If you’re thinking about coordinating your next family reunion, be prepared to have some fun — and forget about the stress. All you need to start making your next family get-together a success is a computer, a few basic supplies and some planning.
Set the Date
First, contact your family members and figure out a date that’s good for everyone. If your family members live far apart, you’ll need to find a good location that works for everyone. Also, make sure there are accommodations for those who will be traveling. Once the date is set, the fun part begins—it’s time to get creative with the event theme and invitation design.
Create the Invitations
Looking for inspiration for your invitations? We have tons of ideas, including free designs and templates at Avery Design & Print Online. We can help you create invitations, banners and other event materials, and you’ll get to choose from a wide range of fonts, graphics and colors. Our projects come with easy-to-follow instructions, and we also provide suggestions on what products you’ll need for each project.
Set up a Timeline
Professional planners suggest creating a timeline like one you use for office meetings, which can help make your family reunion a success—without the stress.
- Once the date has been set send a save-the-date postcard or magnetic card so family members will have time to make travel arrangements.
- A month before the reunion, send out your invitations.
- Two to three weeks before, confirm RSVPs, plan the menu, create your food list and purchase or begin making favors.Fun party favors you can make for everyone are specially designed t-shirts with t-shirt transfers. You can include the reunion date, photos or whatever you want to make it just as memorable as your event.
- One week before, urchase non-perishable food items and call invitees who haven’t RSVP’d. If you’re planning on background music, make your selections.
- Two to three days before, buy any fresh food you’ll need.
- One day before, prepare food that can be stored overnight. Set the table and put beverages on ice.
- The night before, get a good night’s sleep!
- After the event, download all the pictures that were taken and share via email, or create a digital scrapbook online or on a CD for family members.
Now you’ve got the basics to planning a family reunion. With some creativity and some help from family, you’re on your way to making your reunion a big hit.
