Good music is always an important element for any event.  In fact, I’d consider your music just as important as your events food and décor.  There are lots of options for event music to consider and most are dependent on budget, needs, wants and personal taste.  For some, a well thought out iPod playlist will do nicely, while others may opt for a DJ or Live Band.  (Some party throwers even combine all the options).

To create a memorable occasion, you want to plan and consider what is right for you.  Many choose to use music as a complimenting factor to their event, so the main attraction isn’t over shadowed.  Conversely, others may choose to tell a story with the music and make “it” the focus of the event.  Whichever you choose for your event, have fun!

If you are planning a wedding, I’m a fan of “telling a story” through the music.  Couples can be involved in finding and molding the entertainment to fit their personal story.  The songs selected can tell their story as a couple to the guests…a truly romantic gesture.  Your first song when you met, kissed or that first dance together…the memories live on forever in the music.

If you really want to add a “wow” factor to accompany your music, consider adding professional ballroom dancers or maybe a choreographed dance routine like a flash mob.  Tying in entertainers with your music adds something special as a spectator and makes a lasting impression with your guests.  However, make sure the music and entertainment is tasteful….you wouldn’t want old Aunt Sophie having a heart attack from watching the professional dancers bumpin’ and grindin’.

Lastly, be prepared.  Sit down with your DJ to review the music you want played, discuss with your band leader the preferred song list, instrumentation and flow of the event.  And if you are going to perform a ‘special dance’…practice and take dance lessons…we aren’t all blessed with all the right moves and perfect rhythm.

Cheers!

With formal invites, top-notch eats, and a cutting-edge soundtrack, your Bar Mitzvah is shaping up to be way more than the typical coming-of-age party. But how can you be sure your Bar Mitzvah will be memorable? Take a cue from these top four Bar Mitzvah style trends guaranteed to wow your guests.

Trend 1: Personalize Your Theme
By channeling your child’s interests, you can create a theme to unify your Bar Mitzvah. Draw inspiration from his hobbies: Does he like to play baseball? Tap into sports with a baseball theme. Name each table after one of his much-loved teams, and use giant baseball hats with their logos as your Bar Mitzvah centerpieces (don’t forget to add in some balloons in each team’s colors). Into the Yankees? Ask your baker to decorate your Bar Mitzvah cake with white and navy blue stripes and the team’s logo.

Trend 2: Create a Lounge Feel
Turn your Bar Mitzvah into an uberexclusive lounge scene. With a couple couches, throw rugs, and low, colored lighting, you can make your swank space look and feel like one of New York or L.A.’s hottest nightclubs. Don’t forget the dance floor, where kids and adults alike can show off their moves. The music you play can make or break your Bar Mitzvah, so select a band or DJ who has a repertoire of your (and your child’s) favorite songs. Feel free to give them a complete list of the songs you want to hear, or, even better, a list of tunes you don’t want played.

Trend 3: Make It Interactive
Interactivity is crucial to a Bar Mitzvah. Consider hiring an artist to draw funny caricatures, set up a photo booth for pretty poses, or get a hold of one of those high-tech karaoke machines that lets you create your own music videos! Take the idea one step further, and turn your Bar Mitzvah into a specific event, like casino night. While your guests may not be high rollers, you can still use games to get everyone mingling. Make each table look like a card table, complete with a deck of cards, chips, and, of course, a green felt top. Encourage your guests to play the games throughout the night, and award a prize to the person with the most chips at the end of the party.

Trend 4: Channel the Season
If you’re still having trouble coming up with Bar Mitzvah inspiration, look to the season surrounding your child’s birthday. December through February babies lend themselves to a winter wonderland theme, while summer children can have a Bar Mitzvah beach bash. Look for blue or green pails or buckets to use as centerpieces, and fill them with beach grass, pebbles, and shells. Tap into the elements by scattering sand across the tables, or for a glitzier look, hang pieces of sea glass on fishing wire (think: beaded curtain) from the ceiling. End the night with a dessert bar, featuring beachy sweets like rock candy, saltwater taffy, and Italian ice, and send your guests home with frisbees — the quintessential summer sport — as favors.