Family reunions are about gathering relatives from near and far in one place for a few days of catching up on each other's lives, playing games, sharing traditions and creating new memories.

No-Stress Planning

Planning a family reunion can be lots of fun, or not, depending on how you go about it. Here’s a guide to arranging an event that will be joyful and (almost) stress-free.

1. What’s the goal of the reunion: Do you want to get reacquainted with relatives you haven’t seen for a while? Meet new relatives? Or just spend extended time with loved ones? The goal will determine the size, scope and timing of the event.
2. Want to avoid stress? Don’t go it alone:  Create a planning committee of relatives who’ll be responsible for specific tasks.
3. Set up a budget:  Include every possible expense from beverages to T-shirts. Then add 10% for unexpected last-minute expenses. Decide how family members will be billed and how cash will be handled.
4. Choose a time of year that’s more affordable: While the summer holidays (and sometimes winter ones) are popular for reunions, many hotels offer deep discounts during the off-season.
5. Communicate with family members often: Set-up a reunion web site or send monthly or bi-weekly e-mails.
6. Keep meals simple: Consider asking everybody to bring food and a grill. Potlucks are another good option, especially if relatives bring favorite family dishes. Party trays from the deli are another option. That can mean anything from meat-and-cheese trays to sandwich trays, chicken party packs, veggie trays, dessert trays and more.
7. Create memories: Request family recipes in advance and combine them into a cookbook for a great reunion memento.