Jewish News Simchas Supplement 974

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The Big Everything you need to create the perfect function

You are invited to join us at our Wedding, Bar and Batmitzvah Show l, e t o H e g a l l i V e h t at , Elstree WD6 3SB on Sunday, 30 October 2016 11am-4pm

27 OCTOBER 2016

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Jewish News 27 October 2016

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27 October 2016 Jewish News

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The Big Event

An invitation to inspiration

I

t starts with a ‘save the date’ card and, from there on in, your ‘Big Event’ gains a momentum all of its own. There are venues to visit, dresses to try on, dishes to sample, rings to buy, speeches to write and, in the case of a bar and batmitzvah, portions to learn.

It’s simultaneously exhausting and exhilarating, but hopefully our show will make the planning process that much easier and allow you some time to think about the small details that sets your function apart from the rest.

Details such as the way you set your tables – instead of using numbers, give names instead. For a wedding, the names could correspond to streets, places or anywhere significant that relates to the couple and, on the back of the card, write a brief explanation: “Mowbray Street: our first flat”.

It’s the little touches of originality that guests remember long after the Torah has been read and the groom breaks the glass, so think outside the box. Do what the French do with your bouquet and carry photos among your flowers. Throw a beach-inspired barmitzvah and use flip flops for place names, or let Alice lead the way at a Wonderland batmitzvah with names on keys and a Mad Hatter cake.

When it comes to dancing, brides should think about switching heels for customised Converse, while their shoes are being personalised with messages from guests. There is no better keepsake, apart from the photos, and one crazy concept can be used for thank you cards. Now go enjoy the show...

Brigit Grant

Supplement editor

Our fab cover designed by art director Diane Spender features the movies from left to right: Father of The Bride, Sex and The City, Just Go With It, A Star is Born, The Barmitzvah Boy, American Wedding, Sixty Six, Meet The Fockers, Yentl, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Bridesmaids and The Wedding Singer.

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Jewish News 27 October 2016

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The Big Event/ Putting on the glam

WHEN THE DRESS FITS...

With somewhere special to go, you need to know where to find the right attire, says Brigit Grant

Demetrios dresses left and above from £500 to £1,380

THE GOWNS Whether it is the dress you dream of wearing under the chuppah, or the gown you want to dance in with your son, the barmitzvah, finding it is never easy.

Flicking through magazines, browsing in stores or relying on referrals from trusted friends are all options, but to find something truly original, you might need to look further afield. To America, possibly, which is where those in the know go to get evening wear with a difference and at a much better price.

A good starting point would Mario Pucci Boca(mariopucciboca.com) in Florida. Stocking more than 2,000 gowns in sizes 00 through to 26, this is a store to visit, as there are four professional dressmakers on-site, ready to make that outfit fit perfectly. But if you don’t have the air miles or the inclination, the online store offers dresses by Jovani, Sherri Hill, Nicole Miller and other highly-respected labels and it will ship to the UK at standard UPS rates, depending on value, weight and size. With evening wear for batmitzvah girls, mother of the bride and even the bride herself, the site is well worth your attention.

Closer to home on Parsons Street in Hendon, there is Beautiful Dresses (beautiful-dresses.co.uk) run by Lilian Chidoka, who has a large collection of bridal and evening wear at prices that won’t make you balk. With the US labels La Femme and Mac Duggal among the brands stocked, the only thing you won’t need for this purchase is a passport.

Sophia Tolli wedding dress, from £500

27 October 2016 Jewish News

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Putting on the glam / The Big Event

THE GLITTER Try these headdresses, brooches and earrings, by glitzysecrets.com for added sparkle Blushing romance necklace, £45

Sophia Tolli

Mac Duggal dresses, from £380

Deco angel concord clip, £22

Nicole Bakti £350

Flower dress by Amalee £159

Ashley Lauren evening wear £558

Elegance of pearl clip on earrings, £32

Allure of lavender hair comb, £23

From above left: Designer dresses by Sherri Hill, which are sold in more than 30 countries

THE GLAMOUR “A perfect hat for a wedding is one that suits your face,” says Kievborn milliner Nina Davis, who offers a ‘prêt-a-porter’ range as well as a bespoke service at her company, Behatted. Nina’s collections are updated throughout the year and, once sold, a hat is never replicated. “That’s my guarantee,” she assures. Nina also says that a perfect barmitzvah hat is one that will “stand out in the crowd and the table decorations (should you decide to keep it on).” behatted.co.uk

Posy of beauty headpiece, £78

Dramatic diva concord clip, £24

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Jewish News 27 October 2016

The Big Event/ You’re gorgeous!

Big Day

BEAUTIFUL Women have starring roles at weddings and take centre stage at bar and batmitzvahs. Preparation starts now and Brigit Grant has the to-do list

FACIALS

NECK AND DECOLLETAGE

Facials are an essential part of the pre-simcha prep and there are many ways to go about them. A visit to the Rumiz Beauty Studio in Edgware is a good place to start, as Rumana Thaver Merali specialises in brightening facials which, she insists, are not only ideal for brides, their mothers and bridesmaids, but grooms and ushers too. Rumana uses two skincare ranges: Environ, which is based on science by Dr Des Fernandes, one of the top plastic surgeons in the world, and Eve Taylor, a pioneer in modern aromatherapy who uses plant essences. Rumana also does full bridal body scrubs with aroma oil and pamper packages are available for hen parties. A Rumiz facial starts at £28 for 35 minutes and £55 for a luxury 75-minute facial. rumizbeautystudio.com The definitive home facial is the Gold Bee Venom Mask from Heaven Skincare – a perfect cream for brides and their mothers for both facial and décolletage. At £352 for a pot, it is pricy, but the fresh, dewy look of your skin will deem it money well spent. heavenskincare.com

With the fashion for off-the-shoulder and plunging necklines, the neck and décolletage are under scrutiny in that special dress.

Within his own skincare line, Jewish plastic surgeon Dr Harold Lancer has created the amazing Contour Décolleté, a firming concentrate containing marine cone snail venom, a 5-peptide liposomal delivery system and an acid-free exfoliating blend that plumps and smooths away surface dehydration and softens the lines and crepiness. Victoria Beckham swears by it.

Priced at £155, Contour Décolleté is available from Harrods, Fenwick, Space NK and lancerskincare.co.uk.

Also great is Skin Revivals’ Neck & Decolletage Nourishing Blend, which is 100 percent natural with acai, goji, avocado, rose and jojoba oils. I’ve been using the £9.50 blend for two weeks and those horrid lines that appear across the chest with age are much improved, so the promise to restore elasticity and hydrate the delicate throat, neck and upper bust areas is true. beautynaturals.com

PERMANENT MAKE-UP Permanent makeup has fast become a favourite with those who find their eyebrows are fading, along with their lip line. While statement eyebrows may be all the rage, you might seek something more natural and so you need a qualified expert such as Kim Balaskas, who just happens to be a nice Jewish girl with the ability to restore lost features, provide enhancement and give you the look you always wanted.

You will feel safe with Kim as she listens to your concerns, and her eye for impeccable attention to detail will keep you permanently beautiful. kimbalaskas.com/ 07894 828084.

For your prom, evening, wedding, cocktail and bat mitzvah dresses visit Beautiful Dresses

18 Parson Street, Hendon London NW4 1QB Tel: 0208 6167702 Mobile: 07960 251 351

www.beautiful-dresses.co.uk sales@beautiful-dresses.co.uk

DIY EYE FIXES One of the best products out there for dealing with eye bags and dark circles is Murad Eye Lift Firming Treatment which, with its impressive surface-filling spheres that reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and deliver filler-like results, makes eyes look younger. The £45 treatment also firms and tightens skin around the eyes. Murad.co.uk.

Also try the magical Remescar Eye Bags and Dark Circles (£29.95, Boots), which really shifts them in a single application of clay minerals that decreases the fluid. Great for on the big day and I use it before work.

NON-INVASIVE PROCEDURES Non-invasive procedures make a huge difference to wrinkles and lines, and Harley Street’s Deborah Forsythe is the very best at Botox. She carries outs painless thread facelifts which stimulate collagen and make skin tauter. She also does thread treatments on arms with loose skin and around the décolletage to erase sun damage.

Call Deborah Forsythe on 01564 777839 (there is a 15 percent discount for Jewish News readers).

27 October 2016 Jewish News

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You’re gorgeous!/ The Big Event MAKE-UP

NAILS

Vincent Longo Cosmetics returned to the UK in September and they are big day perfect. Lots of colours for eyes, cheeks and lips that are long-lasting and enriched with vitamin E. The best out there. cultbeauty.co.uk Keep your make-up in place with one spritz of Joan Collins Timeless Beauty’s Ten Effects. Joan knows about looking flawless, and the £20 spray tightens pores, reduces redness and plumps skin. Spray anytime over make-up to keep it locked in. joancollinsbeauty.com

Don’t miss Tangible Beauty at the show on Sunday.

Sisters Aly and Janine discovered Incoco nails in the US and you’ll want them because they are easy.

Made out of 100 percent real nail polish – they are not stickers – these have a base coat, colour or pattern and top coat all in one easy to apply strip, which gives brilliant salon quality results in minutes.

