How to Plan an Epic Family Reunion

Planning a family reunion might seem like a daunting challenge at first, but it’s one of those things that makes for everlasting memories for years to come. Your kids will be talking about how Grandpa showed everybody his break-dancing skills even when they are grown up themselves. The catch is knowing where to start and what really matters when bringing everyone together under one roof.

Starting with the Big Picture 

You probably already get the idea that choosing the right date and location gets everything under way. Summer weekends tend to be best for most families, but you will want to send out save-the-dates at least six months in advance. Schedules fill up faster than you think, especially those busy summer months when everyone is trying to squeeze in vacations.

The location really sets the tone for the rest. Some families love to rent out a big house or cabin where everyone can stay together in one location (which can be adorably chaotic or flat-out chaotic, depending on your family). Others like something more in the middle, like a park or community center where the guests can come and go as they please. No right or wrong here, just what will work for your particular crew.

Making It Fun for All Ages

That is where the fun factor comes in because you’re dealing with everyone from toddlers to great-grandparents. The trick is activities that can engage multiple generations at one time. You want Grandma cheering on the children while Uncle Bob wishes in his heart that he could play too.

Water sports are gold when it comes to family reunions, especially on those hot summer afternoons. An inflatable water slide rental can bring your party to a whole different level from just being another family barbecue. Kids love the excitement, teens find it cool to put their phones aside for a while, and adults get to be children again.

Food That Unites Everyone

Let’s talk about feeding the masses because this is where reunion planners get nervous most of the time. The good news, however, is that family reunions are one of those events where potluck fashion really does work beautifully. People want to bring something, and everybody has that one dish they’re known to bring to family gatherings.

Create a simple sign-up system (online spreadsheets are wonderful for this) and organize it by categories rather than letting it descend into chaos. You’ll have plenty of main courses, sides, and desserts without having twelve potato salads and no hamburgers. Don’t forget dietary restrictions either, because there’s always at least one family member who’s gone vegetarian since the last gathering.

Creating Those Lasting Memories

The activities you organize will make or break your reunion, but they don’t need to be tricky or expensive. Actually, quite often the simplest concepts have the biggest impact. Set up a photo booth with props through the decades (who doesn’t remember those enormous sunglasses of the 80s). Come up with a family trivia game with questions about different relatives and their quirks.

Games that cause individuals to walk and laugh with one another are very effective. Think of activities where there are varying degrees of skill that can be performed together. A water balloon toss works just as well for a five-year-old as for a fifty-year-old, yet the level of competitiveness is likely to be vastly different between the two.

Backup weather plans are necessary if you are planning outdoor events. Having a backup indoor location or secondary activities can save your reunion from being a rain-soaked disappointment.

Remember, perfection is not the aim, it’s connection. Some of the greatest family reunion memories come out of the events that didn’t work exactly as planned. What is important is that everyone feels included and valued, from the youngest infant to the oldest grandparent.