A Family Affair

It’s hard to believe that we are starting November already. The year has gone by so quickly, and now we are entering the holidays. When thinking about the holidays, it’s only natural to also think about family. Holidays and family go hand in hand.

When you think about your family, what do you think of? Each family has its own folklore, personality, and holiday traditions that make the season special. This year, while the family is together, what better time to start planning a family reunion?

Some may ask, why bother? What’s the purpose of a family reunion? Most importantly, the family reunion is the perfect way to pass on the family’s customs that makes it unique. It also provides a sense of belonging. Finally, if done correctly, it’s just loads of fun. The key phrase, though, is, “If done correctly.”

4 preliminary items to discuss with the family when planning a family reunion are:

1. Who will be the lead?

First and foremost, there has to be someone that will be in charge of the affair. Who is the person that is most committed to putting in hours of work over the long haul? This person won’t do everything, and, quite frankly, this is a great time to engage an experienced event planner (me, :-) ). However, to assist the planner, this person should be acquainted with several of the cross-generational family members and be well organized.

2. What dates and timeframe are you considering?

Summer months tend to be the best time for a family reunion. Since this is when youngsters are out of school, it typically is the most convenient time for parents. However, the location and proximity of participants will be significant factors in this decision as will the length of the reunion. Will the reunion conclude in one day or cover multiple days? Possibly there’s a specific day that is particularly special for the family that could dictate the reunion date (for instance, the grandparent’s wedding anniversary).

3. Location?

This is the most significant decision and will impact who and how many people will attend. If the majority of the family members live near each other, it will be convenient to pick a local venue. However, there will undoubtedly be some who will prefer other options. For example, a destination reunion at one of the Caribbean Beaches Resorts is a perfect vacation opportunity while visiting with family. They are family-friendly and also offer a wide range of activities to suit lots of interests. While destination reunions might be more expensive than a local event, with ample notice, people can plan ahead.

4. Theme?

It’s always nice to build all events around a theme. It provides a cohesive element that can be incorporated in all aspects of the event. A family reunion is no different. An excellent place to start is to identify the family’s unique characteristics and develop a theme around that.

At the end of the day, there’s nothing more important or influential than family. So, celebrate in the grandest way possible because it’s a family affair! If you need help planning a family reunion for your family, I would love to be a resource for you; take a moment and contact me today for some great resources for family reunions.