There is no drying time, no heating is required, and there are no smudges, smears or drips. – just beautifully manicured nails for up to 14 days. What’s not to like at £5 a go? tangiblebeauty.co.uk

BEAUTY AT THE PARTY Naty D, a successful children’s entertainer from north London, discovered glitter tattoos on a trip to Hamleys five years ago. The dazzling demonstration caught her eye and she realised that they were not just for children. And so Pop Fusion Events was born, an interactive entertainment suitable for all ages at bar/batmizvahs. With unusual stencils that look like pieces of jewellery, Naty D and her team apply colours that compliment your party. “The beauty with our job is that we get to be a part of our clients’ function,” says Naty D. “We love the buzz watching the guests’ faces light up when they show their creations under the Hollywood lights of our pop-up stand.” Excited?

Call Pop Fusion Events on 07815 110880.

BAR & BAT MITZVAHS

WEDDINGS

SPECIAL OCCASIONS

Exhibiting at the Simchas Live Exhibition Sunday 30th October 2016 at Village Hotel, Elstree OFFICIAL SPONSORS OF THE JEWISH NEWS EXHIBITION | COME AND WATCH OUR CHEF MAKING SUSHI FOR YOU TO TASTE

Salt Beef & Smoked Salmon Bagels will be on sale | Caviar, Blini & Vodka Bar live demonstration between 12.30 - 2.30pm

stephanie@saltcaterers.co.uk | saltcaterers.co.uk | 07891 781 606

/SaltCaterers

@SaltCaterers

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Jewish News 27 October 2016

The Big Event / Flower girls

The sweet smell

OF SUCCESS There is nothing quite like a room filled with flowers. The sight and scent of them on tables, in bouquets or glinting in buttonholes, transforms a special occasion. Here, three of the finest UK florists share their floral know-how Bringing the look, feel and fragrance of country flowers to the city at affordable prices is MARTA MATSON’S speciality, whether your event is in a marquee in the garden, a big hall, or at Claridges.

Has there been a change in floral trends?

There has been a shift towards a wilder, more natural, seasonal look, and British-grown is big, lots of small flower farms are springing up. I’ve been a florist for many years, so I’m either bang on trend or following the herd!

Which flowers do you grow?

As much as I can myself in my cutting garden – sweetpeas, snapdragons, stocks, roses, dahlias, lily-of-the-valley, forget-me-not, tulips and narcissi. I have a lot of different foliage as well on the 40 acres – from ferns to olive to native hazel.

How do you dress a chuppah?

Lots of trailing greenery, either ivy and wild rosehips and winterberries in winter or jasmine and ferns in the summer. I’d use roses in both, preferably English and scented, and maybe big lush dahlias in the summer one and scented narcisssi and hellebores in the winter one.

Your personal favourites?

That’s really tough. I’d say sweetpeas, but in spring, I love lily-of-thevalley, in summer roses and zinnias, in autumn dahlias, and hellebores in winter. martamatsonflowers.co.uk t: 07972 177423 LILAC & WILLOW FLOWERS opened at Battlers Green Farm this year and is the brainchild of Denise and Louise, who have been creating fabulous flowers for weddings and bar/batmitzvahs for 10 years. They will guide you through your special event and even let you try out your ideas in their shop.

What are your favourite flowers to work with?

We love working with the freshest seasonal flowers supplied by British growers where possible.

The perfect barmitzvah display would be...?

The perfect barmitzvah display would be stunning and unique while keeping an element of fun and would exceed our clients’ expectations.

What would you recommend as a floral combination for a winter wedding?

An ideal floral combination for a winter wedding would be a white winter theme with white roses, snowberries, eucalyptus, white hydrangeas and white hypericum berries, creating a luxurious and timeless wedding.

What else do you have to offer clients?

We can deliver weekly flowers or theme your corporate events and we can supply chair covers and sashes in organza, satin and hessian for functions. lilacandwillowflowers.co.uk t: 01923 635522

27 October 2016 Jewish News

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Flower girls / The Big Event A TOUCH OF BLUE

Dutch-born BRIGITTE DE WERT sources her blooms directly from the Netherlands, which are delivered to her workshop and turned into gorgeous displays with a unique Dutch spin for weddings and events.

Favourite wedding flowers?

For winter, I love to work with Muscari (grape hyacinth), while for spring it’s tulips as there are so many amazing colours and types available (and as I’m from Holland, it’s my special connection). In summer, sweet peas are lovely as they have a sweet fragrance and for autumn weddings, my favourite flowers are dahlias.

A perfect buttonhole ?

It should match the bridal bouquet,

either in the same colour or with a similar flower as the bouquet.

How far in advance do you meet with a client?

Our first consultation would preferably be a year before the wedding or event as this will be the perfect time to see the flowers that are in season. If there is less time, it’s not a problem, as I have all the pictures and knowledge of flowers available on the wedding day.

BLUE DESIGNS is a creative event company that offers a unique and out of the box, bespoke design service guaranteed to give your event the WOW factor. Established since 2002, Blue Designs is renowned for its originality, flair and attention to detail, specialising in creatively themed table displays for bar/batmitzvahs, weddings, corporate functions and private parties.

With expertise in graphic and 3D design, ideas are creatively interpreted from initial concepts through to mock up 3D samples. The company is often adept at working hand-inhand with the most upmarket UK and international event industry specialists, ensuring a seamless beautiful extravaganza throughout your event and to provide ideas and recommendations for lighting, staging and even linen to further enhance the event.

Blue Designs offers much more than table centres; it is a client’s personal design house, which brings the client’s vision to reality and is consistent in its work ethic, whether designing for small private functions through to large corporate events and often welcomes the challenge to work beyond flowers with a variety of materials to achieve the required effect.

The company’s work ethos is ‘creativity is key,’ ensuring each client event is as unique as their fingerprint.

Contact Blue Designs on bluethemes.com

A congratulatory bouquet for a barmitzvah’s mother?

This should consist of feminine flowers such as roses, peonies or dahlias. brigitteflowers.co.uk, t: 07530 627043

[N]

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Jewish News 27 October 2016

PERFECTLY YOUR ST YLE There’s a reason why your wedding day is called your Big Day. It’s the only occasion in your life when you’ll have all the people you love in the same room on the same day. It’s the most extraordinary feeling for any couple.

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After a multi-million pound renovation, the 'reimagined' event space - Primrose Hill - and the dedicated reception space - The Foyer - are perfect for Weddings of any size, culture and style for up to 300 guests.

Come & see it now!

MARRIOTTWEDDINGS.CO.UK/LONDONREGENTSPARK OR CALL JHEANELL ON 020 7449 4412

128 King Henry's Road, London, NW3 3ST

27 October 2016 Jewish News

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LIKE THE SEASONS WE ARE CHANGING

The next phase of the hotel's multi-million pound renovation is now complete.

Our Meeting & Event space echoes the contemporary design of the new Lobby, bringing the outdoors inside.

Accommodating up to 300 delegates, the 8 newly renovated Meeting & Event rooms showcase engaging technology, industry-leading digital experiences and flexible workspaces that inspire social, mobile, collaborative and creative solutions for corporate events and exhibitions.

• Natural daylight throughout • Enhanced audio-visual equipment including Barco ClickShare • Write-on walls, Nespresso coffee machines and integrated USB, HDMI & power table boxes • Meetings Imagined concept - Meeting Services App and Music Styling available on in-room tablets and a tailored food & beverage offering to enhance the success of every meeting

LONDON MARRIOTT HOTEL REGENTS PARK @MARRIOTTREGPARK

There may be variations to the final Meeting & Event product pictured above.

LONDON MARRIOTT HOTEL REGENTS PARK 128 King Henry's Road London, NW3 3ST +44 (0)20 7722 7711

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Jewish News 27 October 2016

The Big Event/ Our happy ever after

The

PERFECT DAY After organising Jewish News’ Simcha Show for 10 years, sales director Russell Bahar was able to put his experience into practice when he married Laura Posner. This is her story (and his)...

OUR FIRST DATE

PLANNING

Russ and I swiped “yes” to each other on Tinder.

I knew he was my type from his photos and then, after chatting a bit online and over the phone, I knew even more that we were a good match. I was really looking forward to meeting him and had a good feeling about it. Russ, on the other hand, didn’t really want to meet then as he had been on a stag the weekend and was still recovering. It was his wonderful mum that encouraged him not to postpone.

We met at Boyds of London on 1 May 2014.

It was pouring with rain and I was running late.

Russ, meanwhile, had arrived super early as he had spilled coffee down his shirt that day and had to purchase another shirt before showing up on the date. I walked in and he greeted me with a large glass of white wine, which I thought was very thoughtful and well prepared.

As I expected, we hit it off from the start and, as I had turned up on the date in flat shoes (owing to Russ not being the tallest of men), after a couple of drinks I asked: “Do you like dancing?” He said yes, and so off we went into town, ending up in a cheesy club in Covent Garden where we danced the night away to a live rock band. It was the best date ever for both of us and Russ thanked his mum.

I’ve always considered what my wedding would be like – long before Russ and I met! I am a born organiser and the thought of planning a wedding was the sort of challenge I enjoy and I couldn’t wait to get stuck in. It also helped that from day one of meeting Russ, I was at every Jewish News Simcha Show, so was bound to get some really good ideas and contacts.

From the start I pinned suggestions via Pinterest to give me ideas of colour scheme, wedding favours, table centrepieces, wedding dresses, pretty much every element of the day. It made it easier to turn up to a meeting with someone and show them ideas I had pinned, so they knew what I had in mind for our special day.

I also found some really cute ideas of DIY things for the wedding, like creating a wedding time capsule jar in which guests could put their messages and for us to open on our first anniversary. We also got ideas for creating our own “Selfie Station”.

