Why I love and hate family reunions

Most people have attended at least one family reunion at some point in their lives.

When we have to attend or host such a monumental gathering of family members, it can often become quite a challenge, to say the least. Areas of concern are often things like when to hold the meeting, where to hold it, and the guest list, along with food and lodging. Planning a family reunion and the responsibility that comes with it is not for the faint of heart.

Most problems stem from miscommunication and lack of planning more than anything else. When you add different personality types and egos into the mix, sometimes you have a recipe for disaster. It doesn’t have to be this way though, many families have had large gatherings with fewer problems than some small families that seem to have one problem after another.

With a little planning and everyone on the same page before a gathering takes place, a family reunion can truly become a memorable moment filled with memories that will last for years.

Tips for a great family reunion:

• Have certain key family members who are organized do the planning alone
• Use technology to keep all family members up to date on the planning and progress of the reunion as it is being organized, such as email, Twitter, and a blog.
• Have a calendar that can be used to plan online, like Google Docs
• Start a spreadsheet and create a budget if key expenses need to be broken down
• Take a survey with a form or use an email response on the best time to hold the meeting
• Create a list ahead of time of the type of food people should bring.
• Plan for all age types in the playground and such

As you can see, family reunions are a big responsibility for the family member or members who will be the ones to plan them.

Communication and consideration make a big difference in making meetings fun and enjoyable for everyone. With today’s technology, a family reunion can be planned more efficiently than ever before.

Here are some examples of ways technology can help:

blog: They are great for news involving the family as well as getting feedback.

Social Media: Facebook, MySpace, etc. it can be used for planning and last-minute discussions.

Digital Cameras and Video: Nothing is more fun than watching your loved ones on video. Such videos can be posted privately on YouTube channels etc. This is a great way for older family members to be a part of the big event, even if they can’t be there themselves.

With a little advance planning and the right communication, your family reunion can be the best it has ever been.