Venue:
When you grow up going to the Carpenter Theatre, now the Dominion Energy Center, with your mom and grandmother, it’s only natural you would host your bat mitzvah there. This family opted for a full theatre takeover to maximize the space for their guests and the many fun features we had planned.
As guests arrived they were greeted with poster size photos of our guest of honor. We had scheduled a fashion/paparazzi photo shoot with her photographer earlier in the month and those photos were blown up, and put out for everyone to see. They were so cute. Our teen had such a fun time getting dressed up and getting photos take all over town. Definitely recommend a pre-event photo shoot if there is time to get the photos turned around before the event. Guests were then ushered towards the step and repeat for their own red carpet moment.
The adult cocktail hour was hosted upstairs on the second level. Here there was such a display of great food, and the cocktails were flowing. We had signature drinks, local liquor from Belle Isle Moonshine, velvet linens, and modern floral arrangements. We wanted to keep the event chic and sophisticated, but still fun and modern.
Party:
The kids went immediately onto the main stage where they were immersed in a very cool lounge/club atmosphere. The stage lighting was all set to the party colors of pink, purple, and aqua. Electric Events DC brought in glow bars with photos from our fashion shoot wrapped around the LED pillars. Her logo was on anything we could put it on. This included color changing cups, pillows, the bar, drink stirrers, bar signs, popcorn boxes, t shirts, hoodies, water bottles, etc. The lounge was white leather with the event colors woven through it. The DJ and MC played games, danced, showed off their break dancing skills, and passed out prizes. We also had foosball which the kids loved as a quick break to dancing and the DJ games.
Surprise:
The highlight of the evening came when we gathered all of the kids together for a surprise. The family had friends who knew the director and actor for the Spiderman movie. They had them recored a special message congratulating Rachel. It was such a major move. The kids and adults loved it. Since we had everyone’s attention, we gathered for a group photo, and went back to playing and dancing.
Until Next Time:
As guests were leaving we presented them with a popcorn bar. The were able to fill their popcorn boxes, with logos of course, with popcorn, candies, and a variety of toppings. A box of popcorn and a branded water bottle for the road was a great ending to a great evening.
Vendors:
Venue/Catering/AV: The Dominion Energy Center
Photo: Karen Gage Photography
Entertainment/Decor: Electric Events DC
Florals: A. Morgan Event Floral Design
Mitzvah Swag: For Your Party