I also created a folder of ideas and kept everything organised by filing away things including quotes, invoices and menu suggestions. I had a wedding checklist and a spreadsheet of costings so I could keep everything in order and know what needed to be done or what could be ticked off.

I spoke to the bride from the last wedding Russ and I attended and asked her for top tips. She sent me a format for an itinerary, which was really helpful. My own ended up six pages long.

The ushers and matrons of honour were not impressed by my itinerary and detailed seating plan, but it certainly impressed the caterer and toastmaster. I also made a very clear budget and worked within this. One of the ways we were able to stick to it, but still have the wedding of our dreams, was by having our wedding on a weekday. My parents got married on a Thursday, so we also chose a Thursday. It worked out really well as most people made a nice long weekend of it.

THE PROPOSAL Russ had it all planned. It was Rosh Hashanah 2015, we were living together and our families were over for lunch. We are lucky that they hit it off from the start so doing things together was not unusual. What was unusual was Russ on the whiskey at 10.30am and a bottle of champagne hidden in the fridge behind cartons of Capri Sun. I could see Russ was nervous all morning, so I kind of knew what was coming.

With all the family around us, including my incredible nana, thank God, Russ announced he was going to make a speech about the Jewish new year. As he continued talking, the subject switched to me and I began to cry and laugh at the same time... and then he proposed. Cue the tears from every member of the family and an amazing and exciting start to the Jewish new year.

THE RING Russ proposed with a Swarovski ring, inspired by the design I had always wanted. I always made it clear that I wanted to choose my own ring (that is the control freak in me), but I was really happy that Russ gave me a proposal ring to wear until my ring was ready as it felt all the more official.

We went straight to Jonathan Williams at The Jewellery Cave and he knew exactly what I was looking for and made sure my ring was ready in good time. I couldn’t have been happier with it.

27 October 2016 Jewish News

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Our happy ever after / The Big Event VENUE We ideally wanted to go with a venue that had everything on site: somewhere for the ceremony and the party and somewhere to stay.

I had been to Tewin Bury Farm Hotel for a friend’s wedding a couple of years before, so I knew I liked the venue. Russ and I saw a few venues, but this was top of our list. Once my parents had seen it and loved it, too, we didn’t hesitate to book. It ticked all the boxes – great outdoor areas, fabulous marquee, lovely hotel rooms on-site, they accepted kosher caterers and we could hold the ceremony there, too.

We chose a summer wedding and even though the great British summer is certainly not dependable, we were lucky that we had the only dry and sunny day that week, so were able to use the outdoor spaces for the photos and reception.

It made for such a beautiful day. We chose to keep the chuppah indoors, however, as we didn’t want to have a plan A and B in case of bad weather.

FOOD As soon as we booked the venue, there was only ever one caterer we were going to approach: Salt Caterers. Russ had been doing business with Stephanie Cramer of Salt for more than 10 years and we knew her personally and trusted her implicitly to deliver what is one of the biggest parts of any Jewish function. Stephanie, Sharon, Matthew, Eli and the team didn’t disappoint one bit. Everyone at our wedding raved about the food and drink. The reception canapés, cocktails and food stations were plentiful and delicious.

We only wish we had been at our own wedding reception, but we were off doing photos! The three-course meal perfectly suited our requirements, and there was a delicious choice for the vegetarians, too. Everyone was taken care of and nothing was too much trouble for Stephanie and the team. From our first meeting, to the day of the wedding, every menu idea was explained thoroughly, all costs were broken down easily, the tasting was delicious and enjoyable and Salt went over and above the call of duty on our special day to make sure everything was perfect.

We couldn’t have asked for more.

THE PHOTOGRAPHER AND VIDEOGRAPHER The photographer was Paul Lang, an easy choice as Russ had a great relationship with him through years of working together on the Simcha Shows. Meeting him, I could see why. Paul made me feel extremely comfortable from our first meeting and was a joy to deal with throughout and he really captured the day so well. As for the videographer, I found Leor Melehi via a Facebook recommendation. We booked him after seeing examples of his work, which we loved.

He didn’t let us down and was so unobtrusive on the day that we hardly noticed he was there. He came up with a really original idea using a Facebook theme for our wedding trailer, based on all the information he found out about me from getting to know me. It was such a fun trailer and the full edit was even more incredible. Leor has given us amazing lasting memories with his video.

THE DRESS It is so true what all brides say ... try every shape and style on. Everything I thought I’d like didn’t look right and everything I never dreamed I’d go for suited me. A good friend had bought her dress at Forever Bridal in Barnet, so I went and found them a pleasure to deal with, especially as I was quite emotional in the fitting process.

I was so happy with my dress on the day.

My headpiece was handmade to match the dress detail by a lady called Ruth based in Mill Hill. She did an incredible job and it made me feel like a princess.

My matrons of honour were easy to buy for and we decided to go with the same colour and material from the same designer but in two styles. We bought cerulean blue Alfred Sung dresses from the Dessy Group, from Daveray’s in Watford, which really suited them.

My stepdaughter Millie was our flower girl and she matched me in ivory. We found a really pretty floaty dress with flower appliqués from Debenhams and bought some handmade hair flowers from Etsy.

RABBI There was no other person to marry us other than Rabbi Mendel Cohen of Saatchi Synagogue – the coolest rabbi in north-west London. This was his first Tinder wedding, so he was more than happy to oblige and add this to his long list (and he was happy to get a mention in this supplement!). We loved him and he certainly made us feel at ease under the chuppah and gave us a few laughs.

THE MUSIC We saw a clip of Dan Rosen DJ Live on Facebook and, by chance, they were doing a showcase that week. We went along to hear them and fell in love immediately. We didn’t consider anyone else... we knew we wanted them. Dan Rosen knew exactly what would make us happy and what would keep the crowd on the dancefloor which was never empty and everyone enthused about how much fun they had. It was a great party and the atmosphere was buzzing. We also arranged our production through them and Bradley Rosen was helpful and a joy to deal with.

THE COLOUR We wanted to keep our colour scheme simple and pretty. Alexandra Flowers knew after one conversation what we loved and when my Mum and I had a further meeting, she arranged a perfect example centrepiece. The chuppah was stunning and her attention to detail second to none. Nikki at Utopia Cards (found at the Simcha show)handmade our ivory with a touch of glitzinvites, stationary and seating plan. We bride and groom cookies as wedding favours, created by Liz Tatz of Cake Art by Liz.

… And, finally, as we head off in to the sunshine, we want to give a special thanks to our amazing chazan Avromi Freilich, and our incredible toastmaster, Jango.

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Jewish News 27 October 2016

The Big Event / Lucky 13!

IT’S A

MITZVAH Brigit Grant rounds up some memorable barmitzvahs

ground, geography and even age.

Take Israel Kristal. Earlier this month at the age of 113, Kristal became the oldest man to have a barmitzvah, having survived two world wars and imprisonment at Auschwitz.

He was unable to have his barmitzvah 100 years ago because of the outbreak of the First World War in Poland, yet not even a century could deter this man from wanting to experience his religious rite of passage.

The same was true for the 50 Holocaust Israel Kristal had his barmitzvah aged 113 survivors who were finally given bar and batmitzvah ceremonies at the Western Wall Turning 13 is the most significant date in the in Jerusalem, ahead of Israel’s Holocaust life calendar of a Jewish boy. Even choosing a Memorial Day. wife (or husband, depending on one’s orientaTragedy borne out of anti-Semitism had tion) pales beside the barmitzvah, which marks stopped the septuagenarians and octogenarthe crossover to manhood, new status in the ians from getting a traditional Jewish coming family home and money towards a first car. of age ceremony, yet they never gave up on The reading of the Maftir and/or Haftorah also their dream.

Henna_ad_JN.qxp_Layout 1 19/10/2016 1 unites Jewish males, irrespective of back- 12:12 Page Actor Kirk Douglas (born Issur Danielo vitch)

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Dozens of Holocaust survivors celebrated their barmitzvahs earlier this year at the Western Wall in Jerusalem

famously celebrated his second barmitzvah in 1999 at Los Angeles’ Sinai Temple on the occasion of his 83rd birthday. Whether it’s a tradition to have a second barmitzvah at such an age is one to ask the rabbi, but as one of the Hollywood greats – gay ga zinta hate.

Among the celebrity ceremonies, Krusty the Klown’s Wet ‘n’ Wild Bar Mitzvah is among the most memorable, along with super agent Ari Gold’s daughter’s batmitzvah in Entourage.

But in case you missed it, Courtney Cox’s ex, David Arquette (brother of Rosanna and Patricia) had a barmitzvah at the Kotel in Jerusalem in 2012.

Wearing a tallit and tefillin, Arquette was blessed by Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, which must have been a thrill, as the actor had been wanting a barmitzvah all his life, as his mother Brenda is the daughter of a Polish Holocaust survivor.

James Franco had his barmitzvah not once but twice last year, as the actor, who has a Jewish mother, had a religious ceremony shortly before Seth Rogen threw an A-listerstudded barmitzvah for the 127 Hours’ star as part of his annual Hilarity for Charity variety show in Hollywood.

Jeff Goldblum did the rabbinical duties, but nothing says mazeltov quite like a special performance by Miley Cyrus dressed in a blue thong leotard wrapped around a giant blue Star of David. Shkoyach!

