This past weekend, Xplosive Entertainment had the honor of saddling up for one of the most unforgettable celebrations we’ve ever been part of: Gaby’s Barn Mitzvah at the stunning Riverview Barn in Franklin, NJ — beautifully planned and orchestrated by Lisa Ivler Events. From the moment guests arrived, it was clear this was no ordinary[…]
Xplosive Blog
When we think of core values, we often associate them with businesses—mission statements, corporate identity, leadership philosophies. But what if we told you that the same concept that guides successful companies can also guide successful celebrations? Welcome to a fresh take on bar and bat mitzvah planning—one rooted in purpose, intention,[…]
When it comes to creating unforgettable wedding moments, it’s all about the atmosphere. The right lighting, music, and decor set the stage but adding atmospheric effects like CO₂ guns, “dancing on the clouds,” and snow machines can take the magic to an entirely new level. Whether you’re looking for drama,[…]
On a crisp and sunny April day, the ETS campus in Princeton, NJ, was buzzing with energy and enthusiasm as employees and guests came together to celebrate Earth Day. Hosted by Xplosive Entertainment, this vibrant event combined sustainability, creativity, and community, offering attendees a memorable and impactful experience. A Smooth[…]
Planning a corporate conference can be a daunting task when you factor in all of the layers that are needed. This can range from selecting a conference space, host hotel with room blocks, meals, seating arrangements, logistics, entertainment, AV needs and more. These multi-day dynamic events can be internal for teams to[…]
One of the most common sayings about weddings is: “People only remember the food and whether they had a good time.” While this is mostly true, creating a truly memorable experience often comes down to the details—especially the way food and entertainment are timed throughout the day. Your catering style,[…]
Jim and Morgan’s Unforgettable Wedding at The Ivy at Ellis Preserve Just a few weeks ago, Xplosive Entertainment had the honor of being part of Jim and Morgan’s incredible wedding celebration at the newly opened Ivy at Ellis Preserve, (Delaware County, PA) expertly managed by Finley Caterers. From the stunning[…]
This past weekend, we had the honor of celebrating Bradley’s bar mitzvah at the iconic Asbury Lanes in Asbury Park, NJ, and what a party it was! From start to finish, the event was full of energy, excitement, and unforgettable moments. Months of planning and coordination went into[…]
As summer comes to a close and the tides are turning towards the holiday season (as you’ve seen in all of the stores full of Halloween and Fall decorations), it’s time to start getting your company holiday party ideas from concept to creation. This blog is focused on who should[…]
Project Graduations, sometimes called senior send offs or post prom celebrations… require a lot of space and a great deal of flexibility. In this blog, we will provide lists of some top NJ venues known for hosting project graduations along with some tips and considerations while searching for the perfect[…]
Your wedding day is one of the most special and memorable occasions of your life. To add a personal touch and create a magical moment, why not choreograph your own wedding dance? By designing a unique routine that reflects your love story and personalities, you can captivate your guests and[…]
Have you heard the term EC being thrown around in your Mitzvah planning process? This stands for Event Coordinator (or Entertainment Coordinator) and it is one of the most underrated roles when it comes to your celebrant’s big day. Nowadays, more and more Mitzvahs are run like a theatrical performance.[…]
Below is a list (in alphabetical order) offering 100 suggestions for Bar or Bat Mitzvah theme ideas. From the invitations to the decor to the entertainment, a well-chosen theme can create a cohesive and memorable experience for the guest of honor and all invited guests. In this blog, you will[…]
A rock and roll themed bar mitzvah isn’t the most common theme (compared to sports and sneakers which seem to be the most popular for boys these days). However, rock and roll or a specific instrument like drums, sax and piano have all been great themes we’ve encountered over the[…]
Normally when we create these blogs we provide helpful tips based around items/concepts you want to ensure are present for the success of the event. This time around, we are going to be giving it you straight and telling you the ways you could possibly sabotage your own event. INVITED[…]
When it comes to planning your dream wedding, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the perfect venue. And if you’re looking for a venue in New Jersey, you’re in luck! This beautiful state is home to a wide variety of stunning locations that are sure to[…]
