I had the pleasure of spending over a year immersed in the Harry Potter series, eagerly anticipating the decor and details for a Harry Potter-themed Bar Mitzvah in collaboration with Sweet Caroline Experiences. The event featured a dozen handcrafted, unique centerpieces, a custom crest, and an enchanting atmosphere, all contributing to an unforgettable experience.
The ambiance of the party was impeccably established at The Harborside East in Mount Pleasant, offering a stunning view of Charleston. The rustic decor, featuring wood paneling and sconces, evoked the charm of the Great Hall. Tables were adorned in the colors of Hogwarts Houses, complemented by banners displayed on each sconce, creating a whimsical and immersive experience.
Each centerpiece was handcrafted of antiques, spooky relics, and personalized touches of home photos and the guest of honor’s initials. There were items included that I knew the family could repurpose and enjoy long after the evening ended, like the sorting hat and Harry Potter Chess Board. The Daily Prophet Parchment Sheets were purchased from Ebay and I used my cricut and fonts from Etsy to complete the news bin.
Hedwig accepted cards through his cage
Floating Letters adorned the bar tops
House Banners hung from each sconce
Of course no Bar Mitzvah is complete without a photo booth and we wanted to be sure that Harry Potter carried into their props. I sourced the House scarves, Harry’s tie and glasses, wizard wands, a talking sorting hat, lightening fake tattoos, and the Have You Seen this Wizard poster frame.
The favors consisted of Butterbeer mugs featuring a custom crest, designed in collaboration with the birthday honoree to reflect his diverse interests. The crest then was repurposed on cocktail napkins and as stickers for the treat station.
I discovered a vintage edition of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, which served as a unique and meaningful guest book. I enjoy utilizing unconventional items for guest books, as they create lasting memories that can be cherished and enjoyed for years to come. I added a custom vinyl monogram to its cover and then used the same art on the doors of the venue.
The decor was enhanced with black floating candles complete with their own wand, spiders on webs and lots of luminaries.
The party activities did not stop with a DJ; there was mini golf and gaga pit. I also found golden snitch spinners from Shein which were hidden throughout the venue, 13 exact for guests to find.
I thoroughly enjoyed designing into the Harry Potter theme; my kids enjoyed watching the series with me for inspiration and it was a delightful experience to bring the magic of the series to real life.
What elements of the Harry Potter theme do you love most? Share your favorite ideas in the comments below! For future party planning and art direction, please feel free to reach out to me. I would be delighted to collaborate on your next event!
Event Photos: @david_se_photography
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