Quick Tips for an Inexpensive Family Reunion

May 20, 2008 By Tisha (Kulak) Tolar

School will soon be letting the children free for the joys of summer and families may get to enjoy a little down time in the sun. It’s a perfect time to organize a family reunion. Whether it has been an annual thing for years or something you’ve been wanting to put together for awhile, organizing a family reunion can be reasonably affordable and a great way to spend time with your loved ones.

Here are some tips for a great family gathering without hassle or expense.

Location

If your house and backyard can accommodate your family, it will probably be the most convenient location for the get-together. If your house won’t work, call the relatives and find out who would be will to offer their place.

If a home party is not possible, contact the managers of a community park. Many times, you can use the outdoor facilities free of charge or for a small donation. Look for a place that offers restrooms and a kid-friendly play area, as well as picnic tables and perhaps grills so you don’t have to lug a bunch of big supplies.

Food Planning

The least expensive way to supply food for the party is to ask guests to bring a dish. Ask some to bring a hot dish, some to bring finger foods, and some to bring desserts so that there will be a good variety of foods to share.

Make the party a BYOB to save on the costs of alcoholic beverages if you plan on serving such drinks.

Serve drinks like lemonade and punch which are cheaper than brand-named sodas and other drinks. Borrow a large drink cooler to keep the bugs at bay. Many civic groups may allow you to borrow such an item.

You may be able to get a good deal on kid-sized juice boxes at a dollar store to help prevent kids from wasting drinks. Keep in an easy to open cooler of ice to cool down the kids.

Supplies

If you plan on supplying the necessities such as plates and utensils, shop at discount stores, clearance sales, or buy in bulk.

Take inventory of what local family members already have in stock and ask them to bring their supplies to you early to make sure there is enough for everyone.

Family Fun

If the location allows, bring a volleyball net, horseshoes, or other outdoor games to add a little competition to the festivities.

If time allows, get together with other family members and put together a scrapbook of old pictures or home movies. Or just ask family to bring their special mementos to share.

Host a little awards ceremony for fun family milestones, such as the oldest and younger members, recognition for recent achievements, and any other relevant family awards you can come up with. Offer little prizes or ribbons you can make yourself.

If it’s in the budget, buy some disposable cameras for each table. Get the pictures developed onto a computer disk and email the results to the guests after the party.

Ask relatives to bring copies of their famous recipes and create a cookbook for family holidays.

Invites

Many home computers offer quick and easy templates to create and print invitations. Make sure your provide all of the key information for your family, such as:

            Date   

            Time

            Location

            Directions

            Your Contact Phone Number

            Instructions for bringing food items

            Instructions for bring their own chairs

To save some extra money, email invitations to family who have internet access.           

Clean Up Right

Hopefully everyone will pitch in and clean up. Remember to collect any materials that can be recycled. Collect any aluminum cans and turn them in for cash. Put the money in account to save for next year’s bash.

Store unused supplies in a clean, protected location so you can use them for the next time.

Posted in budgeting, children, entertainment, family, happiness, lifestyle, marriage, relationships, saving money, shopping

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