Bat Mitzvah Centerpiece Ideas

I 'm not creative, however I'll take a stab at answering because I'll be in your shoes sooner than I can imagine.

I vote for balloons tied to a gift weight--how about weighing the balloons down with some chocolate kisses wrapped in a piece of foil, like you described? You could have a separate balloon and weight for each guest. Perhaps your daughter can get together with some of her pals, cousins, etc and make the weights, so you don't have to spend the time? They would have a ball, I bet. And she can rehearse some of the prayers together with them, while they're at it :)

As for your daughter's feeling that they aren't 'enough,' my first thought was 'Shouldn't she be worrying about her Torah portion and commentary rather than this?', but I understand she's feeling pulled between wanting to have a fancy event and knowing there are limits. She may need a reminder that you're on a budget and you've already spent X dollars for the meal, location, DJ, her outfit, etc. Has she seen a spread sheet with the costs? It could be a good reality check for her.

Mazal Tov in advance, and I hope the day is lovely!

Lollipop topiary? You could buy some styrofoam topiarys and stick the lollipops in. Would be colorful, fun, and then they can be eaten!! Perhaps you can find the bubblegum lollipops in her color scheme??

Purple & white 'Xmas' / 'Halloween' lights inside big (18in x 9-12in) glass vases. The vases are in craft stores for a couple bucks each, and the lights are at amazon.com. As are little plug in battery packs

Also at craft stores (and a lot of fabric stores) are super inexpensive white-to-dyed silk scarves (here, about $4 each). Dye them teal and scatter on tables between or around the luminaries. Small photographs from her childhood set on them. Gives people something to look at /oooh&ahhh over/ move about to see others. Also the kisses scattered about.

Scarves and vases to go home w/ kisses.

It's a bit of a rustic theme, right?
How about mason jars or baby food jars tied with twine. Put those battery operated votive candles inside. You can buy them in bulk. Tie balloons to them and vary the height of the jars. Or tin cans tied with bandanas and filled with chocolates and balloons. Or a combo of the two.
Goodness, get on Pinterest or Google rustic center pieces. So many options out there and so many creative ideas.

Some of the most recent bar/bat mitzvah celebrations we've attended have used the bar/bat mitzvah's photos (from infancy to present) to create unique centerpieces. One was in a type of carousel so the pictures were easily viewed by everyone at the table as the carousel was turned. My friend who did this ordered the carousels online.

Another idea is to use wire/metal type photo holders (found at JoAnnes, Michaels, etc.) and incorporate florals and greenery in and around the photos. That can be truly beautiful (and inexpensive) if you or a friend are creative and good at arranging. If you want to go this route, and have the time, you can make it even more personal by making photos of your daughter with the guests that are seated at that table---e.g. Grandparent table will have pictures of your daughter with them; friend table will have photos of your daughter and her friends. Then, they can take the photo and the holder home. Although you won't have photos of your daughter with everyone (e.g. business associates, etc.), you can just use a variety of her photos on those tables. People love to look at photos! If you place the little boxes of candies at each setting, everyone will still have a favor to take.

Our other friends used the idea you talked about with the bowls/candles. It was fine, no problem with the candles, but if you are worried about that, maybe you can make an alternate arrangement using the flameless candles to create a similar look.

Don't sweat the fact that the venue is rustic and your daughter wants a more formal party. I've been to plenty of bar/bat mitzvah celebrations in a wide variety of venues. Once the room was decorated, the type of venue was no big deal. It's all about how you decorate the interior, so let your daughter have her "party attire!"

I hope it is a very happy day for all of you!

Mazel tov on your simcha!

J. F.

Attire: Ask for cocktail or Homecoming attire.
Favors:
If they are doing double-duty as party favors, they should be easily divided and/or portable.

How about mini bottles of sparkling cider?
http://www.beau-coup.com/mini-cider-bottles.htm?utm_sourc...

What about fish bowls with Beta fish?

Pickle dishes lined with kisses or M&Ms?

Cookie Mixes in a Jar?
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://farm3.static.f...

http://www.masonjarcookiecompany.com/?gclid=CLDA2-CWobECF...

Brownie Mix in a Jar?

Cheap and eco friendly favors, in my mind are flower bulbs, you can buy in bulk, put them in a tidy white or brown paper bag and slap a personalized sticker on it. Use cut flowers or a potted plant on the table as a center piece.

to keep things from being trashed, don't divy these favors out till people leave.

Good luck to you and yours,
F. B.