David Arquette had his barmitzvah in 2012

James Franco with Seth Rogen and Jeff Goldblum

The Simpsons’ Krusty the Klown comes of age

The Sedans

The unique Amariyah and Mida sedans - are the piéces de resistances. Carried by the male friends above the guests - they will make your party so memorable.

Mida throne

Fashion

Plus Michelle has all the authentic

Amariyah throne clothes and accessories to hire or buy.

Michelle can personalise everything for your event - nothing is too big or too small.

Call, text or e-mail Michelle to discuss your needs on 07931 660931 or michelle@harif.org Kirk Douglas, right, with son Michael at grandson Dylan’s barmitzvah in May 2014

27 October 2016 Jewish News

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Joyful occasions / The Big Event

IT’S A GIRL THING Debra Barnes on the joy of sharing her daughter’s coming of age I am writing this article three days before my daughter Aimee’s batmitzvah. In a way, I wish I hadn’t waited until the deadline was looming; on the other hand, it is quite nice to focus on something else for a few hours... even if that something else is still batmitzvahs!

I think we’re all ready. There have been many lists written, checked and double-checked and yet none of the logistical planning that I have had to deal with comes close to the amount of work and studying Aimee has put in.

We belong to Edgware & District Reform Synagogue – so, while many of Aimee’s friends have written and read out a Dvar Torah for their batmitzvah, my daughter has studied for 18 months and is now ready to lead the Shabbat service in front of family, friends and all the community.

“When I started my batmitzvah lessons, I thought it was going to be really boring and was only thinking about the party ,” said Aimee. “It was a big commitment coming to Tuesday night batmitzvah classes and to shul on Shabbat.

It meant I had to quit the trampoline squad because I wouldn’t have been able to train twice a week, so it wasn’t a decision I took lightly, but I am so happy I went ahead. All the classes have been really enjoyable and I’ve looked forward to coming after school. I’ve been given so much support from everyone at shul and can’t wait to be up on the bimah this weekend. And of course, I am looking forward to my party, too!”

As the batmitzvah mummy I’ve also benefited from Aimee’s experience.

I didn’t go to a Jewish school and cheder at our United Synagogue left me cold. Only a few of my religious school mates had a bat chayil (as they were then called) and friends were not invited. It has only been during Aimee’s classes that I have attended regular Shabbat services and found I have really enjoyed them. It’s all come as a bit of a surprise to me – you might even call it an epiphany – and, for the first time, I actually understand the service.

Whether or not I keep up attendance after next week is another question, but I certainly plan to support the community more from now on, at

More, more, more…

So there we were, sipping champagne and munching on canapés at the reception, when suddenly a waitress appeared from the kitchen and announced that the chef was retiring and wanted to sing a farewell song to mark his departure.

This was unusual to say the least, but then the chef started singing and delivered a version of Nessun Dorma to rival Alfie Boe. But that wasn’t all.

Joined by two waitresses, the same chef performed a Fiddler On The Roof medley that was Broadway standard. And I don’t mean Mill Hill Broadway.

“Where had these amazing singers come from ?”

I asked, and Encore Entertainment was the reply.

The company has the finest tenors and sopranos in concert and cabaret, to the very best surprise – singing waiters, chefs and guests who will bring a new dimension to your event.

least once I’ve come down from the batty bubble! “Whether it’s because of influences from America or from parents it is a shame that more girls don’t want the full batmitzvah experience, which is something we certainly encourage and would like to see more of,” said Marian Cohen, EDRS’ director of education.

It’s been three years since Jodi Glazer celebrated her batmitzvah, but she still has the DVD to remind her of the great time she had.

“Jodie has a global development delay and microcephaly and attends a secular special needs school,” said her mother Beth. “We wanted her to celebrate her batmitzvah as she enjoyed going to shul and learning about Judaism, and we knew she’d love a party because she loves dancing.

“She really benefited from her batmitzvah classes. They were very hands-on, with activities such as cooking and creating a scrapbook to keep. On the night, she read a lovely poem, which her school produced in symbols for her as she struggled with her reading and she sang a song. She also had a candle-lighting ceremony, calling up important people in her life.

“Last year, Jodi had a major operation and had stayed in bed for over a month. She watched her batmitzvah DVD every day as it always makes her happy. Having it was the right decision. ” I feel the same way as Beth for different reasons., but having a batmitzvah for Aimee was the right decision. Granted, there were times when we both felt like changing our minds and swapping it for a holiday instead. It’s too late now... and I couldn’t be happier!

OAKINGTON MANOR Ideal venue for your forthcoming Simcha!

encoreentertainment.co.uk t: 020 7993 2874

Civil marriage ceremonies, Weddings, Bar Mitzvah Celebrations Oakington Manor School Oakington Manor Drive Wembley HA9 6NF Contact Adriana on 0208 795 7517 or lettings@oakmanor.brent.sch.uk www.oakingtonmanorhalls.co.uk

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Jewish News 27 October 2016

The Big Event / Memories on film

Top of the

SHOTS

Long after the Torah has been read and the confetti has settled, photographs are the enduring reminder of a special day. We asked some very talented snappers to share their favourite images DAVID MORGAN

maketimestandstill.co.uk “Photographing a Jewish wedding in an extraordinary way is hard as the flow of the day is different to other weddings. Success requires understanding and empathy with clients to enable me to get in close and produce the images I am most proud of. I have won two Fearless Wedding Photography Awards and it is great to be in the room when emotions flow like this. I understand and look for photojournalistic opportunities during the Bedeken, the Seven Circles, the Kiddushin and ring ceremony.”

STEVE HAMPSHIRE

stevehampshirephotography.com “I love this shot because you can see and feel the emotion of the celebration to come – a real mother and daughter batty moment.”

“I took this from above...

I love the top of the world feeling captured on their wedding day.”

JULIAN KNOPF OF GANDER PHOTOGRAPHY ganderphotography.co.uk

“I like this shot because it’s always an honour to be invited to take pictures of a barmitzvah, but this particular morning, at the Kotel in Jerusalem, will always stand out for me. The atmosphere is incredible – you only have to look at the joy on this face to know what it means to him.”

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Memories on film / The Big Event PAUL LANG

www.paullangphotography.co.uk “This is Zak. I love this pic for the natural light shining in through the windows. After he had his call up on a Thursday morning in the Beth Hamedrash at Hendon United Synagogue, we moved into the main shul for some pics.”

“This is my favourite wedding pic. It’s of Lara and Scott. He is from the US, and together, he and Lara made aliyah after their wedding so they wanted some pics in London. I love this one especially as it almost did not happen! We had already taken some at the Beatles zebra crossing on Abbey Road, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the London Eye, so by the time we got to Tower Bridge, I had to coax Scott to do one more shot and this is it!”

Image courtesy of Genie Events

THE NER ORRE COMMUNITY CENTRE

Opened in 2013, the Ner Orre Community Centre at Mill Hill Synagogue is suitable for all kinds of events. The Annie & Samuel Levy Hall can host up to 650 guests seated theatre style or for a standing reception, 400 for a seated dinner or 280 guests seated, with a dance floor. The Centre is equipped with air conditioning, fully sprung dance floor, a complete range of sound and video options and a state-of-the-art KLBD kitchen.

Sunday hire £3,499. Saturday night hire £2,749.

Weekday hire from £150 per hour.

The hall is an absolute pleasure to work in. The service and equipment included in the price are excellent.

Samantha (Tikvah UK, Feb 2016) We had a fabulous time and the hall was perfect. Having the kids tables on the balcony was brilliant.

Barmitzvah Party

(Oct 2015)

For more information to make an enquiry, contact Gerry on t. 020 8959 1137 e. info@nerorre.co.uk

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Jewish News 27 October 2016

The Big Event / A fresh musical twist

The wonder of

CREATION Brigit Grant gets the lowdown on the company putting life into any party Once upon a time, guests behaved in an orderly fashion at a simcha. They chatted politely and nibbled mini bagels at the reception. They studied the table plan to angst over who they would be sitting with and then took their places for grace before meals. And that was a cue for the anxious host to give his welcome speech.

Hosts still give that speech, but only after the guests have cavorted on the dance floor to outstanding Israeli tunes with an R ‘n’ B twist.

Forget the food, as dancing is where simchas are at these days, and if Creation are providing the music, it’s easy to see why. Living up to their promise of being an exhilarating live act, every performance the talented and flamboyant musicians do is totally unique. With a history of wowing at events around the globe, getting everyone dancing, irrespective of age or ability, is what they do best, so it’s hardly surprising that once guests are up, they won’t sit down.

If it isn’t the Creation Showband making you move, its probably Creation DJ-Live, a high-energy fusion of exquisite singers

and explosive musicians, accompanied by top club DJs, performing a repertoire including everything from funk and Motown to 1990s dance anthems and modern chart hits. Featuring sax, electric violin, and LED percussion, Creation DJ-Live brings a fresh and imaginative twist to live music at every event.

But Creation is about more than just the music. Since he started DJing at private events when he was 16, founder Simon Cooper has understood what it takes to make a great function, and so the transition to event planning was obvious and appreciated.

“It’s all about connection,” says Simon.

“If you can build a rapport with your client, then it’s much easier to know what they want and deliver a far better party.”

Event planning is really a production in the theatrical sense for Creation. From draping and set building to décor lighting and furniture installation, the company turns concepts on paper into a reality with a dedicated team of designers, event managers, and technical crew that are experts in their fields with a top level of professionalism.

