Family reunions are special occasions in which loved ones are able to come together, catch up with one another, and create memories that last a lifetime. They are the perfect opportunity to reconnect, meet new family members, and renew relationships.
A reunion should leave a lasting impression on everyone, from small children to great-grandparents. We are here to help you plan! This blog is designed to walk you through the process of family reunion planning that will give everyone a sense of warmth, connection, and belonging.
Create a Budget & Task List
The first thing you need to do is set a budget. You can either pay alone or have all the guests contribute to the cost of the event. Consider the venue cost, how many people will be attending, the entertainment and activities, accommodations, and, of course, food and drinks. You’ll want to keep it affordable for everyone. The last thing you want is for family members to decline the invitation because of cost, so set a budget that is sensible for everyone in your family.
A task list can be useful in organizing the event and ensuring that your reunion goes smoothly and is enjoyable for everyone. Your task list might consist of items such as:
- Forming a committee and assigning roles/jobs
- Find the best date
- Secure the location
- Planning activities
- Planning the menu
- Sending invites
- Arranging accommodations
- Deciding on entertainment
- Arranging for photography
- Preparing name tags and gift bags
Creating an effective communication channel is important, especially for sharing family reunion ideas. The event organizer should create a website that includes a group chat for planning.
Plan to Eat
The menu is an integral part of any family reunion. Although you can do the cooking yourself, hiring a caterer is much less stressful, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your family. A caterer can provide a cohesive menu that meets everyone’s dietary needs and preferences.
Green Mill Catering has family-style, buffet, and plated options, so whether you prefer Almond Crusted Chicken or Grilled Sirloin, we have a menu that works for you. In addition, we are approved to serve at all the best Twin Cities venues . We will also take care of cleaning up after the event, taking pressure off of the host.
Choose the Location For Your Event
If you have a large family, holding the reunion at an event center may be a good idea. This is more comfortable and will offer more seating space for the attendees. Decide if you want to hold the reunion indoors or outdoors.
If it will be outside, have a backup plan in case of inclement weather. Choose a location that is convenient for most and easily accessible. Consider parking and how close the venue is to hotels and airports. Remember – you won’t be able to cater to every single person, so focus on what works for the majority of the family members.
Include Games and Entertainment Options
You want everyone to have a great time, so you’ll have to plan age-appropriate games and entertainment. Board games and scavenger hunts are wonderful, especially for children. A talent show is also entertaining.
If the event lasts into the evening, you may want to have music and dancing or a dance contest with prizes. You can even have a bake-off to see who can create the best dessert.
Create a Memorable Photo Opportunity
No family reunion is complete without photographs. Perhaps a photo booth or a professional photographer is in the budget. If someone in the family takes professional photos, you may want to use their services but compensate them for doing so.
Plan on some candid pictures, a group picture, and individual photographs of everyone. Include pictures of the food and decor as well.
Focus On The Memories: Cater Your Reunion With Green Mill Catering
Planning a reunion all on your own can quickly become overwhelming, which is exactly why Green Mill Catering is here to help. We offer the best family reunion catering services in the Twin Cities area for all tastes and preferences.
No matter your budget, we can help create a fantastic event with full-service food and beverage catering so you can stress less and enjoy more. The menu can be as simple as boxed lunches or as elegant as a sit-down dinner. When you are ready to plan a truly memorable reunion, contact us to see how we can ease your family reunion planning.