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how to plan a family reunion
reunions are happy occasions where
families can gather to catch up on each
other's lives strengthen family ties and
keep family memories alive
in these days of families fractured by
busy careers hectic lifestyles
geographical distance and divorce
family get-togethers serve to solidify
the common roots and bonds that make us
family
so if you're thinking of putting
together such an event
the following may help you learn how to
plan a family reunion
one find a consensus
try to determine whether the rest of the
family is interested in a reunion
bear in mind that if you're the one
initiating the activity
then chances are that you'll be the one
tasked to organize it
if that's something you'd like to do and
you can stand the stress the frayed
nerves and the sometimes thankless
challenge of putting the event together
without having multiple meltdowns then
go for it
once you get the confirmation that the
rest of the family wants a reunion just
as much as you do
then you can proceed
two
find ringleaders
depending on how big your family is and
how far up in the family tree you want
to go with a reunion
find the ringleaders who can help you
if it's for an entire clan
you can enlist the help of a member of
each branch of the family
if it's just your immediate family then
find a member usually the wife and
mother of each individual family
or even specific members who have the
talent for the assignment you have in
mind for them
make sure they are people who are
reliable and willing
you will need help with getting
information back and forth
leading committees and doing specific
activities
three find the necessary info
you will need to know how many people
compose the family their ages genders
lodging preferences dietary requirements
travel details etc
how many can attend
how many are unsure
when is the best possible time for
everyone concerned
and then you have to call or go around
checking out possible venues what's
required for booking
finding possible places that the family
can go or activities to do and negotiate
possible deals
you may also want to explore catering
and lodging options based on the
information you received from the
various family members
four find the logistics
now it's time to get down to the brass
tax
come up with a budget keeping in mind
that it has to be within everybody's
means and no one is left out make sure
that the budget is reasonable and that
you will not be compelled to spend much
of your own money just to make it happen
unless you were intending to do that
from the start
make several options available for
travel and lodging so that participants
have a leeway to prioritize their
spending
don't assume that members attach the
same value to activities as you do
you may think that a visit to a museum
is a must
but others think it's a needless expense
communicate
communicate
and communicate
try to avoid any surprises and hidden
expenses
five have the reunion
send out invitations
arrange the activities with the help of
family
games and or sports
a program or talent night
tours visits shopping expeditions
outdoor adventures
commemorative photo shoot etc
assign an official family photographer
to document the event and an assistant
to help the photographer out
and to ensure that there are also photos
of the photographer
have you noticed that photographers are
never in pictures because they're always
behind the camera
so if you don't have a professional
photographer around
make sure someone also takes photos of
the photographer
if you have scrapbookers in the family
take advantage of their gift and ask
them to scrapbook the reunion for the
family
it will make a good souvenir for family
members
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planning a family reunion is the same as
putting together any other event
you need strong organizational skills
good communication and reliable support
but doing it for family is a loving
gesture that will enhance the family's
ties
and foster memories that will be
cherished for years to come how to plan
a family reunion is easy actually
it's going through with it that's
tiresome
but it will be a heartwarming enriching
experience
and well worth the effort
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