“For our private clients, we specialise in bespoke multi-level stages, eye-catching dancefloors and groundbreaking lighting design,” enthuses Simon. He goes on to explain the key to his success. “Our clients repeatedly give us the keys to one of the most precious days of their lives. It’s an awesome responsibility, and one we don’t take lightly, but we love every second of it – and, consequently, so do they!”

creationmusicalservices.co.uk t: 020 8953 0850 • Meet Simon and the Creation team at Simchas Live on Sunday and see Creation DJ-Live perform at 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm on stage in the marquee

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Planning for success / The Big Event

CUE THE CELEBRATION KP Events tells you how to make your simcha a sensation

L

et’s face it – most simchas are somewhat formulaic. Guests need to be fed, watered and entertained. There’s usually a defining speech thrown in, a toast to follow and a last dance at the end of the evening.

So how do we make them stand out, and can we really keep creating events that are unique and memorable?

The answer is – to quote such luminaries as Bob the Builder and Barack Obama – “Yes we can!” And this is how…

The distinct areas on which to focus are the venue, the catering, the entertainment, the décor and the speeches. But it’s not simply a case of finding a prestigious venue, offering exotic catering or hiring an A-lister celebrity to perform for your guests. The real secret to organising something memorable is to personalise it. A simcha is not like a corporate do; it’s a personal celebration and that has to be reflected. Think about who you are, about your guests, and don’t just blindly do what others do; realise that there are still endless possibilities and ways of putting on an amazing event that does not entirely depend on deep pockets.

VENUE

Don’t succumb to using a soulless function room in a hotel – no matter how good the parking is.

No-one’s going to remember the car park!

Go for something unusual. We’re spoilt for choice these days, with all kinds of buildings increasingly available for hire. Among them will be famous landmarks, converted warehouses, themed bars and restaurants, disused factories et al. We love using the West Reservoir Centre for example – an old waterworks building in Hackney. It has great character and charm and a stunning ‘lakeside’ setting. Quite unexpected really - and just off Green Lanes!

CATERING

Don’t give in and go for that tried and tested

menu – just because it’s ‘inoffensive’.

Come on. This is a Jewish function. Food is important. Make something of it already!

Big ‘food theatre’ options are great fun. A spit roast or a huge wood fired paella (OK, you might have to compromise with the seafood!) are great showpieces. Food stations are another option that work well and offer great choice and the opportunity for the host to select their favourite world foods.

Stylish presentation is absolutely key – and one of our caterers recently came up with a stunning Hollywood themed dessert buffet with sparkling props that made the whole dessert experience jaw-dropping.

lighting and personalisation of just a few simple items will help transform your event.

Of course, one can go further and bring the theme into the catering – as with a recent Alice in Wonderland tea party, in which not only the food, but the crockery, cutlery, props and entertainment were all ‘on brand’.

ENTERTAINMENT

kpevents.co.uk, or call Kati or Mish on 020 8883 7411

There’s no end to the variety of entertainment out there and it’s an area in which one can be adventurous. Decide on what’s really important for you and your guests and work from there. If you’ve got a posse of ravers, then a good DJ is going to be essential. They can easily cover the Israeli dancing too and, with their PA in place, you can put a classical, jazz or easy listening playlist together for the earlier part of the event. If your budget can’t stretch to a live band, another option is a single ‘live’ musician to play over the DJ set – a saxophonist on the dance floor or a singer circling the tables really raises the level.

Ancillary entertainment is vital if kids are involved, as they’ll be finished with their meals considerably sooner than the adults, who’ll happily sit around chatting the night away. Popular options include photo booths, casino tables and graffiti, and we even did a drumming workshop, which captivated the entire multigenerational audience.

DÉCOR

Theming an event doesn’t necessarily involve a budget-busting refit of the venue, just a little bit of thought. Colour coordination, strategic

AND FINALLY…

Make sure there’s some kind of ‘take-away’ available. Not a doggy bag, but something with a wow factor that your guests won’t forget in a hurry. Our amazing nitro-desserts are in that category and caused such a stir at a party we organised years ago that we still meet people who remember it.

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Jewish News 27 October 2016

The Big Event / Love the location

Could this be

THE PLACE? Brie Bailey has some venue suggestions, based on her own first-class experience

Many years ago, I got married at The Criterion in Piccadilly. Built in 1874 in a neo-Byzantine style with a gold leaf ceiling, it was then owned by the late Bob Payton, of Chicago Rib Shack fame, whom I convinced it was perfect for a wedding.

And it was. Just beside Eros, the statue of love, we had the perfect backdrop for photos, while inside the long hall with a parapet was perfect for dividing into an area for the ceremony, dining and then dancing. The versatility of a venue will be one of the many things you’ll be considering as you plan your big event and hopefully one of the venues listed here and exhibiting at our show will do the trick.

Beales Hotel in Hatfield has the sort of modern art collection you would expect to see at the Tate and their wedding packages to suit all budgets are equally creative. The packages have one price, include room

Beales Hotel

hire and there is even a mid-week option for those who want something special they can afford. No hidden costs and more help organising your big day than you could hope for.....call the events team on 01707 288 502 or email bhevents@ bealeshotels.co.uk Drake and Morgan, with a choice of nine elegant bars and restaurants, is ideal for a couple who like the cool factor of a city location and appreciate interesting architecture that offers all number of spaces to celebrate. Sharing the same passion for adventure as their namesakes Sir Francis Drake and Captain Henry Morgan, the owners offer a bespoke wedding venue service in their restaurants, which all have private and semi-private rooms. The same rooms are equally suitable and perhaps even

better for bar and batmitzvahs at such wonderfully named venues as The Happenstance at St Paul’s, The Folly at Monument and the newest Drake and Morgan at King’s Cross, which is super fashionable.

Email Ido@drake-morgan.co.uk to speak to one of its wedding planners or call 020 3002 5524 Gilgamesh, based at The Stables Market in Camden Town, has an address to alarm grandparents, but the sort of decor you only see in movies about Arabian Knights and magical princesses. I have been to several engagement parties at this vast venue, which has recently undergone a comprehensive makeover so it is even more fabulous. Just having dinner at Gilgamesh is an experience, but with its fully retractable roof, multiple bar and

lounge areas with several private events spaces, including a new champagne bar, just imagine how great a barmitzvah will be.

Just show it to your son.

Call 020 7428 4922 or visit gilgameshbar.com Laura Ashley’s The Manor Hotel in Hertfordshire is the perfect location for those of us who live down the road in Elstree and Bushey, but that’s just convenient geography. More important is the fact that the hotel, which has been beautifully refurbished and furnished by ‘Laura Ashley’, is a classic venue in Hertfordshire for your wedding day. It’s also very nice for tea if you haven’t been there yet, and that is the perfect time to meet with its wedding co-ordinator and hear about the Aldenham Suite, Cavendish Restaurant and Beaufort room, which are available, along with the picture perfect gardens.

Call 020 8327 4707 or visit lauraashleyhotels.com

Drake and Morgan

THE PERFECT VENUE FOR ANY CELEBRATION!

Beales Hotel

Banqueting suites available for all occasions with catering by Kenton Events. Seating for 50 -160.

Fantastic photo opportunities Licensed for Civil Ceremonies Ample car parking and only 10 minutes from M25 and M11 info@abridgegolf.com www.abridgegolf.com Epping Lane, Stapleford Tawney, Essex, RM4 1ST

SPECIAL MIDWEEK AND WINTER DEALS NOW AVAILABLE Contact Denise on 07976 239 150

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Love the location / The Big Event

Gilgamesh

Mill Hill Synagogue is the proud owner of the sort of hall that will spark a return to the shul-based wedding. Big, bright and airy, the Ner Orre Community Centre is the result of a £3.2 million project that began as a rough sketch in 2003 and, 58,000 man hours later, became a space to serve its ever-growing community. It can also do big functions with a 280 seat capacity in the main space, overlooked by a distinctive perimeter mezzanine, with a spacious entrance foyer for the bride and her entourage to make their entrance.

Shul halls have never been lovelier or better equipped with a sound system to rival Wembley Stadium.

020 8959 1137 The Best Western Palm Hotel is in Hendon and, although you have probably passed it more times than you realise on the Hendon Way, it may not have been on your wedding radar. But it has an impressive function room that holds up to 300 guests and can be adapted to suit both

The Laura Ashley Hotel

formal sit-down dinners or more casual party-style buffets and parties. In addition to the room hire, the hotel provides all the extra features that you need to cater for your guests, including food, drinks, furniture, equipment and decorations.

And if you have an outside caterer in mind, you can just hire the room. palmhoteluk.com or call 020 8455 5220 Twenty at N20 in Whetstone is a dream come true space for those who want to create their event from scratch inside a blank canvas. What joy to find somewhere that isn’t filled with furniture and dividing walls that kill your colour theme and the party atmosphere. In this void, you can set up deckchairs for that beach barmitzvah or Wonderland for your batmitzvah with your own props. Twenty has a basic stock of stylish event furnishings and accessories, but it encourages you to create your own masterpiece. The venue does have a

Mill Hill Synagogue

planner if you draw a blank and the 18 speaker in-ceiling Bose sound system and two HD projectors with motorised, retractable screens will kick-start your event. Seat 160 for a dinner dance or up to 250 for a cocktail reception and let your imagination go wild.

Visit twentyatn20.com or call 033 33 31 20 20 The Village Hotel in Elstree has a highly popular contemporary banqueting suite that holds 180 people. The venue has garnered a reputation for being the place to hold a fun party and it always has a great atmosphere. There’s plenty of parking, which we love, and lots of different packages, including the ‘Love’, which includes a three-course wedding breakfast, complimentary bedroom for the happy couple, a first anniversary stay and complimentary six month leisure club membership for the bride and groom.

