How to Become the Family Reunion Planner for Your Family

If your family doesn't come together for a family reunion each year, perhaps it is time for someone to step up and become the family reunion planner. Interested? Being the family reunion planner is not nearly so daunting as it may seem and you just might find the process of planning a family reunion quite enjoyable.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Declare Yourself the Family Reunion Planner
   This step is necessary, just in case someone else is considering the job. Tell everyone in your clan to get the word out that you are officially the family reunion planner.

2. Enlist Family Reunion Planner Helpers
   You'll have a much easier time as the head family reunion planner if you get help from other family members who can volunteer their time and talents. Key areas where you might enlist help include: food, invitations, and games and activities. Be sure to put someone in charge of the family reunion photo as well.

3. Put Your Feelers Out
   Informally poll various family members to whom you are close to determine what sort of family reunion they might enjoy. A family reunion cruise? A backyard barbecue? A family reunion that doubles as a Christmas party? Once you have an idea where a majority of the interest lies, you can move forward with official family reunion plans.

4. Develop the Family Reunion Invitation List
   Working with other family members, develop an extensive list of family reunion invitees. You will most definitely need help with tracking down the various distant relatives that should be included on your list so don't be shy about asking for a lot of help in this area.

5. Make Some Executive Family Reunion Planner Decisions
   Use the input of your inner circle of family reunion planner helpers to make some important decisions. As the family reunion planner, you will make the ultimate decision regarding where and when the family reunion will be held. Make a decision and stick with it. Realize that no matter what you decide on, there is no way to make everyone happy. Trust your choice.

6. Handle the Details
   As family reunion planner, you will need to reserve a location and plan on food, lodging (if needed) and an itenerary for the family reunion. Again, rely on the input of your inner circle, but trust your instincts.

7. Invite everyone and their brother. (Literally.)
   Send your invitations and be sure to include the distant relatives. Family reunions are all about socializing with family members that were strangers to you prior to the big event.

8. Continue the Oversight of Important Details
   As the family reunion planner, you'll need to stay on top of the details. Even if you have put other family members in charge of various things, you should still double check to make sure the location is secured, the food is properly planned, etc.

9. Enjoy the Family Reunion
   Once you've planned it and you have seen to it that everything is properly managed, enjoy the fruits of your labor. Get to know long lost cousins and start making friends with your family.

Tips & Warnings

• Once the family reunion has come and gone, consider using the family reunion photo to make charming gifts. See related articles for more information.
• Consider sending a family reunion newsletter during the planning process to keep everyone abreast of the plans you are making. See related articles for help with this.
• Need ideas for family reunion favors? Check related articles for affordable options.