by C. Lee Cawley

C. Lee Cawley

July is National Family Reunion Month, a time to reconnect with loved ones and create lasting memories. But planning a large gathering can feel overwhelming! Fear not, with a little organization, you can transform reunion planning from a stressful marathon into a joyful sprint.

 

The Planning Phase - Laying the Foundation for Fun

1 - Communication is King: Create a central hub for information sharing, like a dedicated email address or online forum. Send digital invitations with details like dates, locations, accommodation, and directions. Online tools like shared calendars and collaborative documents will help keep everyone on the same page.

2 - Name Tag Know-How: Designate different colors for family branches.  Add space for nicknames, fun facts, or hometowns to spark conversation. Have extras on hand for last-minute arrivals.  

3 - Conquering the Culinary Conundrum:  Harness the family's culinary talents! Create a potluck sign-up sheet to ensure a diverse spread and encourage guests to indicate dietary restrictions. Delegate tasks like appetizers, drinks, and grilling among trusted family members. Plan ahead for leftover storage to avoid waste and allow second helpings at home! 

4 - Catering to All Ages: Schedule a mix of activities for different age groups and interests: board games, crafts, scavenger hunts for the young ones, or hold a family talent show. Create quiet relaxation areas for older relatives or parents with young children.  Consider hiring babysitters or organizing supervised group activities for young children.

 

Event Time - Making Memories Together

5 - Embrace the History: Create a visual family tree with names, ages, and maybe even photos. Set up a space to display family heirlooms and photo albums.  Encourage guests to bring their contributions and share stories.  Designate someone to capture photos and videos throughout the event for a lasting record.

6 – Activities for All:  Plan a mix of activities throughout the reunion.  Think: water balloon toss with sponges instead of balloons, a beanbag toss competition, or charades. Award silly prizes and celebrate participation over winning.

7 - Delegation is Key: Delegate tasks throughout the event.  Assign someone to manage the music, oversee the games, man the grill, pack up leftovers, refresh the ice, be the clean-up crew, or snap photos. This distributes the workload and ensures everything runs smoothly.

8 - Embrace the Unexpected:  Leave room in the schedule for impromptu storytelling sessions or games. The most cherished memories are often born from unexpected moments of connection.

 

Afterward - Keeping the Spirit Alive

9 - Share the Memories: Create a shared online album or video montage to capture the reunion's highlights. Post it for family members to relive the fun!

By following these tips you can ensure your family reunion is an organized and joyful event filled with lasting memories.  So get ready to reconnect, reminisce, and create new family traditions – your stress-free, well-planned reunion awaits!

 

Bonus: Reunion Supply Checklist!

Sunscreen (if outdoors)

Hand fans (if outdoors)

Bug spray (if outdoors)

Hand sanitizer

Trash bags

Plates, cups, utensils (if not provided at venue)

Condiments and serving platters (for potluck dishes)

Food storage containers (for leftovers)

Coolers (for drinks and leftovers)

Games and sports equipment

Chairs (if not provided at venue)

Flashlights or lanterns (for evening events)

Toilet paper (especially if using outdoor facilities)

S’mores supplies (if having a bonfire)

Cash for any unexpected expenses

For more information, contact C. Lee Cawley.