GETTING READY TO PLAN A FAMILY REUNION? DO THESE 5 THINGS FIRST:
Recent technology has allowed families to stay in communication with each other. We have social media, email, and video chatting applications that allow us to actually see each other while conversing about everything from weather to life’s meaning. But, nothing beats seeing family in person. Although many have made comedic and satirical movies out of the concept of family get-togethers, people continue to do so. Getting everyone to agree to all the necessary logistics can be a tough and confusing problem for even the most type-A planner. Are you getting ready to plan a family reunion? Do these 5 things first.
1. Plan ahead of time
If you have ever tried, during the holidays or an event, to get all of your family together and simply decide on a place to eat dinner, you know that organizing and agreeing on anything as a family can be a long and drawn out process. Give yourself plenty of time when organizing a family reunion as members will need to take time off of work, purchase flights or rental vehicles, and make sure their schedules are free.
2. Send out a survey
It is rare that you will be able to get everyone together at once due to all the different obligations each family member will have. However, sending out a pre-planning survey will usually help you create plans that will allow the most amount of family members to join. You can easily set up a survey online and email it to all the family members. The questions should ask about times, places, and other logistical information and can even include questions about food and dietary restrictions.
3. Send out formal invites
Once you have decided on a plan, it never hurts to send out formal invites. Much like a wedding, it helps to get a head count of everyone who will be able to attend the event. Schedules and plans change for individuals quite quickly. Having RSVP invites sent out will allow you to get more accurate numbers to work with as well as encourage participants to stick to their word and show up.
4. Have a plan of action
A few days before the family members begin to arrive, have a plan of action in place. Participants will likely be out of their element in a new city or town and will need rides or directions to get to their hotels or your residence if they are staying with you. Having a plan in place prior to the arrival date will help everything flow smoothly.
5. Reserve your convention space as early as possible
In the survey you sent out, you will have likely asked for a vote on where to rent space to hold the event. Small and charming towns will often have plenty of lodgings such as inns, bed and breakfasts, and cabins to stay at. Historic buildings and halls can be rented out and local mom and pop shops can provide the food needed to feed the whole extended family.
Follow these tips and make sure your event goes off without a hitch.