A family reunion is a beautiful way to bring together multiple generations and catch up with distant relatives. But planning a family reunion can be daunting, especially if you have a large family. To make sure your reunion is a success, we've compiled a list of top tips for hosting a successful family reunion.

Start Planning Early

The first step to hosting a successful family reunion is planning early. You can never start planning too early for your family reunion. However, the earlier you start, the more time you have to prepare and make arrangements. It's recommended to start planning at least six months to a year in advance to ensure family members have enough notice to make arrangements to attend. This also gives you ample time to reserve a location, set a budget, design invitations, and organize activities. Planning early can also help with budgeting, as you can take advantage of early bird discounts and avoid last-minute rush fees.

Delegate Responsibilities

Hosting a family reunion is a big task, and it can be overwhelming to manage everything alone. To ease the burden, delegate responsibilities to other family members. First, create a list of tasks that need to be accomplished, such as booking the venue, arranging for food and drink, organizing games and fun activities, and creating a schedule of events. Then, identify family members with the skills and resources to take on those tasks. It's important to communicate clearly with those who are delegated tasks so that they understand their roles and responsibilities and to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Keep Everyone Informed

When planning a family reunion, clear communication with family members is the key to ensuring a successful event. Start by establishing an overall goal or objective for the reunion, such as reconnecting with loved ones or celebrating a milestone. From there, communicate the date, time, location, and other essential details, such as lodging or activities. Next, consider setting up a group chat or email chain to share updates and information to keep everyone on the same page. By keeping everyone informed and involved in the planning process, you'll be more likely to create a memorable and enjoyable reunion for all.

Plan Activities for All Ages

Planning activities that cater to everyone's interests, regardless of age, is important. This ensures that everyone has a good time and feels included.

Here are some indoor activities you can consider for a family reunion:

Board games and puzzles: Gather some classic board games and puzzles that are fun for all ages. This is a great way to get everyone involved in a friendly competition.
Karaoke or talent show: Have a sing-along or talent show where family members can show off their skills. This is a great way to entertain each other and create some fun memories.
Family trivia: Create a trivia game with questions about family members, the family history, and fun facts about family trips and milestones.
Crafts: Get supplies for simple crafts like painting, jewelry making, or scrapbooking. This is a great way to get creative and make something together. Another wonderful option is to contact Embers Candle Bar to arrive at your event with our Candle Bus Fern. Creating custom candles for your event creates a memorable experience for your guests.
Movie night: Set up a movie screening with snacks and drinks. Choose a classic family-friendly movie that everyone can enjoy.
Cooking or baking competition: Create a cooking or baking competition where family members can showcase their culinary skills.

Here are some outdoor activities you can consider for a family reunion:

Family barbeque - set up a grill and have everyone bring their favorite summer food to share.
Outdoor games - games like frisbee, ladder toss, and bocce are great for all ages and skill levels.
Crafts: Another great option is to contact Embers Candle Bar to arrive at your event with our Candle Bus Fern. Creating custom candles for your event creates a memorable experience for your guests.
Nature walk - take a family hike or nature walk to explore the surrounding area.
Family sports tournament - friendly competition is always a hit! Consider volleyball, soccer, or a family relay race.
Scavenger hunt - create a list of items to find around the reunion site for a fun and engaging scavenger hunt.
Obstacle course - build a family-friendly obstacle course with obstacles like tunnels, hurdles, and balance beams.
Fishing tournament - if your reunion spot has fishing, consider a family fishing competition.
Canoe or kayak race - another fun water-based activity everyone can participate in.
Bonfire - gather around a campfire to roast marshmallows, tell stories, and enjoy quality time together.
Outdoor movie night - set up a projector and screen to watch a family-friendly movie under the stars.

Remember to choose activities that are inclusive and fun for everyone – kids and adults alike. Ultimately, the key to a successful family reunion is to ensure that everyone feels included and that there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Have a Backup Plan

No matter how much you plan, something unexpected can always happen. This can mean having an indoor venue booked in case of bad weather, having an alternate date, alternate transportation in case of delays, or other unforeseen circumstances. Additionally, it's a good idea to have alternative activities in case the planned activities fall through or certain family members aren't interested. One way to ensure that everyone has a good time is to plan a variety of activities and have options for different age groups. A backup plan ensures the reunion goes smoothly and everyone has a great time despite unexpected situations.

Capture Memories

Family reunions are special occasions that bring together loved ones from near and far. It's a time to reconnect and create new memories that will last a lifetime. Capturing these special moments is important so they can be cherished and shared for years to come. Whether it's taking group photos, candid shots of family members catching up, or videos, there are many ways to document the event. Make sure to share these with everyone in attendance after the reunion. You may also consider creating a printed or online family photo album or portrait to commemorate the event.

Follow Up

Following up after a family reunion is a great way to keep the connections and memories alive. Sending a message to your relatives thanking them for spending time with you at the reunion and expressing how much you appreciated their company can go a long way. You can also share some of the photographs you took during the event and ask if they would like to share theirs. Keeping in touch with your family members through social media or email can maintain the bond you built at the reunion. Making plans for the next gathering or simply checking in will show that you care and value the time spent with your loved ones. This will help you improve future family reunions.

Wrapping Up

Planning a family reunion can seem daunting, but with a good plan and proper preparation, it can be a memorable event that brings loved ones closer together. Whether you are having a small gathering or a big family affair, it's essential to communicate clearly with all family members, delegate tasks, and make sure everyone is comfortable with the plans. Remember to include activities that appeal to all ages and bring everyone together. Most importantly, cherish the time spent with family and create lasting memories that will be talked about for generations to come. Let Embers Candle Bar bring your next family reunion to life! Our Candle Bus Fern, provides a fun and memorable activity for your reunion that's sure to be remembered for years to come. You can choose from a variety of scents and colors, as well as customize the experience to the theme of your event - making it the perfect fit for your family gathering. Contact us today for more information. Happy planning!

Planning a Family Reunion - Tips to a Successful Event