One of the most popular themes for Bar/Bar Mitzvahs are sports (either a specific sport like basketball or just sports in general). So, if you fit in this category, how can you make yours different? There are plenty of ways to have your sports themed event stand out from the[…]
As a DJ who’s hosted hundreds of Bar and Bat Mitzvahs (especially those in the trendy and competitive markets of New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia), I’ve seen first hand families who know how to enjoy the events they throw and I’ve seen others stress, nerves, and panic overwhelm a[…]
Getting married or planning a big celebration like a bar/bat mitzvah, sweet 16, etc? Selecting the right venue is usually one of the first priorities. Its also (typically) your biggest expense and generally sets the tone for the rest of your event planning decisions. In recent years, many venues (at[…]
Ahh it’s Labor Day weekend and that can only mean one thing, it’s officially back to school and back to Simcha’s! The summer was busy for team Xplosive, but for most mitzvah parents, it was likely a little more calm with their kids at summer camp. We hope everyone enjoyed their[…]
It’s not every day that our team drives 7 hours to perform at a wedding, but when we do, we know we are in for a great celebration. Why? Well… if a couple understands (and values) entertainment enough to scout out the “perfect fitting DJ” from several states away and[…]
Shhh… this wedding has gone silent! The air was full of love, laughter and a lot of music (setup uniquely), in a friendly and competitive way for Ali & Rachel’s wedding! Let me explain… Picture this… Ali and Rachel started their New Jersey wedding like most. There was a ceremony,[…]
Sentimental vs fun… this is one of many questions you should be considering when selecting songs for your son or daughter’s bar or bat mitzvah photo montage. Let’s face it, the truth is a well-produced, fun and upbeat montage will keep the attention of your invited party guests. However, a[…]
Who run the world … GIRLS! The times have changed as there are more and more female DJs and MCs coming to take the spotlight and I am here for it! As a Jersey girl in the live event industry, it’s so refreshing and incredible to see that ladies[…]
Corporate Team Building Ideas Here at the Jersey Shore, Summer company outings seem to be a norm for thriving businesses who value the importance of a well balanced and motivated team. This is truer, now, with many employees working remotely or from home offices. The past “in-office” camaraderie and bonding[…]
As a veteran DJ and former catering manager who has been around bar and bat mitzvahs for roughly 20 years, I’ve seen my share of photo montages. Some are captivating, energetic, well-produced and of course, sentimental. Others, well… sometimes these photo slideshows are boring, poorly produced, too long, etc. I’ve[…]
A staggering fact is that most podcasters stop after their 6th episode. Well, thats not the case for Xplosive Entertainment’s very own, Mastering Mitzvahs Podcast. Earlier this month Jordan, Dylan and Mike released episode 100! This (nearly) weekly podcast offers tips, tricks and trends for families planning bar and bat[…]
Graduating from high school is one of the most memorable milestones in a lifetime; it’s easily ranked up there with getting married and having a first child. So, what can be done to make this memory even more incredible? In today’s world where Covid concerns plague our planet, how[…]
Tis the Season! For most businesses and families, the end of the year is slammed with professional quotas to meet and personal obligations to fulfill. Throw in planning a spectacular event for your deserving staff just does not always fit in with the agenda. These six reasons below should be[…]
It’s not every day that you meet a CEO of a business who can say most of his staff has been with him for 10+ years. In fact, many staffers have been besides him for 20 years. How is this possible? Well… work hard and party harder! (Maybe that’s not[…]
The hardest clients to make happy, so often are those in the event industry. Rightfully so, these professionals have high standards; they’ve seen it all. We at Xplosive Entertainment are honored to be selected by many event professionals to help their own families celebrate milestones. On June 13th, 2021 Xplosive[…]
If you are engaged at the time this blog is written (November 2020), you may be asking yourself is now the right time to be planning a wedding? Or, how can I possibly be planning now with so much uncertainty in the world? The goal of this blog is[…]
Does the tough of more “Zoom” or online time make you cringe? Could this thought alone be the reason why your organization be considering canceling a holiday celebration in 2020? Clearly in-person events are not looked at as socially responsible in this COVID world we are living. So, what’s the[…]
