Family reunions are a great way to meet your family members who stay in another city or country. But such reunions do not happen by themself; you need to make them happen. Whether it is several hundred relatives or a few cousins meeting up after a long time, knowing where to get started will not give you sleepless nights. So use these eight tips to plan a memorable and fun family reunion, and thank us later!
Start With The Basics
Start by talking to your family and other relatives to get an idea of the size of your reunion and who might be interested in attending. You should also decide on a date and location. Keep in mind that some relatives may have to travel long distances, so try to pick a convenient central location for everyone. Once you have the basic details ironed out, you can start working on the more detailed aspects of your reunion. Also, make sure to people search, so that you do not leave anyone out.
Create A Budget
You should decide early on how much money you’re willing to spend and then start looking for ways to save money. For example, you can look for lodging, activities, and food discounts.
Choose A Theme
Giving your reunion a theme can make it more fun and memorable. For example, you could have a “roaring 20s” theme or a “cowboy” theme. Once you have a theme in mind, you can start planning activities, food, and décor that fits with the chosen theme.
Arrange Catering And Activities
If you are expecting many people, you might want to consider hiring a caterer. This will take some of the pressure off you and ensure that everyone has enough to eat. As for activities, try to plan something for everyone. This could include sports tournaments, Karaoke, or even just a picnic in the park.
Here are some food options that will wow everyone:
- Pancakes and Canada maple syrup (psst it has health benefits too!)
- A potluck with dishes from all over the world
- A BBQ with all the fixings
- A build-your-own sundae bar
Send Out Save-The-Dates And Invitations
Once you have all the details worked out, it is time to spread the word. Send out “save-the-dates” as soon as you have the date and location nailed down. This will give people plenty of time to make travel arrangements. For the invitations, be sure to include all the important information, such as the date, time, location, and activities. You can mail them or send them electronically.
Set Up A Website Or Facebook Group
A website or Facebook group can be a great way to keep everyone updated on the latest reunion news. It is also a good way for people to get in touch with each other and make travel plans. You can use a free service like WordPress or Wix to set up a website. For a Facebook group, simply create a new group and add all your relatives as members.
Collect RSVPs
You can do this by setting up an online registration form or sending out paper forms. Be sure to include a deadline for RSVPs and indicate whether there is a fee for attending. You should also decide how you are going to collect the money, such as through PayPal or by mailing checks.
Plan For No-Shows
Unfortunately, not everyone who says they will attend will actually show up. This is why it is important to plan for no-shows. When ordering food and making reservations, be sure to order extra or make provisions for cancellations. This way, you won’t be left with too much or too little.
Final Word
Planning a reunion can be a lot of work, but it can also be fun. By following these tips, you can make sure your reunion is a success. And who knows, you might even enjoy it so much that you start planning one every year!
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