement to help your guests arrange their schedules accordingly. 

What are my design options?
Saint Clair carries only a few specific Bar & Bat Mitzvah books due to their usually mediocre offerings.   A few of our more popular vendors can be found in the the Bar Mitzvah section.   There are no set invitation standards and most of our clients eventually end up customizing their own invitations.  Layered paper, the use of vellum wraps, ribbon, the application of colorful Judaic motifs are just a few of ways our clients have used to create truly memorable invitations.  With the possible exception of weddings, there is no greater opportunity to use your creative talents.   Direction cards or transportation schedules may also be required. 

What other accessories do I need? 
Thank you notes, escort cards, place cards and menus. Saint Clair also provides calligraphy and printing services for direction cards and place settings.

How do I get started selecting my invitation?
Bar and Bat Mitzvah invitations often present challenges to incorporate all of the requirements of family members. I suggest that you ask your stationer to show you several albums to get an initial impression for the types of invitation that are available and suitable to your particular needs: traditional, contemporary, color combinations, paper stock, printing options, etc.  There is great flexibility in modifying design elements and color combinations, so don't be discouraged if you don't find what you are looking for immediately.  Once you have decided on the key requirements of your invitation, focus first on the paper stock, then the printing process (engraved or thermography) and finally color combinations.  Great color combinations can be achieved by mounting card stock on each other to create heavy-bordered cards.  Also, envelope linings and colored inks create vivid contrasts to make your invitation distinctive.