How to Plan and Organize a Family Reunion

Co-authored by Stefanie Chu-Leong

Last Updated: May 132025 Approved

Since the advent of the personal computer and network technologygenealogy 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 plannerform a reunion committee or do it all yourself?

Steps

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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This could be tasks such as T-shirts and memorabiliagenealogy presentations including memorials and historic toursentertainmentdining eventsReunion Bookentertainmentphotographyetc.

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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.
Keep the lines of communication wide open.^{[2]
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Decide some of the main things that will occur at the reunion. For exampleyou may wish to honor the elders and accomplished members of the familyacknowledge those who are going through somethingetc. Be sure to encourage each other.
- During the gathering have food and drink available.
- Share stories and anecdotes. Don't gossip or spread rumors; keep everything positive and friendly.
- Bring lotsand lots of love. Even for people you usually clash with!
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Question

What should I do if my guests haven't responded to my party invite?

Stefanie Chu-Leong
Professional Event Planner
Stefanie Chu-Leong is the Owner and Senior Event Planner for Stellify Eventsan event management business based in the San Francisco Bay Area and California Central Valley. Stefanie has over 15 years of event planning experience and specializes in large-scale events and special occasions. She has a BA in Marketing from San Francisco State University.

Stefanie Chu-Leong

Professional Event Planner

Expert Answer

You have to do some personalization. The host should say"Heywe are so happy for you to come. We are about to submit our headcount for the mealso we can make sure that you eat." Having that warm conversation helps a lot.

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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 themesome materialsand 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.

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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

Traditionallya family reunion tends to revolve around one side of the familybut there's no reason that has to be the case. The more the merrier!

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Tips

There are many family reunion planning tools online. Make use of planning material that features the following: a time linepreparation remindersscheduling worksheetscommittee assignment sheetsreunion needs listsmeal planners and checklists and T-Shirt Rosters.

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There are many ways to do your family reunion on the cheap. You can get free stuff from your local Chamber of Commercemuseums and tourist centersfind free spots to congregate at universitiesand get free invitations and eCards online.

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You might like to consider holding a small family gathering to plan and organize a committee for starting annual or regular family reunions. It depends on how much effort you wish to put in.

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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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