How to hold a class reunion

1. Form a planning committee

Creating a reunion planning committee is an important step in organizing a successful class reunion. Here are some steps to help you create a committee.

Identify potential committee members: Look for classmates who are organized, enthusiastic, and have good communication skills. You can also reach out to alumni associations, or other former students who had been involved in organizing events before.

Invite committee members to join: Send out an email or letter inviting classmates to join the committee. Be sure to explain the roles and responsibilities of being a committee member.

Set up a meeting: Once you have a group of volunteers, set up a meeting to discuss the planning process and assign tasks.

Assign roles and responsibilities: Assign specific roles and responsibilities to each committee member to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Some possible roles include:

• Chairperson: Oversees the planning process and acts as the main point of contact
• Treasurer: Handles the budget and financial aspects of the reunion
• Secretary: Keeps track of meeting minutes and correspondence
• Publicity Coordinator: Spreads the word about the reunion and manages social media and other forms of communication
• Event Planner: Coordinates the logistics of the reunion, such as venue, food, and entertainment
• Reunion Book Editor: Collects and organizes information for a reunion book

Create a schedule: Create a schedule of deadlines and milestones that the committee should aim to meet.

Communicate regularly: Keep all members of the committee informed and updated on the planning process and any changes that may occur.

Remember to delegate: Delegate tasks to your committee members, and trust that they will get done. This will also ensure that everyone will have a sense of ownership and will be more invested in the reunion's success.

By following these steps, you can create a strong and dedicated reunion planning committee that will help you organize a successful class reunion.

2. Set a date and location

When setting the date and location for a reunion, there are a few things to consider.

Make sure to choose a date and time that works for the majority of attendees. Consider the weather and time of year to ensure that the reunion can be held outside if that is the plan. Take into account any religious holidays or events that may conflict with the proposed date. Choose a location that is easily accessible for all attendees, whether by car or public transportation. Consider the cost of the location and make sure it fits within your budget. If you plan on having the reunion outside, make sure there is a backup plan in case of bad weather. Once you have the date and location set, send out save the date cards or emails as soon as possible to give people plenty of notice.

3. Create a guest list

When creating a reunion guest list, consider the following steps.

• Make a master list of everyone you would like to invite. This can include family members, old friends, classmates, coworkers, etc.
• Categorize the list into groups, such as immediate family, extended family, close friends, etc.
• Identify any key people who should be invited, such as long-lost relatives or close friends who haven't seen each other in a while.
• Eliminate any names from the list that you know will not be able to attend, such as people who live far away or have scheduling conflicts.
• Double check the contact information for each person on the list to ensure that they can be reached.
• Create a final list of confirmed guests and send out the invitations.
• Keep track of RSVPs to get a final headcount for the reunion.
• Make sure to include a way for the guests to let you know if they have any special requirements or needs.

4. Send out invitations

When sending alumni invitations, there are a few things to keep in mind.

• Make sure you have the correct contact information for each person on the list. This may include email addresses, mailing addresses, and phone numbers.
• Decide on the format for the invitations. This can be done via email, mail, phone, social media or a combination of these.
• Create an attractive, professional-looking invitation that includes all of the important details about the reunion, such as the date, location, time, and dress code.
• Personalize the invitations as much as possible. This can be done by including a personal note, a photograph or a video of the school, or a message from a respected alumni or a teacher.
• Include a deadline for RSVPs and clear instructions on how to respond.
• Send out the invitations well in advance of the reunion to give people plenty of time to plan and make arrangements.
• Remind the guests to RSVP closer to the date of the reunion to get a final headcount.
• Keep track of RSVPs and update your guest list as needed.
• Make sure to thank the guests for coming and make them feel welcomed.

5. Plan activities and events

When planning activities and events for a class reunion, consider the following steps.

• Start by determining the overall theme of the reunion. This can be based on the type of reunion , the location, or a specific interest that many attendees share.
• Plan a tour of the school or college and reminisce with old classmates.
• Arrange for a class photo to be taken.
• Plan a casual event such as a picnic or barbecue in the school or college grounds.
• Arrange for a formal dinner or dance in a nearby venue.
• Coordinate a fun activity like a scavenger hunt to revisit the old haunts.
• Plan a sporting event or game night for alumni to participate in.
• Arrange for a guest speaker or panel discussion featuring alumni who have achieved success in their chosen fields.
• Consider hiring a professional photographer to take group photos or candid shots of attendees throughout the reunion.
• Make sure to include some free time in the schedule for attendees to catch up with old friends and make new memories.

6. Make arrangements for food and beverages

When arranging meals for a reunion, consider the following steps.

• Determine the number of attendees and the budget for the meals. This will help you decide on the type of meal and the venue.
• Decide on the type of meal. This can be a potluck, a buffet, a sit-down dinner, or a combination of these.
• Consider any dietary restrictions or allergies of attendees and make sure to have options available for them.
• Choose a venue that can accommodate the number of attendees and the type of meal.
• Arrange for any necessary equipment, such as tables, chairs, tablecloths, and silverware.
• Coordinate with a caterer or restaurant for food delivery or setup if you don't want to handle the food by yourself.
• Make arrangements for drinks, including non-alcoholic and alcoholic options.
• Plan the menu in advance and make sure there are options for everyone.
• Coordinate with the venue or caterer to ensure that the food will be ready at the appropriate time.
• Make sure to have a plan in case of any unexpected issues with the food or equipment.
• Finally, make sure to thank the guests for coming and make them feel welcomed.

7. Coordinate transportation

8. Take plenty of photos

When taking photos at a class reunion, there are a few things to keep in mind.

• Hire a professional photographer or ask a photography-savvy classmate to take photos throughout the event.
• Set up a photo booth with props and backgrounds where attendees can take photos with friends and classmates.
• Coordinate with the photographer to take group photos of different class years, different groups of friends, or specific interest groups.
• Make sure to take candid shots of attendees throughout the event to capture the atmosphere and memories.
• Encourage attendees to take their own photos and share them on social media using a designated hashtag.
• Make sure to get the contact information of attendees who are willing to share their photos, so they can be collected and shared with everyone.
• Set up a slideshow of old photos from the school days or create a memory board for attendees to share their own photos.
• Consider creating a shared album on a social media platform where attendees can upload photos and share with others.
• Make sure to get permission from attendees before sharing any photos on social media or any other platform.
• Finally, make sure to thank the guests for coming and make them feel welcomed.

9. Follow up

After a class reunion, it's important to follow up with attendees to ensure that they had a good time and to keep the momentum going. Here are a few things to consider.


• Send out a survey or questionnaire to gather feedback on the reunion. Use the feedback to improve future events.
• Send a thank-you note or email to attendees, thanking them for coming and for their contributions to the event.
• Share any photos or videos from the reunion with attendees and encourage them to share their own photos.
• Collect contact information for attendees who are interested in staying in touch and start a class reunion group or page on social media.
• Plan a follow-up event, such as a reunion weekend or a reunion cruise, to keep the reunion going.
• Create a class directory or a class website to keep classmates informed and connected.
• Coordinate with the school or organization to keep the reunion's history and memories.
• Keep in touch with classmates and make sure to update them on upcoming events or reunions.
• Make sure to thank the guests for coming and make them feel welcomed, again.
• Finally, make sure to debrief with the planning committee and organize the memories, materials and anything relevant for future use.