15 MONTHS OUT

Begin building an invitation list and send letters or emails asking for family input on reunion activities and locations, include a “please respond by” deadline.

Start a list of things that will need to be paid for and payment options.

Organize a committee to prepare for the event.

Look into building a Web site for your family and the reunion; discuss its design.



ONE YEAR OUT

Pick a date (stick with it no matter what!) and location.

Send invitations with contact info, location, times and an RSVP date no more than three months after the send out. If there is a registration fee to cover expenses, ask that that family members send it with their confirmation.

Make tentative reservations at the reunion site.

Launch your family reunion Web site.

NINE MONTHS OUT

Work on your guest list.

Start building your reunion itinerary and a newsletter. Send both through e-mail and “snail mail“ to your family members to keep them up to date.

Make final reservations--remember that some family members will have to cancel, and others may decide to show up at the last minute.

Have the committee come up with a reunion souvenir or package (T-shirts, for example).

SIX MONTHS OUT

Send another newsletter with itinerary, updated guest list, maps and directions for out-of-town guests.

THREE MONTHS OUT

Send newsletter with local weather information and clothing tips for out-of-town guests. Also, ask for event volunteers and include food items to bring. If you have a Web site, post the info there too.

Start to plan the meals.

Build a shopping list.

Update your Web site.

ONE MONTH OUT

Confirm your reservations (venues sometimes lose information).

Come up with rainy day alternatives.

Send out another newsletter--let everyone know things are going according to plan and you're looking forward to seeing them soon.

THREE WEEKS OUT

Have the committee discuss any outstanding bills.

Make signs to post along roadways directing your family members to the reunion site.

Don't forget about your own family--start getting them ready for this event.

TWO WEEKS OUT

Buy all non-perishable food items.

Buy all supplies (for example, disposable cameras, paper plates, etc.).

Confirm that the souvenirs (for example, T-shirts) are almost finished.

ONE WEEK OUT/WEEK OF REUNION

Buy all perishable food items.

Re-confirm your reservations.

Pick up all souvenirs.

Set up the reunion site.

POST REUNION

Send out thank you notes to everyone who helped you plan your get-together.

Send out an updated newsletter to everyone in the family, including those who couldn't make it, with stories about what happened during your family time together. Post the information on the Web site.

Have a post-reunion committee meeting to discuss any outstanding bills.

Start planning your next reunion!

-compiled from FamilyFun.com