Family reunions are more than just gatherings; they are vital opportunities to strengthen bonds, bridge gaps, and create lasting memories. In today’s fast-paced world, taking the time to reconnect with family is invaluable. Planning a family reunion can seem daunting, but with a little creativity and organization, it can become a cherished tradition. A fantastic way to elevate your family reunion from ordinary to extraordinary is by choosing a theme. A well-chosen theme can inject fun, focus, and a sense of unity into your event.
4 Key Steps to Planning a Memorable Family Reunion
Organizing a large group of people requires effort, and keeping everyone engaged is key to a successful family reunion. However, the rewards – strengthened relationships and deeper connections – are undeniably worth it. Family reunions are the perfect way to celebrate the cornerstone of society: family.
1) Set the Date and Location: Laying the Foundation
The first step, and perhaps the most crucial, is to nail down the “when” and “where.” Without a date and location, your reunion remains just an idea. Our family has a tradition of setting the date for the next reunion immediately after the current one concludes. This forward-thinking approach allows everyone to plan their schedules in advance.
We are fortunate to have a special place at Bear Lake, a location deeply sentimental to our family, where we hold our reunion annually.
Scenic view of Bear Lake, a beloved family reunion location.
Another view of Bear Lake showcasing its natural beauty for family gatherings.
Family enjoying lakeside activities at Bear Lake during a reunion.
Panoramic shot of Bear Lake, emphasizing the vastness and suitability for large family reunions.
However, the beauty of a family reunion is that it can be held anywhere family can come together – a local park, a rented cabin, or even someone’s backyard. The location is secondary to the gathering itself.
2) Delegate Tasks: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
With nine siblings in our family, we are blessed with a built-in team to share the planning responsibilities. We rotate the overall planning each year, ensuring no single family bears the entire burden. Delegation is essential for a smooth and enjoyable reunion for everyone involved.
Activities: Fun for All Ages
A variety of activities keeps everyone entertained and engaged during the reunion. As the lead planner, assigning activity responsibilities is a smart way to lighten your load. For instance, one year, we incorporated a painting project and assigned a different family to oversee it.
Families collaborating on a group painting project during a family reunion activity.
Close-up of family members painting together, highlighting the collaborative and fun nature of reunion activities.
Reunion activities can range from energetic relay races and outdoor games to collaborative work projects aimed at improving the reunion venue. You can find a wealth of activity ideas in our dedicated reunion posts (linked below).
Food: Feeding the Family
Food is a central element of any gathering, and family reunions are no exception. Decide collectively how meals will be handled. Will you opt for easy, casual food, or do you have culinary enthusiasts in the family who enjoy preparing more elaborate dishes? Consider logistics like food transportation, and how costs will be covered. Open communication about these aspects ensures everyone is on the same page.
Our family happens to be filled with cooking enthusiasts. It’s a delightful quirk that all nine siblings genuinely love experimenting with new recipes and sharing them. This shared passion results in an incredible array of delicious food at our reunions!
A table laden with diverse and delicious dishes prepared for a family reunion meal.
My brother’s “Jonah Burgers” are a highly anticipated dish each year.
Close-up of "Jonah Burgers," a family favorite meal at their annual reunion.
Another brother is renowned for his Japanese Curry. The mere mention of it sparks anticipation throughout the year.
A pot of Japanese Curry being served, showcasing another signature dish at the family reunion.
While our family enjoys cooking, remember that simplicity is perfectly acceptable. Dave’s family, for example, prefers simpler, easier meal options, which works just as well. The key is to have a family discussion and decide on a food plan that suits everyone, then assign responsibilities accordingly.
Jobs: Keeping Things Tidy
When a large group gathers, keeping the space clean and organized is essential. Assigning “jobs” ensures that everyone contributes to maintaining a pleasant environment.
Our approach to jobs varies each year, often depending on the “reunion chair.” We often implement a reward system for the grandchild groups who contribute the most to keeping things tidy.
Grandchildren participating in assigned cleanup jobs during a family reunion, earning rewards for their help.
One memorable year, my brother, as reunion chair, playfully used handcuffs to “encourage” my usually active mother to sit and relax while others handled the work.
Humorous moment of a mother being playfully handcuffed (pretend) to relax while family members work during the reunion.
Another playful image of the mother seemingly enjoying her "forced relaxation" while others are busy with reunion tasks.
It’s wonderful to see the younger generation actively participating in keeping things in order.
Children happily doing dishes, demonstrating the importance of shared responsibilities at family reunions.
Clear communication about job expectations is crucial. The same principles of shared responsibility that work at home can be effectively applied to extended family gatherings like reunions. Here are some job ideas: setting tables, clearing dishes, sweeping, trash collection, and bathroom tidying.
3) Choose Engaging Family Reunion Themes: Adding a Spark of Fun
Introducing a theme each year adds an exciting element to our family reunions. We typically unveil the theme during “opening ceremonies” on the first night.
A theme provides a unifying concept for the reunion, influencing activities, decorations, and even attire.
For example, one year when my son Max was serving a mission in Taiwan, our family was in charge, and we chose “Live Life to the Max” as our theme.
Family members posing in themed attire for a "Live Life to the Max" family reunion theme.
The entire reunion was centered around the idea of living life to the fullest in various aspects.
Decorations and activities reflecting the "Live Life to the Max" theme at a family reunion.
This theme was so comprehensive that it required two blog posts to fully document! (Part 1 and Part 2).
Another memorable theme, conceived by my sister when our younger sister Charity couldn’t attend, was centered around missing her presence.
