While the religious ceremony is the most important part of any bar or bat mitzvah, the celebration that follows should also be a memorable occasion for your child or grandchild. Here are some hints to help you plan the party that marks this Jewish rite of passage for your favorite young person.

Step1
Finalize the dates and times of your ceremony and celebration. You will need to discuss this with your rabbi or the administrator of your congregation well in advance to be sure the dates and times are available or appropriate for a bar or bat mitzvah.

Step2
Set a budget for your celebration. This can have a big affect the size of your guest list, the venue you choose and the type of party you decide to have.

Step3
Determine how large the celebration will be. Will you invite just family and congregation members? School Mates, or people from out of town?  Make the list and go over it with your child to be sure no one has been left out.

Step4
Reserve the location where the celebration will be held. The synagogue or Jewish Community Center may have a hall that can be booked for these occasions, or consider a banquet room at a local hotel, restaurant or conference center.

Step5
Decide what sort of food and beverages you'll provide. Will the celebration include a full sit-down meal? Finger foods? Alcoholic drinks? Get pricing from a few different caterers if you plan to have a fully catered event.

Step6
Think about decorations. You could decorate the location yourself, or enlist the caterer to do it for you. Make sure that someone is in charge of the post-party cleanup.

Step7
Book a DJ or a band if dancing will be part of your celebration. If you want to include some traditional Jewish or Israeli music, you may have to provide the DJ with some CDs.

Step8
Plan the order of events carefully (for example, speeches, a special dance and/or a presentation of some kind). Remember to keep your child in the loop by discussing all the possibilities with him or her.