The Pencil and The Eraser
In March of 2020, our team was so excited to welcome Carly Greenberg as the newest member of the Innovative Party Planners team. The COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to all of our in-person events only a few weeks later, so we haven’t had the chance to formally showcase her great contributions to the team until now!
Just last week, Carly was part of a one-of-a-kind Drive By Bat Mitzvah and she wrote these thoughts to capture how special the event was thanks to the dedication of everyone involved. As Heidi and Julie focus on creating engaging virtual celebrations in 2021, you can expect to see more fun, creative live events from Carly!
2020, The Year of the Pencil (and Eraser!)
As an experienced Event Planner, I have been prepared for all kinds of things throughout the years, from melting wedding cakes and no-show florists, to red wine on a wedding dress and parade permits for elephants, but nothing could prepare our industry for the most recent times. I have planned, postponed and erased so many events on my calendar this past year that when the idea of planning a Drive By Bat Mitzvah came my way, I was thrilled to take advantage of planning and partying again!
Image by David Stuck Photography
When one of our favorite families came to us to plan their youngest daughter’s Bat Mitzvah, we started with dreams of filling ballrooms with balloons, fancy table linens, menu tastings, and their daughter’s name in lights, just like we had for their other daughters’ in years past. However, as time went on throughout 2020, the plans continued to change, but the family’s values and the Bat Mitzvah girl’s grace, enthusiasm and creativity shined throughout the entire planning process.
Image by David Stuck Photography
Working side by side with the Bat Mitzvah girl and her family, we created a perfect, memorable, personalized and fun evening. The glow of the photo montage shining on the garage, headlights from the grilled cheese food truck in the driveway and probably one of the best party music playlists I have heard in a long time welcomed guests. Bundled up in coats, mittens and furry boots, everyone arrived promptly for their designated time with the Bat Mitzvah girl. The giggles, awkward dancing and "Mazel Tovs" written all over the sign in board gave all the guests a feeling of normalcy amongst the personalized mask party favors and Zoom Torah portion. After what felt like a few short minutes, guests waved goodbye with one hand and held a warm gooey grilled cheese sandwich in the other, thrilled that they got to share in such a special evening.
Although the party was casual, as a planner, there were still a lot of details to focus on throughout the day and evening. The daytime virtual service and evening drive by seamlessly came together just as any event would, with small, personalized touches, a logo, swag, timeline and great vendors. The health and safety of everyone involved was crucial and remained a top priority from start to finish. We planned procedures to ensure we respected the comfort level of the family in addition to following all CDC guidelines and state regulations.
As I pulled up to the family’s house, I realized that the excitement and jitters for any event are all the same. It doesn't matter if there are 300 guests in tuxedos and ball gowns, or 15 people in sweatshirts spread out in a tent adorned with cafe lights and campfires. The reason we do what we do is because of the joy and memories that we can create for people regardless of the circumstances. No matter what, there is always something to celebrate. I am so glad that the Bat Mitzvah girl and her family did not erase their vision. They put the same love, pride, work, joy and creativity into the evening just as they had for their older daughters, and I am honored that we were there to be by their side.
Bar and bat mitzvah dates have been locked in for years. When the pandemic changed everything, families got creative.
Washington Post By Jessica M. Goldstein
Featuring interviews with Amanda Levine, Maya Levine and Heidi Hiller
Image by David Stuck Photography
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Innovative Party Planners is your resource for event design and planning in Maryland, Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania and Virginia. To learn more about our event planning services and how we can help make your event one of a kind, contact us by clicking here or call (410) 998-9999.