Family holding up photos of a missing family member as part of a thoughtful reunion theme.
I also loved the theme “Turn the Hearts,” which focused on honoring our ancestors.
Family members holding portraits of ancestors, part of a "Turn the Hearts" themed family reunion activity.
Activities revolved around sharing and learning ancestral stories, fostering a deeper connection to our family history.
And we can’t forget “Fifty Years of Eyrealm,” which celebrated my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary.
Family celebrating a "Fifty Years of Eyrealm" theme, commemorating parents' 50th anniversary.
Here are some additional family reunion theme ideas to spark your imagination:
- Decade Themes: Choose a decade like the 50s, 80s, or even the roaring 20s! Encourage themed costumes, music, and activities from that era.
- Holiday Themes: Host a Christmas in July or a Halloween-themed reunion, complete with соответствующими decorations and activities.
- Location-Based Themes: If your reunion is at the beach, consider a luau or pirate theme. For a mountain setting, a “western” or “camping” theme could be perfect.
- Family Heritage Themes: Celebrate your family’s ancestry with a theme centered around your cultural heritage. This could involve traditional food, music, and storytelling.
- Superhero or Movie Themes: Fun for families with younger children, a superhero or popular movie theme can lead to creative costumes and games.
- “Backyard Games” Theme: Focus on classic outdoor games and activities, perfect for relaxed fun and friendly competition.
- “Time Capsule” Theme: Have family members bring items to include in a time capsule to be opened at a future reunion.
- “Generations” Theme: Celebrate each generation of your family, sharing stories and photos from different eras.
- “Giving Back” Theme: Incorporate a community service project into your reunion, fostering a sense of togetherness and purpose.
- “Culinary Adventure” Theme: Focus on food, with cooking competitions, potlucks featuring specific cuisines, or even a family cookbook creation.
4) Establish Cherished Family Traditions: Weaving Bonds Over Time
Traditions are the threads that weave a family together. If you haven’t started family reunion traditions yet, it’s never too late! These are some of our favorite traditions that we look forward to every year:
Opening Ceremonies: Setting the Stage
Our opening ceremonies on the first night are a beloved tradition. This is when we unveil the year’s theme and kick off the reunion with enthusiasm.
Family participating in opening ceremonies, introducing the theme and schedule for the reunion.
Another view of opening ceremonies, highlighting family participation and excitement.
Family members engaged in opening ceremony activities, setting a positive tone for the reunion.
We always prepare a calendar to keep everyone informed about the reunion schedule.
A family reunion schedule displayed on a calendar, helping everyone stay organized.
Music Bonfire: Harmonious Evenings
That first evening culminates in a bonfire where “favorite songs” are introduced.
Family gathered around a bonfire for music and evening activities during a reunion.
Another bonfire scene with family members enjoying music and the warm ambiance at night.
Everyone guesses who chose which song (these songs then become our reunion playlist). The night invariably ends in a dance party, often with sparklers…
Family members enjoying a sparkler dance party around a bonfire at night during a reunion.
More sparkler fun at a family reunion bonfire dance party under the night sky.
…and always s’mores.
Family Olympics: Friendly Competition
We consistently include some form of family Olympics in our reunions.
Family members participating in a "Family Olympics" relay race during a reunion.
Another "Family Olympics" event with families competing in outdoor games.
More "Family Olympics" action, showcasing fun and active participation.
"Family Olympics" beach games, offering diverse competitive activities for all ages.
It’s a fantastic way to get everyone moving and involved. Each year, the Olympics are different. We’ve had running relays, beach contests, and “Minute to Win It” style games. Teams also vary – sometimes family units, sometimes mixed groups to encourage broader interaction.
Talent Show: Showcasing Family Flair
The talent show is consistently a highlight, especially for the younger generation.
Children performing in a talent show, a popular and entertaining family reunion tradition.
More talent show performances, highlighting the creativity and fun of family members.
Fear Factor: For the Brave (and Slightly Daring)
Fear Factor is our most loved and dreaded tradition – a hilarious combination!
Participants in a "Fear Factor" challenge, showcasing the daring and funny nature of this tradition.
It’s incredibly entertaining to watch family members bravely (or comically) attempt to eat unusual foods in pursuit of victory.
Close-up of a participant in a "Fear Factor" challenge, reacting to the unusual food with humor.
More "Fear Factor" funny moments, capturing the reactions and efforts of participants.
Another "Fear Factor" scene, demonstrating the lighthearted and engaging nature of this reunion game.
(You can read more about our Fear Factor experiences in the reunion posts linked below.)
Games: Fun and Laughter Guaranteed
We always incorporate games into every family reunion.
Family members playing outdoor games together, showcasing the fun and interactive aspect of reunions.
I’ve compiled a detailed post about fantastic family reunion games for more inspiration!
Family Picture: Capturing the Moment
Each year, we make sure to take a family picture.
A series of family photos from different years, illustrating the tradition of annual family portraits at reunions.
Another family photo from a different reunion year, showing the growth of the family over time.
More family reunion photos from various years, emphasizing the annual photo tradition.
A recent family photo, demonstrating the continuation of the annual family picture tradition.
While organizing a large group for a photo can be a task, we streamline the process and cherish having these annual snapshots of everyone as they are.
Every family is unique, but hopefully, these ideas inspire you to create your own unforgettable family reunion!
My sisters and I also discussed our family reunion history and evolution in a podcast episode on “In the Arena.”
Eyrealm Reunion Posts for More Inspiration
Happy planning your own memorable family reunion!
