Planning a family reunion

[binny]

HELP!!!

How do I start this?
My cousin in Michigan and I are in the planning stages of a family reunion.
Does anyone know to even begin such a huge undertaking?


We decided it would be summer of 06 to give everyone plenty of time and get stuff together. This is for people all over the country.

 

[Jenn Lynn]

Originally posted by binny
HELP!!!

How do I start this?
My cousin in Michigan and I are in the planning stages of a family reunion.
Does anyone know to even begin such a huge undertaking?


We decided it would be summer of 06 to give everyone plenty of time and get stuff together. This is for people all over the country.

I have never done this, but I think I would start with location and dates. Research the area so you can decide what activites you are going to do.

Will most people be staying in hotels? I would call and try to get a group rate, like for a wedding.

Are you going to do a couple of days worth of activities? Any adult only activities? Entertainment for kids?

Is there going to be a fee so everyone can help with the cost?

A park is a good location for a family reunion. What about food and supplies?

 

[piratesmate]

I haven't done it either....I just attend a bunch already in progress. However, Good Morning America did a segment on this topic earlier this week. You might want to check out their Web site to see what ideas they had.

Good luck!

 

[Blondie]

DH and I were the ones in charge for the family reunion we had a few years back.

First we picked the date. When you start asking people what dates are good for them, it becomes an all out hassle trying to find a date that is good for "everyone" because there will always be someone that has something going on any specific date.

We also picked the place (Myrtle Beach) and the hotel which had several different room types to choose from in various price ranges. We listed their website and mentioned to make their reservations early as the place booked up quickly during summer months. We then printed out the invitations and mailed them out. It was a good 6 months in advance that we did this.

It ended up being a great success! There were some family members that couldn't attend for one reason or another, but we had family from Florida, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Virginia and New Jersey! It was great!

 

[froglady]

We do this every year. One BIL enjoys making the arrangements, as he owns several timeshares, so can use exchanges. He has others reimburse him for any out of pocket expense involved. (We also have one, so use ours.)

Every family has their own unit (except for one single SIL who shares with another couple) and we each take turns hosting one dinner at our condo, and eat out the other nights.

At the end of the week, we vote on whether or not we'll return to a particular resort, with each person listing pros and cons.

The only requirements are that there be more than one golf course close by, tennis available, and swimming. There also have to be activities for the non-golfers within a short drive.

We enjoy the Fairfield resorts the most.

One SIL is a teacher, so that limits us to July and August. Since we do this every year, it's easier to plan. It involves lots of e-mails, but we can get it done by January.