School Reunion Planning Tools
Planing a reunion with former classmates you haven't seen in years has become easier through the use of social networking websites. While the Internet is helpful in establishing online friendships, it can also get old friends and classmates together under one roof to reminisce about old times and share memories. There are a number of simple planning tools that can make the task of planning a school reunion easier.
Other People Are Reading
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Yearbooks
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It may be awhile since you last saw your school peers. Memories fade and you may have forgotten names and faces needed to create a precise invitation list. To compose an accurate list of former classmates, find your old yearbooks. If you can't find your copy, locate old classmates you've kept in touch over the years to see if any of them have a copy you can borrow. You can also contact your old high school or alumni association and ask if they have a list of people in your class.
Social Networking
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Social networking websites can help you get the word out about your up-coming reunion. Create a Facebook group that includes detailed information about the event you are planning. Invite old school friends to join the group and encourage them to invite others. Create a Twitter account specifically to update former classmates about reunion plans. For former classmates who don't use social networking, contact them through mail or email. Post updates on your alumni association's website or develop a website specifically to promote your reunion.
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Planning Committee
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Establish a planning committee. Before booking a huge banquet hall or ballroom, figure out how many people are lilkely to attend the reunion. Determine a price for the tickets and how you plan to collect the money that will pay for the event. Delegate specific duties to committee members, including arranging the entertainment, food catering and any rentals needed for the event. Contact alumni groups that have reunion planning experience for advice and helpful tips.
Invitations
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Once you've developed a comprehensive list of your former classmates, send each of them an invitation, giving people plenty of time to RSVP. Depending how big your school reunion is, you may need to send out invitations through Facebook, email and through the United States Postal Service. Collect email and postal addresses well in advance before compiling and mailing invitations. Keep track of those who say they are coming, and follow up with those who haven't responded by mail or phone.
Hiring Professional Help
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If you have determined that planning your reunion is too difficult for one person or a group of volunteers, consider hiring professionals to do the job. Businesses such as Reunions and Great Reunions can assist you with the details and reduce the time you must devote to the the event. These businesses also do a good deal of the legwork needed to locate classmates. They will also send the invitations and book the venue as well as other services needed for the event.
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References
- Photo Credit people at the party image by NiDerLander from Fotolia.com
