Five years after the pandemic forced families to trade dance floors for Zoom screens, bar and bat mitzvah celebration parties are back in full swing — with a twist. From tech-forward experiences and immersive entertainment to a growing focus on personalization and meaning, today’s milestone events are redefining what it means to come of age in a post-COVID world. 

“It used to be that the theme was everything — and it still matters — but now it’s really more about the vibe and the experience,” said Stacy Abeles, event planner and founder of Abeles & Co. “Families are more focused on bringing people together and finding ways to connect them to their child. Instead of picking one specific theme, like gymnastics or ice skating, they’re creating a full atmosphere that reflects multiple interests. They’re doing that through color, lighting and creative props that set the tone for the whole event.” 

Party planner Simcha Lourie agrees, noting that while centerpieces once stole the show, today it’s the overall space that creates the impact. 

“Décor has shifted to be more atmosphere-based,” she said. “It’s about DJ facades, ceiling installations, custom dance floor wraps and photo backdrops that all tie into the vibe. These big-ticket design elements deliver a high impact wow factor. Then, when it comes to the tables, we’re seeing more subtle nods to the theme — candles, simple florals — rather than oversize props like giant ballet slippers taking center stage.”

Helping to dress up the room is lighting, which has become a game changer when it comes to setting the mood for today’s b’nai mitzvah celebrations, and the options are brighter and bolder than ever. 

From sleek metallic accents and neon color palettes to interactive LED walls and virtual reality stations that transport guests to entirely new worlds, lighting and tech elements can play a starring role. These features don’t just decorate a space, they transform it into a high end, immersive experience.

Malissa Cloven, owner of Vivant Entertainment, said her company often is brought in to deliver the ultimate “wow factor.” 

“Families come to us with a vision, and sometimes we build custom features just for them, or we adapt something we’ve already created,” she said. “The idea is to grab attention from the moment guests walk in with something bold and unexpected and then keep that energy building all night long.”

One of Vivant’s signature moves? The grand finale. 

“We’re often brought in at the end of the night, when the kids are hyped up on sugar and ready for one more surprise,” Cloven said with a laugh. “That’s when we pull off a big reveal. Maybe the walls slide open to reveal a fully stocked candy store, or a curtain lifts to uncover a hidden lounge. Sometimes it’s a door that opens with a twist of a wheel, leading to party favors or sweet treats. Whatever it is, it leaves guests talking long after the party’s over.”

When it comes to keeping the energy high and the dance floor buzzing, DJs traditionally run the show, acting as emcee, cueing up crowd-favorite tracks and keeping things on schedule. Today’s parties often come with a full hype squad. 

“The DJs are the ones who set the tone for the whole party,” Lourie said. 

That tone? Pure, nonstop fun. Entertainment crews like Vivant and Complete Weddings + Events bring dancers, party starters and performers who interact with guests, lead games and pass out glowing giveaways like LED sunglasses, boas and foam sticks. 

One of the newest trends involves motivators dressed in programmable LED costumes — think robot stilt walkers or roller-skating aliens — circulating through the crowd, Cloven said. These characters don’t just entertain; they become part of the immersive atmosphere, lighting up the room literally and figuratively.

But the glow-up doesn’t stop there. Modern mitzvah parties are also packed with entertainment zones designed to engage every kind of guest. Think sports arcades, karaoke lounges, gaming stations and even cozy chill-out corners for those who want a break from the action. These curated spaces enhance the flow of the event while offering something for everyone, whether they want to belt out a song, shoot hoops or just vibe with friends in a quieter spot.

“Not every kid wants a dance party, and that’s OK,” Abeles said. “The goal is to create a celebration that truly reflects who they are. With all the options available now, you can build a party experience that feels personal, interactive and totally memorable, even if no one ever hits the dance floor.”

And the personalization doesn’t stop with the entertainment. It’s showing up in the swag, too. Abeles and Lourie say that b’nai mitzvah giveaways are bigger, bolder and more customized than ever. In addition to hats and T-shirts, today’s swag bags might include everything from fanny packs and phone cases to water bottles, key chains and even personalized pajama pants.

Some parties are taking it a step further with full-on swag stations, where guests can customize items on the spot. Abeles said it’s not unusual to see airbrush artists creating one of a kind designs, or heat press machines stamping names, jersey numbers and logos onto hoodies, hats or tote bags. It’s all about giving guests something cool, fun and keyed to the guest of honor. 

The desire for personalization and efficiency is also reshaping another key part of the celebration: the invitation. While printed invitations remain popular, both Abeles and Lourie have noticed a major shift since the pandemic—especially when it comes to RSVPs—toward sleek, digital tools. Platforms like RSVPify and Green Envelope are becoming go-to resources, not just because they look modern and polished, but because they make the planning process a whole lot easier.

“With the mail in St. Louis getting slower and slower to arrive, these sites offer a more efficient way to manage guest lists,” Lourie explained. “They allow you to collect RSVPs in real time, gather responses for multiple weekend events—like a Friday night Shabbat dinner or Sunday brunch—and even request T-shirt sizes or other info for personalized swag. It’s almost like having your own personal website.”

In a way, the shift to digital RSVPs reflects the larger transformation happening across the b’nai mitzvah landscape. It’s one more example of how these milestone events are evolving—still rooted in tradition, but reimagined with modern flair, flexibility and the guest of honor at the center of it all.