Class Reunions
Top Ten tips for a Successful Class Reunion
Suggested links: For help with music/trivia visit THE OLDIES MUSIC SITE
- Select a date that doesn't interfere with major family holidays or dates that tend to be very busy (i.e. May/June proms & graduations). Location should be near major transportation for out-of-towners. An ideal location is a hotel near an airport. This gives you accommodations as well as a banquet facility.
- Organize a committee or hire a reunion planner to track down classmates. Call your school to help with addresses. This process should start about one year out.
- Send out initial invitations about six to eight months out. You might want to put in the invitation some memories about those school years. Make the invitation fun and upbeat. Enclose a request for any information about other classmates.
- As a reminder at about three months send a form asking for personal information like occupation, spouse's name, number of children, special honors received, and information about school life, homeroom teacher, favorite story, favorite teacher, girlfriend/boyfriend during school years, and extracurricular activities.
- If possible invite a former teacher, principal, custodian, librarian or coach that was popular as a guest of honor. You might need to check a retirement home to locate them.
- At the event, use name tags, especially with a class photo to help recall a person's memories and avoid an embarrassing situation.
- The first 60 to 90 minutes of your reunion will be devoted to socializing. This is a good time to have music played from your school years. Don't rush your guests to dance as they haven't seen many of their friends for years. As a result, don't be concerned if there is more talking than dancing going on. Let your DJ know if there is any different type of music that needs to be played.
- At the 90 minute mark it is time to address the group and say a few words and give away some prizes; categories can include most children or grandchildren, who traveled the farthest, longest marriage, the 'newlyweds',least changed, most changed, etc.
- Don't restrict the music to just your school years. An experienced will want to play a wide range of music to suit everyone's tastes. Not everyone wants to dwell in the past, even at reunions.
- Make a booklet listing all attendees with current addresses and other pertinent information so that your classmates can renew friends after the reunion has ended. This is also a great way to make sure your database is accurate for the next reunion chairperson.
- Don't forget the internet! The web can be a great place to post information and search for classmates. A simple web page for your class reunion can keep everyone informed.
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