We had many when I was young. We used to set tents up in an open space in a forest, set up volley ball field and foot ball area’s. Every family would bring chairs and a table and every family would bring something like lunch, coffee, special snacks, drinks, etc. It was just a big outdoor day with lots of chats, sports games and connecting

I’ve never had to organize a family reunion. It would involve a lot of emails.

We attended one. The first couple to come to SA had 12 children, but not all opf them survived. The reunion was advertised in the community notices in several “local” council newspapers. We all took our own food & drinks seats, rugs etc. to the botanic gardens and a general area within it was listed.
We had a great time, caught up with distant relatives who lived in country areas and came down for the weekend for it and did shopping etc while they were down here. We also met others. Some we had heard the names of in conversations years ago, but at that stage weren’t really interested in family history, and most of those people have since passed away.

Yes, they are difficult! Best advice is to try to involve everyone in some details so no-one feels like they haven’t been consulted. The most difficult thing is securing a date and venue!

yes first is organising the date. it will not please everyone if you have a large family but put out 3 suggestions and unless anyone really cant do it i.e. holiday, wedding etc then pick a date which is most suitable and then venue and somewhere with accomodation if you have people coming from far if they cannot stay with others is really helpful and quite fun to all stay together anyway.
Pick a set menu/buffet with drinks etc so it is a set price per person so you are not left with the bill, or if you are going to do it at home make a list of what you want to serve and get people to help with the salads, desserts etc. (make a list of jobs to ask people to do is easier)
spend time organising it so you actually can enjoy the day too and relax. good luck. Also if you have a relative or good friend who will come and snap a few pictures too is a nice way to remember and also for the oldies.

We had a friends reunion after 20 years and it was a bit emotional. We made it easy at having a RSL club , something you will never forget.

Thanks mum169284 -such a clever and practical tip on organisation – love it!

Make a list of everyone you are inviting, then get them to make a list so you don’t forget anyone. At the reunion try and get current contact details for everyone, this makes it easier next time.

Thanks mom165744 for your answer. Sounds like an easy and good way to go for a family reunion.

We have a family reunion once a year. We basically have a committee that consists of at least one person from each family. We get together and determine the date based on the availability of suitable venues. In terms of a meal we order pizza then my mum and each of my aunts make a pasta dish. Every other family then brings a salad and dessert. if there is a cost to hire the venue we charge a small fee per person to cover it.

no i haven’t but there are wedding and christmas etc so every sees each other. the extended family hangs in their own circles i guess lol.