Family Reunion Planning Made Easy
Summer is the season for family gatherings and we are delighted that VolunteerSpot was featured on the Today Show as an essential tool for family reunion planning. Check out the show as Amy E. Goodman shares great family reunion planning ideas with Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda. Thanks, ladies!
For anyone who has ever attended a family reunion, you know they call for a lot of people, a lot of food, and (most importantly) a lot of fun! There are a few important questions to ask yourself as you begin planning your event:
- How big is this event going to be? There's a huge difference between having ten people over for dinner and organizing an event for 50-100.
- When is it going to be? Working around everyone's schedule can challenging. Find the day that works best for the majority of people, then stick with it. Here's how VolunteerSpot can help in finding the best meeting time for your family reunion.
- Where is it going to be held? Larger parties need more space, and likely a reservation at a public park or recreation center. If you choose to rent a venue, like a dude ranch, a banquet room or a large lake house, will expenses be split evenly or paid by a few?
- What are the family age ranges and activity level? Will anyone require special accomodations such as wheelchair accessible facilities or exta shade/air conditioning? Will there be interest in team activiites such as softball, soccer, and flag football or individual social activities like fishing, swimming, kayaking and bike riding? For small children, consider renting inflatbles such as a bounce house or giant slide; even the adults may join in!
- What's the budget and price sensitivity of the group? Is yours a bring-your-own/pot-luck kind of family or will you be hiring a caterer? Will this be a one-day event or overnight(s) requiring accomodations? Is everyone expected to chip in, or will a few pay for the rest?
Once you've got the big picture figured out, you're also going to need a lot of manpower to make the day (or weekend) go according to plan. Think of all the things you'll need help with - from supplying and setting up tables and tents, to bringing food and desserts, to watching little kids and organizing games and activities. Crafty family members can help with party favors or t-shirts to commorate the event and tech-savvy teens can pitch in as photographers and videographers capturing the memories for generations to come.
If that seems like a lot - don't stress! Make your planning a little bit simpler with VolunteerSpot's online signup sheets! You can ask people to pick their own spots or designate who's doing what and when and who needs to bring what and how many. It's just as simple as making a to-do list, but one that everyone can see and keep track of in real time. There will be no more forgotten potato salad, and everyone will get a bun with their hotdog. Now if only we could make sure your t-shirt designs turn out right...
