An invitation, a printed program and a candle-lighting order each need their own link, since a bar or bat mitzvah produces several separate documents rather than one. The invitation needs its own RSVP link, a printed program can link to a longer digital version with more detail than fits on paper, and a candle-lighting order printed small on a table card reads easier from a phone than squinted at up close.
A reception playlist guests can add songs to rounds out the common uses. The service and the reception afterward are usually two different documents, so deciding which one each printed piece needs before building the QR code keeps guests from landing on the wrong page.
Matching each printed piece to its own link
Separate the service program from the party program
If they're different documents, decide which one each printed piece, like the invitation versus a table card, actually needs to link to.
Host the program as a link
A shared document or PDF hosted online works; get its own share link before building the code.
Set up the playlist for contributions
Turn on the setting that lets other people add songs, not just view the list, before sharing the code.
Test on the actual card stock
Programs are typically printed once with no reprints available the week of the event, so proof the scan on the final paper first.
The service and the party are two different documents
A synagogue service program and a reception program often live on different pages, or aren't hosted digitally at all in the case of the service. Decide which document a given printed piece needs before building its code, rather than assuming one link covers the whole day.
A candle-lighting list guests can actually read
The order of who lights each candle is often printed small on a table card. A code linking to a larger digital version of the same list helps guests read it from their seat without leaning over the table.
Letting guests build the dance-floor playlist ahead of time
A collaborative playlist, opened to song additions before the event, gives guests a way to request songs directly rather than passing notes to the DJ during the reception.
What the code holds
A link to whichever document or playlist it's for: the event site, a hosted program, the candle-lighting list, or the playlist. No guest names or RSVP responses pass through the code itself.
https://drive.google.com/file/yourprogramSizes for invitations, programs and table cards
An invitation insert scans well at 20 mm. A printed program cover works at the same minimum. A table card for the candle-lighting order, read at arm's length, works better at 30 mm.
Print it at least 20 mm (2.0 cm) wide
What goes wrong with a bar mitzvah code
Linking the family's general website
A code meant for the event's specific program or RSVP page shouldn't send guests to a general family site with no event details.
A closed playlist
Sharing a playlist link without first opening it to contributions means guests can only listen, not add songs.
Low contrast on a foil-stamped program
A dark or metallic program cover can hide a code that isn't printed with enough contrast; test it before the full run.
Static or dynamic for the event?
A static code is usually enough, since the event happens on one fixed date. Dynamic is worth it only if invitations are mailing months ahead, before the venue or program details are fully locked in.
How dynamic QR codes workWhere this code appears around the event
- An invitation linking to the event site and RSVP.
- A printed program linking to a fuller digital version.
- A table card linking to the candle-lighting order.
- A favor tag linking to the reception's collaborative playlist.