It’s worth getting married just to get fit.

Visit village-hotels.co.uk

Twemty

Shaka Zulu

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Jewish News 27 October 2016

WEST & NORTH

MAYFAIR & SOHO

CITY

BY THE RIVER & CANARY WHARF

27 October 2016 Jewish News

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30 INCREDIBLE VENUES ONE ICONIC BRAND If you are planning an event call us on 020 7716 7887 or email events@danddlondon.com Rooftop Terraces • Private Dining Rooms • Covered Courtyards • Wine Cellars • Secret Gardens Exclusive Areas • Receptions • Awards Dinner • Lunches • Weddings • Bar Mitzvahs and more!

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The Big Event / Viva la inspiration

AN EVENTFUL

DIARY

Katherine Hudson, founder and director of House of Hud, shares a busy week during the summer function season MONDAY Busy day! A trip down to Essex today for a lovely couple who have hired the Oyster Pearl Tent for their big day. The couple have some fantastic, quirky ideas for a whimsical ‘rustic woodland’ theme, which will look just sublime in the Oyster Pearl, topped off with a ‘birds nest’ cascading micro light chandelier. For each event, we assign an event co-ordinator, who will create a computer-aided design of the layout of the marquee and the furnishings, to help show the client how it will look.

TUESDAY Cushions arrived! We have just had some more cushion designs added to our Bombay Boudoir Tent collection in burnt orange and pinks. Here at stores, we have a whole room devoted to cushions in all shapes, styles and sizes for each theme, plumping up our bolsters and sofas.

This afternoon was spent working on the showroom – each corner and part of the showroom is fabricated with a different sort of framed tent. With more than nine illustrious interiors to choose from, it feels like a magical fairytale of dreams. And to enter? Steps are being built to finish off the grand entrance – through a carved wooden wardrobe leading from my office, Narnia-style!

WEDNESDAY On the road today with chief decorator Jeremy – first to a quirky barn in Sussex to discuss with a client who hired us five years ago to dress the same barn in a ‘clock and tartan’ themed NYE party. This time she wants to recreate ‘bright young things’ in the same space; plenty of coffee drinking and note-taking went on. Then onto the 02 InterContinental Hotel to meet an event manager to work out the ‘Arabian’ themed décor for an awards ceremony next month, where we’ll be using more than 400m of fabric to create a tented effect in the ceiling of a section of the main hall. Then onto a book festival opening tomorrow to deliver two William Morris-covered chaise longues they decided at the last minute they wanted to use within the William Morris interiored tent.

THURSDAY Thursdays and Fridays are when most of our tents are set up for the weekend’s events. Our hard-working crew, drivers, drapers and other specialist staff work ingeniously so that our framed and pole tents are pitch perfect on the day. It makes it all worthwhile, though, when you see the clients’ reaction.

Today I oversaw the setup of the Arabian and the Cornish Cream framed tents in Sussex.

It was chosen by the clients as an infusion of their two cultures, with the bold and exotic interior evoking the warmth of the Arabian desert, and thousands of tiny mirrors bouncing the light. The Cornish Cream was chosen to dine in, creating a subtle, fairy-tale like ambience with delicate hand block printed linings, catching the light with tiny mirrors sewn into the linings. Pretty magical!

FRIDAY Some Viva La Fiesta Batmitzvah inspiration!

Brainstorming today with a batmitzvah-to-be, I showed her our Viva La Fiesta framed tent, one of my personal favourites. We have brightlycoloured floral motifs for the ceiling swags and

wall drapes, all on a grey lace effect, topped off with pompoms, and a giant parrot adorning the ceiling. We showed her this photoshoot we did, for some Viva La Inspiration. houseofhud.com

27 October 2016 Jewish News

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THE MAIN EVENT

CELEBRATIONS | EVENTS | BANQUETING AT VILLAGE LONDON WATFORD

BAR/BAT MITZVAHS & WEDDINGS ROOM HIRE RATES

We are happy to host your celebration

FROM ONLY

£2500 INC VAT

Kosher caterers welcome In-house packages also available with special rates offered

on selected 2017/18 events

Please quote ‘Jewish News’ to receive a promotion of 1 night Bed & Breakfast stay, when you book and confirm your event with us for 2017 or 2018.

Terms and conditions apply.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL

www.Village-Hotels.co.uk

0203 841 9890

| watfordhub@village-hotels.com | Centennial Avenue, Centennial Park, Elstree, WD6 3SB

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58 Regents Park Road, London N3 3JN

020 8371 6050/52 www.avenue.uk.com functions@avenue.uk.com

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Palm Hotel

27 October 2016 Jewish News

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Music for your ears/ The Big Event

Putting the Funk into Function Annie Hall on the wedding band she would pay to see in concert IT DOESN’T HAPPEN OFTEN BUT, while attending a recent wedding, I sat down to watch the band. Everyone else was hopping around like crazy on the dance floor having a fantastic time, but I was so blown away by the quality of the vocals and the rocking personalities of the performers I just had to look and listen to The Function Band. Yes, that’s the oddly generic name of the unforgettable act that kept me and 199 other guests entertained for five hours.

It’s a name that belies the raw talent of an act fronted by the managing director Dan Rosen and the incredible lead vocalists who I would happily pay to see, given the opportunity. Remarkably, Dan has been setting simchas alight for around 14 years and, together with his business partner and father Bradley, can now event manage every aspect of your event.

“People relate to the father and son vibe as it feels like family, and that’s what you want when you are looking for a band or our fabulous production, and help finding venues and caterers,” explains Dan, who works regularly

with a team of 25 to 30 musicians who have become his singing soul mates.

“So whether you have The Function Band DJ Live of six to 10 people or The Function Band showband of nine to 20 people, the chemistry is still the same,” adds Dan, who cites favourite standards, chart hits and everything in between as part of The Function Band’s repertoire. “If we don’t know it, we will learn it, and we discuss the set list with the hosts so we know the songs they love as well as the ones they hate, as every event is bespoke to each client’s needs.”

At that fabulous recent wedding, my friend the groom (hi, Russell!) requested a live Garage set so he could MC and The Function Band DJ Live delivered it brilliantly, as they did every song that night.

Now I’m just waiting to hear the location of their next wedding set, as I’m planning to gatecrash.

101 modern & spacious guest bedrooms Fully air conditioned throughout Large modern function suites for 10 - 300 people 24 hour complimentary fitness studio Restaurant onsite FREE W i Fi BEST WESTERN BEST WESTERN Bar open 24hour Contact: info@danrosenentertainment.com t: 020 3675 0492 / 01727 680 981

PalmPalm Hotel Hotel

101 modern 101 & spacious modern & spacious guest guest bedrooms bedrooms Fully air conditioned Fully air conditioned throughout throughout Large modern Large function modern suites function offers suites for 10 forplease 10 - 300 - 300like people people For more information & special us on 24 hour complimentary 24 hour complimentary fitness fitness studio studio facebook.com/palmhotellondon Restaurant Restaurant onsite onsite FF REREEWEi Wi Fi Fi Bar openBar 24hour open 24hour

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www.palmhoteluk.com For more information For more & special information offers & special please offers please like us like us ononFacebook: Facebook:

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The Big Event / Let them entertain you!

A KNIGHT TO REMEMBER Brie Bailey meets a DJ who MCs and is more than OK

If the bar and batmitzvah are the ‘prince and princess’ of a ‘Big Event’ - the DJ is definitely King.

Whether spinning the decks solo or beat

mixing to enhance a live band, a DJ has the party in the palm of his hand and can change the mood with a perfect song. But if DJ’s are the simcha kings,DJ Knight wears the biggest crown, though typically he dons a hat as the master of sartorial elegance. Kwame Knight (his real name) is also an ace Master of Ceremonies and doesn’t need a gavel to get the crowd’s attention as he just reads the room to play the right music.

“You get to that point after 15 years in the entertainment industry and I bring extensive musical knowledge and experience to every event, whether it’s a wedding, barmitzvah or birthday party,” says the handsome DJ who spins all over the world.

But he is just as happy to do a batmitzvah in the suburbs of north-west London and has got a handle on keeping teens happy.

“It can be difficult to please 12 or 13 year olds and parents and grandparents with the same entertainment, but I make sure that the music appeals to the adults who are throwing the party

and the kids who are only there to have fun!”

DJ Knight will be appearing as XS Knight on Sunday as he has a full orchestra with him which is an option he offers, along with event production which he does as Accelerate Productions. Currently an Accelerate event is likely to feature a Silent Disco which sounds like an oxymoron, but is in fact the latest craze amongst young people who hate to be parted from their sounds.

“It was once confined to tents at the back of music festivals,” says Knight. “But the past few years have seen Silent Disco really take off and it allows dancers plugged into headphones to play multiple channels so different genres of music play simultaneously. So if

you’re expecting your event to attract a mixed crowd with drastically different music tastes, a Silent Disco is the way forwards particularly if your venue has an issue with loud music or you just want to give your grandma the option of sitting out quietly when the hip-hop starts blasting out.”

A perusal of DJ Knight’s website tells you just how closely he works with his clients as he poses questions in his blogs about musical choices and posts pictures of their bat mitzvahs in Manchester. He is a King alright and definitely a Knight you won’t want to miss.

