About Chicago
Located on Lake Michigan in the state of Illinois, Chicago is one of the largest cities in America and has almost 2.8 million residents. The city is known for its sensational skyline with huge skyscrapers like the Willis Tower (Sears Tower), which is 1,451 feet tall, and the 1,128-foot John Hancock Center.
Chicago is also known for its tourism, which brings in more than 58 million tourists per year and the many fortune 500 companies based there like Sears, Walgreens, and Boeing. While you are in town planning a bat or bar mitzvah, stop by some of the famous attractions such as Lincoln Park, Navy Pier, and the Art Institute.
Interesting Fact: The Twinkie was invented in Chicago by Jimmy Dewar, who was manager of Hostess at the time. It was originally filled with banana cream but was changed to vanilla during WWII when bananas were hard to get.
Bar and Bat Mitzvah Options in Chicago
Whether you are planning a bar or bat mitzvah, it is a very special day for your young loved one and it will take a lot of planning to make sure it is a day to remember forever. Many parents start planning their child’s mitzvah before they are even born. After planning the guest list and theme, next, you have to find some Chicago event vendors to help out.
- Entertainment
Mitzvahs have come a long way. The first party held for a mitzvah was in the 13th century and the rules were different then. Some only allowed 10 men to attend, and others did not allow music. Today, you need music for the dancing and celebrating so make sure you remember to book a band or disc jockey.
- Food Service
The traditional foods for mitzvahs include items like cheese and fruit boards, a meat carving station, hors d’oeuvres, seafood, and food for kids like chicken fingers and pizza. But you can get any kind of food you and your loved ones like. Chicago has plenty of catering services to pick from.
- Décor
The décor will likely be chosen by the color scheme you or your loved ones have chosen. But there will be flowers, lots of them. And balloons. For this special celebration, the décor is similar to a wedding but there are Jewish standards to follow as well so choose a decorator who specializes in bar and bat mitzvahs.
- Formal Wear
Whether it is a bar or bat mitzvah, you and your family are going to need suits, dresses, shoes, and other formal wear. The dress codes are specific, so you have to make sure you follow the rules as far as that goes. Otherwise, stick to the color scheme and theme and you will be fine.
- Photographer
It is important to get a professional photographer and videographer to record this special day. You and your loved ones are going to be showing the photos off for years to come so make sure they are the best.
Bar and Bat Mitzvah Companies in Chicago
Chicago is a big city and is perfect for any event. Picking your bar or bat mitzvah venue in Chicago is a great idea because the city has a plethora of companies that can help you with all of the important details.
- Starr Kosher
For 30 years, Starr Kosher has been providing fabulous food for mitzvahs, weddings, and other events so they know how to do your party right. Because they are a kosher company, you do not have to worry about getting items you cannot use. Some of their most popular dishes include cholent with Kishka, potato kugel, and kosher Karry drumettes.
- HYPE Productions
Your Chicago bar or bat mitzvah will be perfect with HYPE Productions. This company specializes in mitzvah celebrations and has experienced DJs and MCs who know exactly what to do. You tell them how casual or professional to be and they will work with you to make sure your party is the best ever.
- Designer Event
Since the 1990s, Designer Event has been decorating for special events like bar and bat mitzvahs in Chicago. They believe every event should be a one-of-a-kind celebration, so they work with you and their team to make sure it is unique as well as perfect. You pick the theme, and they will do the rest.
Pros and Cons of Bar and Bat Mitzvahs in Chicago
Before choosing a Chicago venue for your bar and bat mitzvah, you should check out the pros and cons of the city. There are always going to be ups and downs no matter where you go. Advantages
- Full of fabulous restaurants
Chicago has 24 restaurants with at least one Michelin star, so you know there are some fantastic places to eat while you are there.
- Excellent public transportation
With all of the people living in Chicago, having good public transportation is a big plus. Traffic is a nightmare sometimes so let the bus, train, or taxi get you from point A to point B.
- Lots of culture
Chicago has 67 museums and art galleries to explore. Learn about history at the Chicago History Museum, see stellar art at the Art Institute, or find out more about Lake Michigan and the Chicago River at the Chicago Maritime Museum.
Disadvantages
- Horrible traffic
Traffic is the worst. The 2.7 million residents and 58 million tourists make it difficult to drive anywhere so take public transport or hire a private car service to get around.
- Dangerous city streets
The crime rate is not so great in Chicago with your chances of being a victim one in 25. And it is on the list of Top 100 Most Dangerous Cities in the USA so be safe.
- Can be pricey
Be sure to work with a budget when planning the ceremony and get-together because Chicago can be expensive for certain things including the decor and venue.
Famous Locations in Chicago
- Art Institute of Chicago
If you like art, you have to visit the Art Institute of Chicago. Founded in 1879, it is one of the oldest in the world, and with 300,000 pieces of art, it is also one of the largest. The exhibits include textiles, prints, photos, and Asian art as well as ancient artworks, byzantine art, and Art of the Americas. Don’t miss the ancient Greek Amphora from 550 BC.
- Navy Pier
This 3,300-foot pier takes you out onto Lake Michigan where you can get a good view of the water as well as the city skyline, especially on the Ferris wheel. But it also has acres of eateries, boutiques, gardens, and parks. It is one of the most visited attractions in the Midwest with the most popular feature being the amusement rides, museum, and artwork.
- Millennium Park
It may not be the largest with less than 25 acres, but Millennium Park sure is popular. One of the main attractions is the Cloud Gate (aka The Bean), which is a 66-foot-long stainless-steel sculpture that actually looks like a big silver bean. Other features include the fountains, Lurie Garden, Wrigley Square, and the Chase Promenade.
