How to Plan and Organize a Family Reunion

Last Updated: December 17, 2020 Approved

Since the advent of the personal computer and network technology, genealogy research by family members has become an addictive pastime that has contributed to many happy family reunions. But what if you were asked to organize the next event? Where would you start? When should you start? Should you hire a family reunion planner, form a reunion committee or do it all yourself?

Steps

1
Ask for other family members to help with planning activities and choosing the time and place. Get the word out - let others know you're planning a family reunion event. Give family members plenty of notice. Usually three or four months advance notice will allow attendees to plan vacation time or make adjustments in scheduling.^{[1]
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2
Assign each member of your newly formed reunion committee a specific task. This could be tasks such as T-shirts and memorabilia, genealogy presentations including memorials and historic tours, entertainment, dining events, Reunion Book, entertainment, photography, etc.

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3
Give each member written instructions regarding how to execute his or her task. Create a time line reminder. Make good use of Family Reunion Planner organizers that feature schedulers and time line reminders. Make use of Event Planning Software with editable worksheets and templates.
4
Schedule the next meeting one or two months away and follow up on all action items. Keep the lines of communication wide open.^{[2]
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5
Hold each person responsible for their assignment.
6
Decide some of the main things that will occur at the reunion. For example, you may wish to honor the elders and accomplished members of the family, acknowledge those who are going through something, etc. Be sure to encourage each other.^{[3]
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- During the gathering have food and drink available.
- Share stories and anecdotes. Don't gossip or spread rumors; keep everything positive and friendly.
- Bring lots, and lots of love. Even for people you usually clash with!

Community Q&A

Question

What sorts of games or activities could my family play?

Community Answer

Try some team-based games. A popular one is a scavenger hunt. Another popular activity is a building competition: each team is given a theme, some materials, and a specific amount of time in which to complete their object. The team that builds the most creative object before the time is up wins.
Question

When planning a family reunion do I have to do just one side of my family or is it okay to have both my mom and dad's side?

Community Answer

Traditionally, a family reunion tends to revolve around one side of the family, but there's no reason that has to be the case. The more the merrier!
Question

How do I find relatives that I am looking for?

Community Answer

Ask family members for contact information and use social media to hunt down difficult-to-locate people.

Warnings

Don't settle for services simply because they are cheap and local. Get recommendations from folks who do not stand to profit.

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Don't procrastinate.

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Delegate tasks according to skill and competence.

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