A family reunion is a special event – but it’s also a lot of work. Coordinating the location, food, and other logistics of a party for dozens or even hundreds of people can be immensely complicated. But the result of all that work – spending time with family members that you don’t see often – is so worth it.
We’ll share a few tips on planning and pulling off a family reunion below. Wherever you’re at in the process, make planning easier with our wide selection of Minneapolis party rentals!
Ask for Help
Whether you’re inviting 20 people or 200, planning a family reunion is simply too complicated to handle alone. Break the planning down into task subgroups and delegate! A few easy tasks to assign out:
- accommodations and travel
- invitations
- t-shirts
- activities and prizes
- food and meal planning
As the “boss,” you’ll still have to be in charge of the overall plan, checking in often to ensure that tasks are completed. Online tools, such as Slack or Google Docs, can make it easier. But even if your delegates only perform a small part of each task, you’ll not only save time, but also share the ownership of the event with others.
Consider the Costs
A family reunion can get expensive, especially if the guest list is long. Before booking anything, check in with family members to see what they’re comfortable paying. A simple online survey can collect information anonymously so no one feels singled out.
Find the Best Food Option
Even if your reunion is relatively small, it’s too much to ask one person to prepare all of the food. A potluck is a great idea, with different family members assigned certain types of foods (appetizers, main dishes, desserts, etc.). If budget allows, catering food in will certainly be easier. Or how about a pig roast? Make sure you know all attendees’ food restrictions (again, an online survey is helpful here) before making final plans.
Make a Backup Plan
Where will you go if it rains? What will happen if weather interferes with travel or someone falls ill? What if the food is delayed or a planned activity doesn’t work out? Creating a few backup plans will help you feel more prepared for the what-ifs.
Make Memories
It’ll be a busy day, so take the time to stop, socialize, take pictures, and enjoy the special event you’ve worked so hard to plan!
