[Dopey]

wow, that's a beautiful dress.

[Andrea]

What I want to know is why the DESIGNER didn't do a shrug instead of that shawl- which makes everything look shapeless!

She's going to look beautiful!

[dixie]

The dress is absolutely beautiful- she will look amazing.

[Willbegone]

She is going to look GORGEOUS! I can't wait to see pics!

[MickeyMcFizzle]

Beautiful dress!!!

[E&B's Mom]

Originally Posted by Andrea

What I want to know is why the DESIGNER didn't do a shrug instead of that shawl- which makes everything look shapeless!

Yeah -me too. A shrug would cost us less in alterations, but then again my MIL is footing the bill for her outfit (thank goodness because everything else is costing way more than I had planned ).

But, then again on an older person (like the model) a shrug would look less dramatic. But on a 13 year-old it will look adorable

Oh, and if you want to see the color, there's a very faint scroll bar next to the description to the left of the big picture. If you scroll down you will be able to click on a link to open the color palate. Her color is "Lipstick", with a brown satin sash.

[LittleMissMagic]

fun and flirty! woot... I hope she has a wonderful time!

[A Goofy Family]

Originally Posted by E&B's Mom

It depends on how fancy the event is. DD has gotten invited to some that have a morning service and a black tie party in the evening. For that you'd make sure they have a not-too-dressy dress for the service (make sure shoulders are covered) and then a fancy dress for the evening. Kohl's has a lot of affordable appropriate dresses for both occasions. If the part is immediately following the service (in the afternoon - like DD's) you'd probably dress her like you would for any other fancier afternoon party (a relative's wedding?) Not too-too fancy, but nice. Does that make sense? The dress DD will be wearing to her own is dressier that she would wear to someone else's for the same type of event.

As for a gift, I usually send DD with a $36 check. The number $18 is Chai - a Hebrew word which I think represents both the number and the word for life. It's considered lucky of you give $ to give a gift with a multiple of $18. $18 is too little, but nobody really gives $54. $36 just seems to be the right amount.

I don't think there's much else to think about. The service can be long for a kid, so just tell her to be patient. And personally I would add to make sure her shoulders are covered and her dress is not too short. If it were an Orthodox temple, she should have a dress below the knee, but it probably isn't (most Orthodox kids don;t have that many non-Orthodox friends, since they usually go to private religious schools). In a conservative or reform temple (ours is reform - more liberal) they do wear off the shoulder dresses and short skirts, but that doesn't mean they are appropriate - I usually wonder how mothers can let their daughter's go to a religious service dressed like that.

What wonderful information and help!! DD's friend does go to private religious school (in a town closeby I believe) but has known her through Girl Scouts for several years, so I'm not sure if they are Orthodox or non-Orthodox, regardless, we'll go the conservative route. We have a Kohl's nearby, so we'll be visiting it really soon!! She can get a dress that can double as her 8th Grade Graduation dress too! I really appreciate the insight on the gifts and the message behind it. Now we'll be much better prepared come May!! Thanks for all the help and educating us so we can present ourselves properly!!

Can't wait to see pictures and hear all about your upcoming celebration!

[tragic312]

that is a beautiful dress. i love it!!

[dancing4disney]

I love the dress. A friend of mine's daughter had her Bat Mitzvah last year. I really enjoyed the service, although I was frustrated as some of her friends were rather chatty. (a lot came on their own) It was really disrespectful and I had to tell them to be quiet. I am not Jewish, but knew the importants of the service and the amount of work required by the my daughters friend. There was no way they were going to talk when she first began to read. I would be so upset with my children if they were rude during any important event.
Best of luck with all your planning. I know it is a huge expense and requires a large amount of work.

[E&B's Mom]

Originally Posted by A Goofy Family

What wonderful information and help!! DD's friend does go to private religious school (in a town closeby I believe) but has known her through Girl Scouts for several years, so I'm not sure if they are Orthodox or non-Orthodox, regardless, we'll go the conservative route.

Try finding the Temple's website (do a Google search). The website will probably say if it's orthodox, conservative or reform. If you need help, PM me with the name of the Temple and the town and I'll help.

[E&B's Mom]

Originally Posted by dancing4disney

I love the dress. A friend of mine's daughter had her Bat Mitzvah last year. I really enjoyed the service, although I was frustrated as some of her friends were rather chatty. (a lot came on their own) It was really disrespectful and I had to tell them to be quiet. I am not Jewish, but knew the importants of the service and the amount of work required by the my daughters friend. There was no way they were going to talk when she first began to read. I would be so upset with my children if they were rude during any important event.
Best of luck with all your planning. I know it is a huge expense and requires a large amount of work.

I know what you mean! A lot of kids come without parents. DD has a guest list 50 kids long . We have a couple of ushers who wander around the sanctuary and give them dirty looks or speak to them if they are disruptive.

[jk8]

What a cute dress. I like the color, too!

[unamadreditre]

What a beautiful dress. It seems like you found the perfect dress. We went through the same thing last year with DD's eighth grade graduation. The ceremony was in the church so her shoulders and her knees had to be covered. They had to bring in their dress a week before and have it approved before they could attend the ceremony. It took us weeks to find a dress she liked that fit the criteria. I thought I was about to lose my mind.

[WishIWasThere]

Beautiful dress.. Shes going to look wonderful in it.