Organizing a family reunion is a great way to get everyone together. But how do you keep the family reunion planning process from turning into a family nightmare? Stay organized, plan together, and follow these simple guidelines!
1. Choose a date everyone can agree on
Start the planning process at least a couple of months before the actual event, and offer up several different dates to accommodate as many family members as possible. There may be conflicts in
schedules, so try to be flexible, but stress the importance of setting a date quickly so you can choose a location and make reservations, if necessary.
2. Get some family members involved
Form a committee, and communicate weekly with all the members. The committee can help decide the final date and location, help family members with travel plans, and help plan the food and
activities during the festivities. They can also help decide how long the reunion will last, whether it be a day, a weekend or more. Include children and teens on your committee, too, so the kids
have some activities geared just to their interests.
3. Choose the location
If your family is scattered around the country, try to find a central location near a large airport so family members can get in and out quickly and easily. To keep costs down, have the event at a
family member’s house or see if there is a local community room or other low-cost alternative for a really big gathering. Many local parks have group areas that you can reserve, too. Other options
include a hotel meeting room or convention center meeting room, which work well if you have a really big family to accommodate.
4. Don’t forget the food
Whether you have your reunion catered, make it a potluck, or have a picnic, make sure to include food choices for the entire family, from children to picky eaters and vegetarians. If it’s a really
big party, catering with a wide variety of food selections may be your best bet. Be aware: If you choose a hotel or convention center meeting room, you may be required to use their food service
provider.
5. Plan the activities
Decide what types of activities your family would like to enjoy, from hiking in local parks to bringing pictures and mementos for a group scrapbook you build during your reunion. Don’t forget
activities for the kids; games, crafting projects and sports are ideal, but you also can organize a talent show for the family to enjoy!
6. Organize oral histories of the family
Let some of the younger members of the family interview some of the older members for family memories. Be sure to record them on a tape recorder or video camera so they can be handed down from
generation to generation.
7. Consider Family fund-raising
If costs are mounting, think about holding some fundraisers throughout the year to help defray the costs of meeting rooms, catering and other expenses. You might have a garage sale, sell items at a
flea market, ask for family donations or hold bake sales, for example.
Remember: Family reunions should celebrate the family, make new family memories, and bring families closer together. Whatever you do, make sure you have lots of fun at your family gathering. Good
planning can make that happen.
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