This blog is being written just 24 hours after Xplosive Entertainment helped Stephanie and Kevin celebrate their wedding in Oxford, New Jersey (a small historic town in Warren County). For starters, this was the first experience Xplosive had at Jack’s Barn. As with any other “new” venue for Xplosive, we[…]
It was Labor Day weekend, 2020… the sun began to set on the evening of September 6th… there was a feeling of excitement, nervousness, and eagerness all rolled into one BIG experience on behalf of a family (who’s last name was “Paradise). The energy and emotions were definitely at an[…]
NJ’s Governor has allowed groups of 25 or smaller to gather in outdoor settings! We are offering a self serve photo station for a HUGE discount for back yard parties June and July 2020. If you have opted for a “micro wedding,” intimate graduation party or drive by birthday party,[…]
In light of the reality that Summer Camps are unlikely to be open in the Summer of 2020, Xplosive Entertainment has decided to “pivot” its talents and available time and introduce a Summer camp program for kids looking to learn how to DJ. The term “pivot” is one used in[…]
7 Easy Ways you can keep an efficient event planning timeline! By now, I’m sure we are all sick of hearing the words Coronavirus or COVID-19. So that’s the ONLY time it will be mentioned in this blog. As an entertainer and coordinator, I’ve literally seen it all – or[…]
As the warmer months near, often business owners being thinking about options for a company outing, management retreat, summer picnic or team building event. Technically speaking, business’s should always be investing in their most valuable asset, their staff, but if you had a pick a the best time of[…]
The topic of a first look has been around for quite some time, yet couples are still torn on whether or not to partake. Tradition says that “Couples separate the night before and are not to see each other until it’s time to walk down the aisle” but more and[…]
Ensuring a perfectly flowing wedding celebration requires a well thought out timeline. There are several key factors to consider when building this time. It should also be noted that there is no exact science here or “one size fits all” answer. The purpose of this blog is to provide some[…]
As we just completed recording our 40th episode of Mastering Mitzvahs, a weekly podcast geared to those planning bar and bat mitzvahs, we felt the urgency to write a blog and help promote this really fun project of ours. In the last 40 episodes, we have interviewed some top tiered[…]
When planning a sweet 16 or bar/bat mitzvah, the grand entrance can make the vibe of the entire party. It sets the tone for the guests as well as the entire feel for the party. There are so many different options that your entertainment group can offer. Having a unique[…]
Every Jewish child‘s simcha is a crucial milestone in their lives! Parents play a role in the planning. On top of all the logistics of food, lodging, transportation, attire, decor, another important decision is the guest’s party favor! Although it is not the main element of the celebration itself, one of the most[…]
As 2019 comes to a chilly end here on the east coast, I wanted to highlight some of the trends we’ve been seeing at 2019 weddings. In no particular order, here is the list with professional tip or comment with each trend. Rustic/Barn/Farm weddings: Rustic is in! Strangely people go[…]
Candle lighting ceremonies have been around for decades. Bar and Bat Mitzvah’s seem to have been the founding event type for this rite of passage ceremony. The debate, however, is whether or not to have a candle lighting ceremony and/or how to make it unique or abbreviated without offending those[…]
We all know that when planning a Bar/Bat mitzvah for your child it only happens once so understanding the key concepts for your special night is essential. You want everything to be perfect and knowing what trends are in “style” plays a huge role when planning a party. For example,[…]
Being a dynamic and adaptable entertainment company has brought many diverse events to us at Xplosive Entertainment. However, we have always focused on Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. Employing our passion, creativity, patience and dedication to our craft has positioned us to gain the attention of many parents in our region.[…]
Having a strong team dynamic is vitally important for any business with multiple employees. Often, this dynamic is referred to the “culture.” Ask yourself, does your staff get along well? Do they enjoy working with each other? Do the respect one-another? Does your team value their jobs? At Xplosive Entertainment,[…]
As a high school senior graduates, there are certain “rites of passages” one would expect. These certainly include attending a prom and graduation ceremony. What happens AFTER is a bit more tabu. Sometimes post-prom and post-graduation celebrations become to after-parties, overnight trips to the shore, and more. One would be[…]