• Visit djknight.co.uk or call 020 3130 4040 or 07956 104086

SNAP, CACKLE AND FLASH! It’s that time at a function when putting on a cowboy hat, false moustache and over-sized specs is the only thing to do.

You have eaten,drunk and got merry at the host’s behest and now it’s time to get silly courtesy of David Chevin who loves that Wacky hour when guests pile in to his photo booth and behave like children.

Sometimes they actually are children as posing in costumes and mishandling props has no age limit. Some of the best photos of me, hubbie and daughter were taken in a Wackybooth and are now framed. So over to David......

When did you start Wackybooths?

Four years ago when clients kept asking us to recommend a Photobooth company. We thought it would compliment our Video Production business Chevin Video.co.uk and since then its’ gone from strength to strength - we now have 4 booths and a Magic Mirror Booth and do over 300 booth hires a year!

What do you love about it?

How can you not enjoy a job that involves working with people that are having a great time! Everyone loves dressing up and jumping

in a Wackybooth - we love being part of people’s celebrations.

Can you fit into any space?

We do have Photobooths of all shapes and sizes but generally we need an area of around 2m square.

What can you do in the booth to have even more fun?

That’s cheeky....but on a serious note, all our Wackybooths have built in wind machines, a choice of colour or black and white print

options, choice by touchscreen of over 30 different backgrounds and we also use an external social Media Ipad Station to instantly upload your favourite images wherever you want. We also continously rotate our extensive range of props to keep all the pictures looking fresh and original all night long.

What is the starting price?

Wackybooths prices start from around £500 for a weekday event.

Wackybooth.co.uk or call 020 8502 7232

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27 October 2016 Jewish News

We promise

a day like no other With our beautifully-appointed gardens, refreshed events spaces, and our new glass Cedar suite, there’s every reason to let The Grove be the backdrop to your very special day.

Please call our team to discuss your special occasion.

www.thegrove.co.uk

THE GROVE | Chandler’s Cross Hertfordshire WD3 4TG | T: 01923 296059 | E: events@thegrove.co.uk | www.thegrove.co.uk

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The Big Event / Caterers with intuition

SALT

OF THE EARTH One woman and her team of experts are putting the seasoning in function food Whether you want an intimate occasion or a large event, Salt Caterers can provide a unique and creative service. “It’s what we love. It’s what we do, in fact it’s all we ever talk about, ” says Salt’s vivacious frontwoman Stephanie Cramer.

Stephanie is the driving force behind Salt Caterers and instrumental in all aspects of marketing the business and coordinating all the events from start to finish.

Having worked in catering, event management and party design for more than 12 years, she has mastered the art of turning imagination into reality and, together with her executive chef Sharon Taylor and the rest of the team, use their strengths and expertise to make the business run like clockwork.

The team are constantly innovating their menus while catering functions in homes, marquees and at prestigious

Moonlite Entertainments has been operating in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, London and the Home Counties since 1980. We value our reputation of providing a reliable and professional service to our clients and benefit from excellent working relationships with our suppliers.

Moonlite Entertainments are very well-established events and entertainment company and specialist in providing entertainment for many occasions such as Weddings, Bar mitzvah, Private and corporate events etc.

We supply Mobile Discos, experienced DJs, Bands, Dance Floors, Lighting, PA systems, Photo Booth, Rodeo Bull, Fun Casino Tables and SIA Licensed Security Guards etc. A glance through the website will give more detailed information on the various aspects of the services that Moonlite Entertainments offer.

Music is always vital to any celebration and a DJ from Moonlite Entertainments will not disappoint. Any particular genre or mix of music can be provided, with specific playlists if requested. Background music at the appropriate moments with floor filling dance numbers are all part of the DJ’s repertoire.

With so much to think about when planning an event it is worth spending some time browsing our website and contacting us for a no obligation quotation.

Whatever the occasion we can help you to make it a success.

Please contact us on: 07970 275998 or 01727 841025 or email info@mle80.co.uk www.mle80.co.uk

venues in and around London.

“Through every stage of one’s life, there are opportunities to celebrate,” says Stephanie, who exudes positivity. “So whether you’re looking for perfectly delightful fare for a wedding, a bar or batmitzvah, nibbles for a theme party or simply a celebratory dinner with friends, we will provide the perfect menu.”

And Salt doesn’t stop there. “We can coordinate the entertainment, lighting, décor, venues, flowers, stationery and more. Maybe an outdoor carnival for a birthday party or landmark celebration? Leave it with us.

“Just ask us to demonstrate how our imagination and intuitive style can help create lasting memories for you and your guests. Or better still, ask Jewish News’ sales director Russell Bahar and his lovely new wife Laura, as they chose us to cater their wedding and, judging from their reaction, they were very happy indeed.”

Salt Caterers offers kosher catering under the supervision of the London Beth Din. saltcaterers.co.uk t: 07891 781 606

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STA stephanie@ RTE Asian salmon on noo RSrers salt cate dle salad with .co.uk carrots bea and bab saltc atered y char n sprouts spring onio rs.co .uk serv ed| 0789 with1 spri 781 ng 606onio n /Salt Cateirers n chill and Asia @SanltCat erers soya dressing MAINS Honey and mustard chic sweet baby carrots ken supreme with pomme anna pea purple tender stem broccoli and jug of puree jus DESSERTS Chocolate fondant with crushed meringu vanilla pod ice crea e and strawberries with m Fruit Platters Tea, Coffee and Tisa nes with Petit Fours

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The Big Event / Gifts with meaning

SPIRITUAL

4. Shabbat candlesticks Shabbat candlesticks are also some of the first items newlyweds like to buy, and Danya sells ones that are modern and elegant. “You want to be ready to make your first Shabbat,” she says.

“One client told me: ‘We can’t wait to have our first Shabbat in our new home. Our beautiful new candlesticks will make it extra special.’”

Artistry Alex Gabinski reveals the top five Judaica gifts

“When I got married, I had a toilet roll holder on my wedding list,” laughs Danya Kay. “You go to John Lewis and have your wedding list with them, and people buy you three spoons and a toilet roll holder. But with something like Judaica, you remember who bought it for you.”

Danya’s experiences led her to set up Contemporary Judaica, which sells all manner of elegant Judaica you’d be happy to show off all year – with not a toilet roll holder in sight!

Her wedding gift list is very popular and customers can visit her showroom at home and choose their own items.

“People love to buy Judaica for weddings. While it is obviously functional, you also want it to be aesthetically pleasing; you’ve painted your house and made it look beautiful, so why shouldn’t a mezuzah or a Kiddush cup be a piece of art in your house?” explains Danya. “It’s a kind of

spiritual artistry – this concept is called Hiddur Mitzvah, the aesthetics of mitzvot; beautiful ritual objects that enhance holiday celebration.”

Danya talks us through her top products...

the front and and it becomes a nice ornament.

Another idea is to turn it into a mezuzah (£185) containing the chuppah glass.”

1. Wedding Kiddush Cup by Quest Collection “This is a bestseller,” says Danya about the striking image of a bride and groom that forms the stem of a pewter Kiddush cup featuring Swarovski crystals they are holding aloft (£165). “I usually go for very contemporary and clean lines, yet I really like the intricacy of the design.”

‘And you shall write them upon the doorposts of your house and upon your gates’, Jews have been commanded.

“Mezuzot are one of the first things people want in their Jewish home,” says Danya, who sells a selection. “They make a wonderful engagement or wedding gift as the couple are about to start their lives together in their new home.

“The Metalace Art mezuzah with the phrase from The Song of Songs – ‘ani l’dodi ve dodi li’ (‘I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine) (£105) will remind the couple of the beautiful time in their lives.”

2. Gifts from broken wedding glass A popular purchase is a glass (£25) by artist Gary Rosenthal, the shards of which, once smashed under the chuppah, are made into a unique keepsake. “The glass can be reconstructed into a Lucite cube (from £275) with the couple’s name and wedding date on

Quality singer for all occasions Ariel is passionate about working with each couple to create their own unique chuppah experience

07791 048 971 www.arielshapiro.co.uk @ArielShapiro

ArielShapiro613

EXCLUSIVE 20% DISCOUNT Please quote ‘JN Simchas Supplement’ for a 20% discount on singing at chuppahs booked before 1st January 2017

3. Mezuzot

5. Tallit and sterling silver star of David clips A more personal gift can be one just for the bride or groom. One of Danya’s clients asked her to post out to Denmark a tallit and set of sterling silver clips with a star of David design (£165) . “She wanted to give them to her husband when they had the yichud ceremony,” explains Danya. “The quality is exceptional, with very fine detailing of magen Davids etched into the silver and the diamond adds that extra dimension.”

Danya provides a bespoke wedding gift list service. Call her on 07801 851900 or visit contemporaryjudaica.co.uk

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The Big Event / What you need!

The Perfect Function More of the fantastic exhibitors joining us at Simchas Live 2016

GOOD FOOD AND SWEETS

There is something reassuring about a company called Golden Whisk. It conjures up home cooking, afternoon tea and delicious deserts. And that is exactly what The Golden Whisk does, along with BBQs, salt beef bars and sitdown dinners prepared by this familyrun catering company, which covers all locations within the M25, including Essex, London, Kent and Hertfordshire. There are sample menus on the website, but they can tailor to your food desires. thegoldenwhisk.co.uk t: 020 3737 1457 / 07739 913690

Imagine if it were possible to bring everything you saw in Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory to your kids bar/batmitzvah. There would be fluorescent candy floss, Millions sweet tricycles, chocolate shwarma, popcorn, ice cream and Belgian chocolate fountains lined up in an indulgence corner of deliciousness and served by served by smiling uniformed staff.

