I may have gotten ahead of myself in this family reunion planning series, since technically this post should have come before my post about budget, venue, and food. Considering the type of reunion you will have, and any theme you may want, will help tremendously when determining your reunion budget.
TYPES
Small, intimate gatherings are probably the easiest and most inexpensive family reunions to plan. These often include just a few of your closest family members, and may be held in celebration of a special event, such as an anniversary, birthday, graduation, baby shower, etc.
Medium-sized family reunions can also be simple and inexpensive to plan. These gatherings often include extended relatives that you may not see on a regular basis, such as aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.
Large family reunions include relatives from all over the country, and possible world. Some large gatherings include anyone that shares a particular surname, while others only invite relatives who share a common ancestor. These reunions take the most planning, are usually the most expensive, and should be announced far in advance.
THEMES
Family History: A reunion with a theme based on the family’s history could be held at the ancestral home or hometown. Serve foods that come from old family recipes, play games that your ancestors may have enjoyed, ask guests to dress in period clothing, and make homemade decorations using only supplies that would have been available to your ancestors.
Luau: A luau can be held on the beach or near a swimming pool. Serve traditional Hawaiian foods, host a pig roast, ask guests to where grass skirts, play Limbo, hula dance, and decorate with large exotic flowers, tiki torches, straw huts, and more.
Barbecue: A barbecue theme can be held in a nearby park or the backyard. Serve foods that are good for grilling (burgers, chicken, hot dogs) and side dishes (you could ask guests to bring a dish), play volleyball, horseshoes, and have a three-legged race.