Planning a Family Reunion?

Congratulations! Planning a family reunion is no small undertaking but you can do it. After all, if you're even thinking about a family reunion, you've already made the most important decision - that
your family is a priority in life.

On your mark... get set... GO!

1. Identify the type of gathering you want


2. Determine a date

and


3. Decide on a location.

Resist the urge to become overwhelmed! Just take things one baby step at a time. For additional stress relief, check out my all-time, best-ever, super-amazing family reunion planning tips.

Planning a Family Reunion: Baby Step #1

Begin the planning process by identifying your family's level of interest and generating excitement. Plan activities that will build opon your family's unique talents and characteristics.

Does your family enjoy performing? Coordinate a variety show. Does your family enjoy the outdoors? Plan a camping trip. Is yours a proper family that enjoys fine dining? Arrange a formal banquet at a fancy hotel. Are you athletically inclined? Center your reunion around a community 5K or basketball tournament.

Don't try to think inside a box. Instead, gather input and feedback from relatives. Find out what they want to do and what they think would be fun. An informal survey will help identify priorities and interests. The more information you have, the easier it will be to plan a reunion that everyone will want to attend.

All family reunions should include:

1. An initial ice breaker activity, social or time to get reacquainted.
2. Some sort of meal or food.
3. A family meeting or program. (This is your chance to discuss family business and decisions that need a "vote" from each family member. It's NOT the time to air dirty laundry.)
4. An interactive, fun group activity.

Planning a Family Reunion: Baby Step #2

Planning a successful reunion starts 1 to 2 years in advance. Don't kid yourself - it takes a long time to gather input, negotiate contracts, assemble mailing lists, print materials and plan for fun. Plus, your family will appreciate advanced notice so they can prioritize activities and make necessary travel plans. Keep an eye on your overall planning timeline.

When choosing a date, think first about what will work best for YOU, as the family reunion planner. Next identify 2-3 different dates that would work well so you can give others choices.

Most family reunions are held during the summer when school's out. However, gathering around the holidays, during spring break or in conjunction with another family event is a viable alternative. Many times your date will be contingent upon location availability.

Planning a Family Reunion: Baby Step #3

Before you can reserve an adequate facility, you must know:

• Approximately how many guests do you expect to attend?
• Do you need overnight accommodations? Will reservations be made through the family or will individuals be responsible for their own arrangements?
• What sort of kitchen and/or dining facilities do you need?
• Is a separate meeting area required?
• What kind area(s) do you need for your type of gathering? (For example, if relay games for the kids is an important family reunion element, you'll want to make sure there is an area sufficient for running and playing.) You'll likely always need a safe place for the grandkids to play and a comfortable spot for the adults to visit.

Frequently, family reunions are held in either a central geographic location or the town of the reunion planner. Meeting at "Mom and Dad's" or the family homestead is also a logical choice (if there's enough room for everyone).

Beyond Baby Steps

• communicate the date and reunion plans to your family
• research and compare reunion sites and locations
• make reservations
• recruit help and/or a planning committee
• divide the work load; make assignments based on interest and expertise
• estimate costs, determine a budget (Be realistic about expenses and share the cost estimate.)
  

  {SIDE NOTE: My brother is the money expert in our family. Check out his thoughts on managing money here. I especially like his ideas about family vacations on a budget.}

• make and send save-the-date postcards, invitations and/or other mailings
• develop menu
• determine activities, establish reunion itinerary