Whether it’s a high school reunion, a family reunion, or even a simple gathering of old friends or co-workers who haven’t seen each other in a while, a reunion is an opportunity to reconnect, share old memories, and make plenty of new ones. From events with just a few people to celebrations attended by 100 or more guests, these special occasions come in all sizes. If you have been tasked with planning a reunion, you may not be quite sure where to start or what steps you need to take to ensure that the event is a success.
Fortunately, planning a reunion doesn’t have to be difficult. Keep reading to discover five tips that will ensure your event goes off without a hitch.
Start with a Guest List
Before you do anything else, figure out your guest list. Come up with a rough idea of how many people will be invited, and try to figure out how many of them will actually attend. Thanks to social media, this part is fairly easy. Reach out to possible guests, and see if they would like to come. Once you have an estimate of how many people are coming, you can start working out the other details.
Ask for Help
Trying to plan an entire reunion by yourself is a lot of work, and it can be incredibly overwhelming, especially for large events. Ask for help when you need it. Find a few people who are willing to lend a hand, and delegate tasks early on in the planning process.
Also, don’t be afraid to ask for financial help. Hosting a reunion can cost a lot of money, and the financial burden is often too much for one person to bear. Ask attendees if they would be willing to chip in. You’ll likely find out that most everyone is willing to do something to help out to ensure the success of the event.
Decide on a Date and Location
You may be able to plan a small gathering on short notice, but for larger reunions where a lot of guests will have to travel from out of town, pick a date that is at least a few months out. Reach out to the people who plan on attending, and ask for their input.
Choose a venue that is large enough to accommodate your entire guest list, plus a few extra people. Trust us, nothing ruins a reunion faster than finding out that there isn’t enough room for all of your guests! Backyard reunions may work for small families, but for larger family and class reunions, it’s best to book an event venue. If you are planning a reunion in the West Des Moines, Iowa, area, Knotty Pine Venue is an excellent option.
Figure Out the Menu
Do you want to serve a fancy meal complete with several courses? Or is a simple buffet more your style? Or perhaps your guests would prefer some tasty barbecue or even food truck fare. Figure out what you will serve at the event and how much food you will need. Hiring a caterer is usually the best option when you are feeding a large crowd. Meet with some local caterers, get estimates, and choose one that matches your needs and fits your budget.
Keep It Simple
A reunion is a time to get together with people you care about and enjoy each other’s company. It’s a time for sharing old memories and making new ones. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Keep the event simple and focus on what matters most – the people in attendance.
If you are looking for a place to hold a reunion near West Des Moines, we can help. Situated in the heart of Madison County, our rural facility is a perfect place to kick back, relax, and enjoy the company of family and friends. Contact us today to learn more.