Sounds good doesn’t it? Then you need to get MiniMelts Events to your big party as one of the leading fun food suppliers to the event industry in London.

Minimeltsevents.co.uk or call 020 8368 6961

What do you need to say about Edible Memorables other than yum yum. See facebook.com/edible memorables

Just a Drop Drinks are Europe’s leading suppliers of promotional drinks, but the company that has been operating for 12 years also does branded mints, sweets and even chocolate footballs. Custom Chupa Chups lollies, champagne and even cookies but, best of all, they do personalised Love Hearts and what batmitzvah girl wouldn’t want to give those away? justadrop.co.uk t: 0800 368 8844

Pereles Cakes are kosher but, even more importantly, they are beautiful, interesting or whatever you choose them to be according to your taste and theme. Perelescakes.co.uk or call 07582 080 521

Pan-n-Ice is the frosty branchild of Henry Milroy and Rob Huysinga ,who tasted ice cream and froyo rolls in Thailand and then launched the company in the UK. So picture various tasty ingredients poured and placed onto a cold plate where the temperature is an arctic -30 degrees before everything is smashed and sliced. Ninety seconds later, the milk (or yogurt) freezes and is mixed with the ingredients before being scraped off the cold plate into rolls. Perfect for parties and it is healthy... pan-n-ice.co.uk

PERFECT PLANNERS At Chilled Events, the team has collectively accumulated more than 75 years’ experience within the industry which, together with its extensive list of contacts, gives the company a head start when it comes to organising your function.

Whatever the size of your event, it will take responsibility for finding the venue, theming the event, entertainment, food and drink. chilled-events.co.uk t: 0113 322 6377

From the Grosvenor House and up to Altitude 360, Complete Event Hire has a trail of successes. The calibre of the venues it works with is proof of how good this family-run company has become since it was formed in 2013 and started supplying chair covers, table linen, table centres, lights, curtains, sofas, flowers and anything else you might need to make a statement. Need a mobile bar? Then call sister company, Complete Entourage, which covers all regions for catering, fresh flowers and cakes as well as a venue decorating services. completeeventhire.com or call 07855 465 456

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What you need! / The Big Event All events companies have something unique to offer and Moonlite Entertainment is no exception because it understands the need to create extra space at a function, particularly for kids, and its inflatable disco dome with outstanding sound and lighting system is a winner. Compatible with iPpods, iPads and iPhones, it is the perfect area for little ones, while the adults get to grips with Moonlite Entertainment’s Rodeo Bull. mle80.co.uk or call 07970 275998 There is a lot you can get from the Outstanding Events Company as it has photos booths, green screen dream machines and other cool stuff – but you must hear about their newest, interactive attraction – the Mash Machine.

A smart piece of kit that enables players to build songs using snippets of music that evoke their deepest emotions and personal memories. Sounds epic, doesn’t it? Well you have to try it and so do your children. outstandingevents.co.uk or call 0808 1200 605

If the Prince’s Trust, BBC and Ministry of Sound think Genie Events is the company for an event, it’s a given that it can deliver for you. Based in Radlett since 1999, Genie produces quality bespoke events to suit all budgets. Between managing director Sarah Cohen, creative director Mark Cohen and a team of dedicated experts, they can pull together a visually memorable occasion without you having to worry about all the extras.

“Seamless” is how one client described Genie’s efforts, and everyone wants that. genieevents.co.uk or t: 01923 853 966 It is the way Alex of Rendezvous Events describes the wedding he produced at Eastwell Manor that gets you interested in his company. “From invites to marquee lining, from cutlery to entertainment, from hand soaps to guests hotels, we worked for over a year with both couples’ families to make the bride’s dream wedding come true.” London born and bred, Alex Ingram DJed his way through school, sixth form and university and then studied at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, which is where he gets his theatrical flair for shaping a production that could be yours. rendezvous-events.co.uk or call 020 3468 2911

Funky Casinos provides the party theme that can’t fail if you have friends and family who enjoy spieling without losing money.

Truth is everyone loves a casino experience and this company gives you the money (the fun kind) to give to your guests to exchange for chips and use at the gaming tables they set up. It also has such hit props as 6ft black silhouette Bond girls, James Bond himself or a ‘welcome to Las Vegas’ sign. And if you really want to make it special, they will provide dancing girls. So, if you are feeling lucky…

Funkycasinos.co.uk t: 07798 904 508

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The Big Event / What you need!

SPECIAL XTRAS Dimitria Jordan is a wedding stationer who helps couples bring their wedding stationery visions to life.

Whether it’s stationery from a studio collection or a bespoke design. dimitriajordan.co.uk or call 0203 239 5398

After 42 years in the business Gemini Sounds knows how to get a party started. “Things have changed unbelievably since we started up in 1974” says founder Ian Cuff. “Gone are the days when a DJ turned up at a function with a box of records and a few flashing lights. Now our clients expect so much more and that’s what they get.” Gemini Sounds provide a light show, use the finest sound equipment & offer lighting, colour washing and video screens. Geminisounds. co.uk or call 01268 762822

Crystal trees, mirror balls mounted on illuminated glass and barmitzvah boy balloons. Lynne Brent of Lynnovations can deliver them all and guarantee your guests will be ‘wowed’ by table centres she has been making for over fifteen years for hundreds of functions around the country. Her speciality?

“Creating something totally individual according to each client’s needs.” lynnovations.info or call : 07889 387 218 Howlin Entertainment is responsible for bringing balloon man Brue Airhead, opera singer Matthew Crane and impressionist Francine Lewis to Jewish News Simcha’s Live and the company has a roister of entertainers.

Re-inventing variety is their mission and with comedy nights, cabaret shows and list of talent they are doing just that.

Howlin.co/corporate/corporatetalentleader The super thing about 7th Wonder is not just the great music they perform, but the fact that this acclaimed 9 piece band can increase or decrease in size and still provide exceptional entertainment for any party or celebration. All their music is played by live highly experienced and interested musicians who perform sounds through the decades to keep everyone satisfied.

7thwonder.co.uk or call Michael 07770 48331/or David 07956 236210

The Hit Squad DJs and Entertainment don’t beat around the bush but proudly declare themselves function specialists who have DJs for every occasion, as well as comedians, female tribute acts and even Michael Jackson. It’s a fantastic line-up and well worth a look to add some spice to your simcha.

Visit hitsquaddjsandentertainment.com or call 08456 424242

Some times it’s nice to know that it is possible to have a really good DJ or singer that won’t break the bank.

Function-making is pricey and so the promise made by Krypton Nites to offer great value and great entertainment is reassuring when you are working on a budget. The man in charge – Craig Kent – is a good guy with a fine voice. As the name suggests he is a bit of a Superman, but affordable. Email events@ krypton-nites.co.uk or call 07813589830

Matthew Garrett is someone you want to get very close to because you can’t believe your eyes when you do. Winner of The Magic Circle Close-Up Magician of the Year, this talented entertainer’s philosophy is to relax his audience and then astound them. Let him mix and mingle magic at the reception and leave your guests pondering how he did it over dinner.

Contact Matthew Garrett on 01234 211119 info@professionalmagic.com

JH Video gives you the chance to be a big kid yourself or let kids have the time of their lives. Things it brings to a party include Dance Heads which superimposes guests’ heads on cartoon bodies as they lip sync. It has karaoke booths, video diary booths and a human photo globe . Oh, and JH video can also film your special day with a camera crew who will provide aerial shots from a helicopter. jhvideobooth.co.uk 0208 386 2089

Think of any kind of prop, costume, decoration or piñata that you will need to make your simcha go with a bang and you can be sure novelties-direct.co.uk will have it.

Remember John Travolta on the flashing dance floor in Saturday Night Fever?

Well, that could be you on the brightest dance floor in the country thanks to the state of the art RGB panel technology used by Videodancefloor. co.uk or call 020 7101 4850

Cartoonist Brian Davis of Creative Dream Company will give your guests the ultimate take-home gift. A cartoon says a thousand words. Brian@ creativedream.co.uk 07849 024755

If you want your barmitzvah’s face on a hat or the happy couple brandished across balloons or your sweet batmitzvah on a sweet or two then 24/7 Promo is the company for low-cost personalised novelty items for your big event. See what it can do at 24-7promo.co.uk or call 0800 470 4866

Here’s what one client has to say about Master of Ceremonies Nigel Rothband.“He compered our son’s barmitzvah party, kept everything running exactly to time, liaised with the band, caterer, photographer etc.so we could enjoy the evening. His introductions were witty, succinct and appropriate and we received lots of compliments about him. We cannot recommend Nigel highly enough.”

Nigelspeaks.co.uk or call 07812 967251.

One day you will be lucky enough to have a Twilight Tree on either side of you front door to light your way and beautify your home. But if you want to make your function magical you will hire some of its cherry trees’with energyefficient LEDs nestled within cherry blossom petals. They are magnificent. Visit twilight-trees.com or call Call 01962 877644 You won’t find any spotty silk handkerchiefs, bunches of flowers or rabbits in top hats if you book Stephen Barry for you function.

The multi award winning magician, mind reader, hypnotist and pick pocket shatters all the cheesy clichés of a typical magician. Stephen performs close-up magic as he mixes and mingles with your guests and makes the impossible possible. stephenbarry.co.uk or call 07787 556 083

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