Family Reunions

More and more families are searching for their “roots” and as a result, family reunions are becoming increasingly important as people turn towards their family for a sense of belonging.

With improved communication and transportation, families are in closer contact with the more distant members of the clan. These days, a reunion might involve at least 50 people from thousands of miles apart. The host family doesn’t live in the same village as in days of old. The large multi-generation farm or house is long gone and Grandma and Grandpa are unable to put everybody up for a week

Bed and breakfasts make fantastic locales for family reunions. One of the beauties being that family groups can be accommodated in one homey place and if the reunion has larger, multiple family groupings they can be accommodated at nearby inns. Some inns have wonderful spaces designed for all sorts of gatherings where the group activities can take place. In other communities, local community centers, church halls and other rentable spaces can be used for larger events with favorite family activities held in the evenings at the inn or inns. Hearts or checkers anyone?

My family holds an annual reunion in semi rural Indiana that takes place in bed and breakfasts, family members homes and at a nearby state park and lodge. The event culminates with baseball, a potluck (with traditional family dishes of course) and a hilarious white elephant gift exchange.


Where a family reunion is held depends on a number of factors. Many families want to return to the area that they consider the family home. While other families prefer a destination where they won’t be interrupted or bothered by outside distractions. What works best for you? The first phase of planning is up to you. Only you know the guest list and where everyone in your clan will be able to enjoy some time together.

Each family is unique, and as various options are discussed there will probably be a marvelous mixing of ideas or perhaps an obvious and mutually agreed upon proposition on which to follow up. You want your reunion memories to be good, so take the time to plan a great one.

Pamela




You can print this check list by clicking the print button at the end of the list

18 Months Before
Appoint a chairperson.
Explore various family reunion ideas.
Start to prepare an invitation list.
Start a list of things that will need to be paid for and payment options.

12 Months Before
Select a date.
Create a budget.
Send out the invitations.
Make tentative reservations at the reunion site.
Collect family memorabilia and create a family tree or history

Nine Months Before
Finish compiling your guest list.
Assign duties.
Start building your reunion itinerary
Send out a newsletter.
Make final reservations.
Ask for family memorabilia to display.
Come up with a reunion souvenir (T-shirts, a collection of recipes or copies of the family tree).
Plan activities, games, and entertainment.

Three Months Before
Send out another newsletter, updating the guest list and what's in store for this event. Also break down the budget and provide everyone with expected costs.
together maps and directions for out-of-town guests.
Order the souvenirs.
Decide on meals.
Create a shopping list.
Next newsletter should include information about what food to bring.

One Month Before
Confirm your reservations.
Send next newsletter with updates.
In case of bad weather, come up with some alternatives.

Three Weeks Before
Create signs to place along highways directing family members to the reunion site.
Committee should discuss any unpaid bills

Two Weeks Before
Make sure that the souvenirs are almost completed.
Purchase all food items that won’t spoil.
Purchase all supplies (for example, paper plates, utensils, etc.).

One Week Before/Week of Reunion
Organize the reunion site.
Buy all perishable food items.
Pick up the souvenirs.
Verify your reservations one last time.

At the Reunion
Make sure camera is loaded.
Get acquainted activities..
Collect updated information from family members before they leave.
Poll the family about what they’d like to do for next year’s event.
Call for volunteers.

Post Reunion
Send updated newsletter with tales about the reunion.
Discuss any outstanding bills with committee.
Send thank you notes to those who helped with the reunion.
Take a deep breath and start planning next year’s reunion.