Family Reunion IdeasLooking for a few family reunion ideas to make your next gathering a memorable one? Now, I’m not talking about the kind of “memorable” that happens when you travel to visit your sister and everyone takes turns using the puke bucket. I’m talking about the kind of “memorable” that happens when you go camping and play Hawaiian Charades by the light of the fire. Or when you watch your Grandpa crawl on his hands and knees to play Poor Pussy. Or when all the adults are laughing so hard late at night that the children are the ones to get out of bed to say “Be quiet! We can’t sleep.” What is YOUR family reunion story? Submit your best idea and read other great success stories from real people just like you. Decisions to makeEach decision you make leads to additional planning components. Here are some general family reunion ideas regarding what to do and how to get it done. Real life examples and specific family reunion activities can be found on the ACTIVITIES page.What type of reunion to hold:
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More family reunion ideas...Identify YOUR family’s interests The best way for you to plan a successful family reunion is to consider YOUR family. Start by identifying your family’s interests and hobbies. Send out a survey to find out likes and dislikes preferences and opinions. (Just don’t give people choices if you’ve already determined the best option.) Carefully consider location, accommodations and meals. Make sure there’s something for everyone – chairs in the shade for the elderly, plenty of food and drink for the teenagers, fun games for the kids, a place to change a baby’s diaper for the young moms, a quiet activity for the introvert and ample toilet paper and lots of water for everyone. Make assignments Make assignments and share the work load. Guests will take a greater interest and be more likely to participate if they have something to do. Guestbook, family directory, name tags Keep track of who attends with a guest book. Share information via a family directory. Consider the use of name tags. Family meeting Include at least one all-inclusive family meeting or program. Give out awards and certificates of achievement. Share family stories, discuss the family tree, tell family jokes. Take turns listing the things you like about your family. Talk about future family reunion ideas. Photo & video Even if not everyone in the family was able to attend, take a family photo. Take lots and lots of pictures throughout your reunion. Later they can be compiled into a scrapbook or video slideshow. Make a digital photobook. Tell your family stories. {Combine your stories and pictures and it becomes a timeless storybook that documents your family heritage.} Photos also add interest to possible future correspondence such as a family newsletter or family website. Incorporate Music Don't forget to incorporate music into your event. Whether it's background music at the welcome table, singing together around the campfire or music for dancing, family reunion songs can make a difference. Music influences the mood even when you don't realize it's playing. Family Crest Create a family crest or family logo. Brainstorm together what your family means and how that can be represented on paper. In European tradition, a coat of arms, which includes a crest, is a symbolic way of identifying a group of people. You can do it!Reunions should be family bonding opportunities – a chance to build family relationships and to have fun together. With planning and forethought, family reunion activities offer wonderful possibilities for successful, memorable moments. Have you ever wondered about how to be a good reunion attendee or how you're going to even survive the next family function?? Check these family reunion survival tips for ideas that will help you keep your sanity. And, don't forget. You can always email me for help or to share your own family reunion ideas. Go to Family Reunion Success Home.
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