Gatherings successful with good planning

Family reunions are as different as the family members who attend them. Some families consider a monthly Sunday lunch a reunion. Other families gather several generations for a week-long annual celebration.
  
Whether your family gathers to celebrate the birthday of an elderly family member, the wedding anniversary of a special couple, or simply the fact that you are a family, the event should be a great day for all who participate.
   
The first step in the process is to make the decision to have a reunion. Once the decision has been made, planning is critical to the success of the event.
   
While there is no formula for a successful family reunion, the following questions can guide you in the planning process.
   
–When will the reunion be held? Choose a date far enough in the future that will allow people to save the date.
   
A long holiday weekend may be a good choice for a reunion, but people may also have long-standing plans for those weekends as well.
   
Time of year is important as well. Warm summer months offer many outdoor recreational activities depending on the location, but these can also be busy times for parks, community centers, hotels and other gathering sites. You may be able to reserve facilities at a discount by choosing off-season dates.
   
–Where will it be held? Holding your reunion at a family home adds a personal feeling to the day, but hotels and community centers may offer services that will make the event easier to plan and conduct for all involved. Consider the various ages and interests of all family members as you plan the location for the event and the activities that will be available at that location.
   
–Who will be invited? Compile a mailing list of family members who will be invited and send everyone a preliminary announcement to save the date.
   
Involve members from each branch of the family and try to involve the young family members as much as possible.
   
–How will the reunion be organized? Whether your event is two hours long or two days long, preparing a tentative schedule for the day will help everyone make their plans. If there will be a theme, let everyone know what it will be. If you plan to have a photographer at the event, be sure to have a list of desired photos and let everyone know how they can request individual photos and order copies. The more information attendees have ahead of time, the smoother things will go on the day of the event.
   
–What is the most important consideration? Making sure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable time of family fun and fellowship.
   
–Why? Because families are a blessing from God, and reunions provide a time to share His love with our earthly families.