10 Things to Know When Planning a Simcha in Israel

10 Things to Know When Planning a Simcha in Israel

1. Hire vs. do it yourself
Some people are completely capable of organizing their own event here in Israel. Maybe you are one of them: you have the time, the contacts and the skills to do it. 
You can get numbers and recommendations of vendors from your friends who already did events in Israel, and you will find in Google, Pinterest and Instagram a great deal of creative ideas and crafts for all kind of event.
Nevertheless, it still very recommended to select someone who will help you, if not to plan and choose everything, to help you with you big Day. 
On that Day, even if you know every detail by heart you will not want to miss your event and be taken by verifying that everything is in place. You will have to live your Event, and for that you will have to delegate. This will withdraw the responsibilities and stress from your shoulders. By choosing the right event planner you will definitely achieve this goal, be more relax, and live plainly your event.  

2. Find the perfect venue
This is the decision that usually takes the longest to organize. There are so many striking venues to look into in Israel, and it doesn’t stop at event halls. Exotic landscapes of desert, forest, beach, ruins, and city are all enchanting choices for your event, and just a short ride away from Tel Aviv, or Jerusalem or wherever your guests will stay. When selecting the perfect venue, inquire about important factors, like transport, hotels around, traffic, smelt, music or time limitations, Kosher certifications, business licenses, ability to out-source vendors, guest count requirements and also what package you can receive.

3. Vendor selection
Your choice of vendors will make your event. If you haven’t booked an event planner, you can ask your friends and family for referrals and recommendations. Be careful if you just heard of someone new or want to choose from internet, I will suggest to go and see them in action, taste, listen etc. but I wouldn’t recommend that if you can avoid.  

4. Pick a season
For sure it’s easier to think of a Summer wedding when you think of Israel, because of the weather, the gardens, the dressing etc. But be aware that the prices are higher, it will be more difficult to get the date you decide and that the weather can be too hot. If you choose the winter you will certainly have more choices for the dates, will get discounts, and be aware that Winter in Israel doesn’t necessarily mean cold and rainy. Maybe avoid January and February, the most rainy months but October to December and from March you see very sunny days. You can also consider southerner cities like Eilat for a better guarantee of good weather. 

5. Picking the right date
Picking the right date to suit your family and friend will not be an easy task. Take into consideration school holidays, national holidays, Jewish holidays, half terms, bank holidays and all the other holidays in between. You will have to check first hotels availability in Israel to make sure they are not fully booked because of special event. 
If you are planning a Bar Mitsva and you already know that it is around the Chagims you should book the places around 2 years ahead.

6. Not on paper, not guaranteed
This is very important: Everything must be witten, and I mean really everything must be backed up in writing: by emails, whatsapp, contract, etc. Including things the vendors will be willing to give you as present into your package in order for you to book them.
You will be surprised at how often people “forget” what was discussed all those months ago.

7. Ask about hidden fees
For sure when you will arrived at the Hall, and by the vendors to close them you will ask the question: “what does the price include?” but you have to remember to ask them the same opposite question:“what is not included in the price?” It’s a small twist of words but can make a big difference. If you have an event planner, she should know what to ask, and help you a great deal closing all the contract. If you are planning the event yourself, do some research on the important questions to ask each vendor.

8. Comparing costs
Some time ago planning a wedding in Israel was much cheaper than in the US or Europe. Today it’s not especially true and cost can be more expensive here than by home. The very good vendors and places are expensive, and flowers for exemple much more expensive than from USA because they are imported. If you have aan event planner she will know the real prices of everything, and already have contact to get you the best quality/price ratio, but if you are organizing alone check some vendors, and with the very close friends who will give you the prices they paid. Just be aware that people have a tendency to lower the prices they payed or forgetting that they add this and that, or that their event was 10 years ago (inflation)

9. Guests support and pampering
If you have a group coming from abroad, I highly recommend booking a group prices in 2 differently priced hotel (if needed) and informing your guests by posting on your event website for example. You can also organize a prevent event for welcoming the guest and arranging a list of recommendations, restaurants, not-to-be-missed places to go, things to do etc. 

10. Rabbinical procedures
You will need to open a file at the Rabbanut within 90 days prior to the wedding and not less than a month before the wedding. You will need to arrange a letter from your hometown (Orthodox) rabbi confirming that you are both Jewish and single, as well as the ketubah (marriage certificate) from both the bride and groom’s parents. Upon your arrival in Israel, you will need to go to the Rabbanut offices to finalize the file.

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