Family reunions are becoming increasingly popular and are a great way to get everyone you love together in one place at once. However, planning one can feel like one big test. You have to choose a location and date that works for everyone and work out all the logistics of the big day.
Planning Your Family Reunion
Besides the nitty gritty details, there’s the family reunion theme to consider. The theme can truly set the tone of the day and really add a level of fun to the entire adventure. There are so many to consider, but here are our top picks.
Movie & TV Themes
Choose a popular movie or TV show that is special to your family members. Is there something that the kids grew up watching over and over again? Personally, my cousins and I used to love to watch The Goonies. So, that would be the perfect fit! In this case, we would hone in on a pirate theme and work in lots of treasure hunts and pirate themes.
But maybe for you, it’s Mary Poppins or Star Wars. The choices are endless! Your movie choice could also be a current popular hit. It doesn’t have to be something nostalgic.
Family Circus
A circus-themed event is always enjoyable. Be sure to include popcorn, cotton candy, face painting, balloon animals, and a hired clown. As far as decorations are concerned, work on adding as many bright colors as possible. Throw in a few hula hoops and oversized wigs, and you will be good to go.
Board Games
Who doesn’t love to play board games? Consider setting up your family reunion based on some of the classic games you grew up enjoying. Divide your area into sections and design play areas filled with all the necessary equipment to play these specific games and fun activities.
When purchasing decorations, make sure you stick to the themes of the games. For example, if you are working on a Twister section, make sure you post colorful primary dots everywhere.
Cultural Theme
Honoring your family history is such a wonderful way to celebrate with family. When coming up with a family reunion theme, consider your nationality and base the decorations, cuisine, and design on what is done where your ancestors were born.
My mother was born in Malta. So, it would be important for us to serve dishes like Maltese Baked Rice Recipe and Maltese Food: Torta Recipe at my family reunion.
While enjoying your dishes, you can even display your family tree somewhere for everyone to enjoy. Why not have a photo booth next to it so you can update it! Family photos are always a great idea.
Family Olympics
A little competition is always good for the soul. Split the family up into separate teams and have some games ready to play. Think about running, jumping, lifting, breaking, an obstacle course – you name it! Whoever gets the most points wins. What the prize is … that’s up to you. Good times!
It’s all about teamwork and strategy at the family olympics. Just don’t take anything too seriously. You want to make sure the entire family comes back next year.
Costume party
Everyone loves to play dress-up – it doesn’t matter your age. Come up with a specific theme and set the tone for the evening. You could have a formal gathering or request that everyone shows up as aliens. It really doesn’t matter. As long as the lot is doing it together.
Picnic
A backyard barbecue is probably one of the simpler family reunion themes. Make it a potluck and call it a day! You could host a picnic at your local park or beach and ask each family member to pack a blanket and some snacks. The only issue is the weather. Pray for no rain! Make sure you have a backup plan. Do a little research ahead of time for plan b.
If you are spending the day at the park, make sure you have a few outdoor activities planned. Grab some hula hoops, lawn twister, throw in a treasure hunt, and end the day with a few sack races. The younger generations will love that. As long as you spend quality time together, it will be a home run.
Delegating Tasks for the Family Reunion
Now that we’ve discussed themes, it’s important to get some help to pull it off. You will need to grab a few family members to assist with coming up with your plan. Hosting a family reunion is daunting, especially if you have a larger group. Here are a few things to consider:
- Where to gather / venue
- Activities to do
- Hotel accommodations
- Transportation
- Food
- Seating assignments
- Announcements
- Invites / RSVPs
- Family T-Shirts
- Time capsule
- Fun games
- Entertainment / music
- Misc.
It might be wise to assign a person to each of these tasks. That way, you can be sure to have one single mind coordinating each assignment.
When To Host Your Family Reunion
It will be almost impossible to get everyone to attend on the date you select, but if you plan far enough in advance, the odds will be in your favor. Here are a few tips to ensure you will have the largest crowd on your big day:
- have your family reunion on the same day every year
- schedule your family reunion around a holiday, birthday, anniversary, long weekend
- send out a text message and give the group three options before selecting the final date
If you have a large family, it’s always best to organize early. The perfect time to send the invite out is NOW. There won’t be a single family member that will be upset that you sent it out too early. Trust me. The majority of your family members will need the notice. It’s all about pre-booking the family fun.
Who Should Be Invited To The Family Reunion?
The truth is you can invite whoever you want to a family reunion. Distant cousins are more than welcome as long as you are able to accommodate the masses. The question is whether or not you are willing to manage that many people.
Most family reunions consist of close and immediate family members only:
- parents
- siblings
- first cousins
- aunts and uncles
- grandparents
However, go with your gut and invite who you feel is important to you. Family is not only defined by blood. We all know that. Don’t omit the extended family because you think you have to. Get the whole family involved. Those family gatherings are best.
So, what theme will you choose for your next family reunion? I hope we gave you some fun family reunion ideas! There are so many more to choose from, of course! Think about a talent show or a Mardi Gras theme as well. Take everyone to a ball game! Have a family trivia night. The list goes on and on.