Reunions are a powerful form of emotional glue, helping older family members find meaning in the past and offering younger generations cherished memories they’ll carry forward. They can also be a time to get to know new family members and connect on a deeper level. But reunion planning can feel overwhelming—especially when there are so many people and activities to consider. With a little advance preparation, however, you can turn your next family reunion into an unforgettable event that’s sure to delight everyone in attendance.
Start with a group page to share updates, polls and reminders before the event and encourage relatives to add photos and videos throughout. Then send out paper or digital invitations as soon as the date and venue are settled. If your family is spread out geographically, it’s a good idea to give attendees ample travel and lodging flexibility.
Choose a scenic setting that holds significance for your family, such as a lake resort or the village where your ancestors came from. Or host it at a local park, picnic area or event hall. Keep in mind that you’ll need to provide accessibility for elderly or physically challenged relatives, as well as food and drink options for those with allergies.
Create a family tree to display ancestors and descendants, and make it easy for everyone to navigate genealogical connections by using software like RootsMagic, FamilyTreeMaker or Gramps. You could also hold a genealogy workshop or round table, or schedule off-site time to interview great-aunt Ethel about her life.
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