How to Organize a Class Reunion

A class reunion should be a joyful occasion where the participants can reconnect with each other and remember the "good times" of their shared school experience. With that in mind, the organizers don't need to focus so much on making this a big, showy event. The main thing is to find and invite as many classmates as possible, and give them room to mingle.

Things You'll Need

• Classmate information
• Budget
• List of possible venues

Instructions

1. Form a reunion committee of at least four enthusiastic classmates and settle on an actual date the year before the actual reunion. The date should be on a weekend during top vacation times. The committee must also set a schedule for the group meetings and when each element of the planning needs to be done. Meetings should be held at least once a month.

2. Plan a budget and set any ticket prices to cover expenses. Factor in the possibility that most attendees will bring a spouse, so set prices low enough for two. The budget also needs to cover hall rental costs, decorations, entertainment, food and paper invitations (if any). The old school may be willing to host the reunion. If the reunion is held in a hotel ballroom, ask the hotel about discount rates for guests connected to the reunion and catering.

3. Plan out the evening's entertainment and program. Any speakers, prizes, music selections and video presentations need to be determined by the committee. If you plan to have a memorabilia table, someone needs to arrange that. Assign someone from the committee to take care of each element of the event, and an overall entertainment chair to schedule those events.

4. Plan other weekend activities since many classmates may travel from out of town and will need other things to do besides the party. Check city entertainment schedules well in advance, and, if possible, schedule the reunion on the same weekend (but not the same night) as another big event. Some reunions are set up around a sporting event involving the school, or a concert or theatrical event.

5. Start tracking down alumni no later than nine months before the reunion. Internet options have made this easier than it was in previous generations, but it may still take time to locate addresses for individuals. All classmates should be sent a notice that plans are underway for the reunion. This notice should be sent a month or so into the planning process. The invitations, with RSVP's, should go out at least three months in advance.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask for help from other classmates.

• Save money on invitations by sending out evites instead.

• Don't go over your budget because you'll be the one having to foot the bill.

• Don't agonize over last-minute details; everyone will have fun no matter what they do.

References

• Alumni Class: Reunion Committee
• Classmates