How to Plan a Family Reunion

So, you're thinking about planning a family reunion? Awesome! It might seem like a lot, but with a little planning, it can be a fantastic way to reconnect and make memories. This guide will walk you through it. Big or small, these tips will help make it a reunion to remember.

Phase 1: Getting Started

1. Round Up the Team: The Reunion Committee

First thing's first: get a team together! A committee makes the work easier. Get folks from different parts of the family. That way, everyone gets a say.

What does the committee do?

Come up with ideas
Set a budget
Give out tasks
Make decisions
Talk to family

2. Nail Down the Basics

Before you get lost in the details, decide on a few important things.

When and How Long: Think about holidays, school, and other family events. A weekend? A week?
Where: Pick a spot that's easy for most people to get to. Make sure there's a place to stay and things to do.
How Much: Figure out how much money you have to spend. Think about the venue, food, and activities.
Who's Invited: Just close family? Everyone? Even distant cousins?

3. Ask the Family: What Do They Want?

Don't guess! Ask your family what they want. Send out a survey. It's easier than you think. Tools like SurveyMonkey or Google Forms can help.

What to ask:

Best dates
Where they'd like to go
What they want to do
How much they can spend
Any special food needs

Phase 2: The Details

4. Find the Perfect Spot

The right place can make or break a reunion. Here's what to look for:

Enough Room: Make sure everyone fits comfortably.
Easy to Get To: Choose a place with good transportation.
Cool Stuff: Does it have rooms, places to meet, fun activities, and food?
Good Price: Shop around! Find something that fits your budget.

Where to look:

Hotels or resorts
Campgrounds
Rental houses
Parks
Even someone's home (if it's big enough!)

5. Send Out the Invites

Make your invitations fun and informative! Tell people:

When and where it is
What you're planning
Where to stay
When they need to RSVP
Who to contact
How much it costs (if anything)

Send invites by mail and email. Keep track of who's coming!

6. Plan the Food

Everyone loves to eat! Think about these options:

Potluck: Everyone brings a dish. It's fun and easy!
Catering: Hire someone to make the food. It's convenient, but costs more.
DIY: Make it yourself! Taco bar? Pizza night?

Don't forget to ask about allergies and special diets!

7. Keep Everyone Busy (and Happy!): Activities

Plan activities for all ages!

Some ideas:

Games: Charades? Bingo? Trivia?
Outdoors: Hiking? Biking? Swimming?
Talent Show: Let everyone show off!
Old Photos: Reminisce about the good old days.
Theme Nights: Dress up and have fun!
Workshops: Learn something new together!

Don't forget to leave time for relaxing and chatting!

8. Money Matters

Keep track of every penny! Be open with the family about where the money is going.

Need to raise money?

Ask for donations
Have a raffle or auction
Sell t-shirts!

Phase 3: The Reunion!

9. Welcome Everyone!

Make people feel welcome when they arrive. Have a check-in table with information and name tags. Offer snacks and a place to hang out.

10. Stay Organized

Assign people to handle:

Check-in
Activities
Food
Transportation
First aid

Use a group chat or bulletin board to keep everyone updated.

11. Capture the Memories

Take lots of photos and videos! Ask family members to share theirs, too. Create a shared album online.

12. Say Goodbye (for Now!)

End the reunion on a high note. Thank everyone for coming. Ask for feedback so you can make the next one even better.

Send thank-you notes to everyone who helped. Share the photos and videos. And start thinking about the next reunion!

Tips for a Great Reunion

Start early!
Get help!
Talk to each other!
Be flexible!
Focus on family!
Use technology!
Have fun!

Planning a family reunion takes work. But it's so worth it. You'll create memories that will last a lifetime. Get started early, involve the whole family, and have a blast!