High school was okay for me, I cannot say I had the best time of my life but it was definitely the peak of my formative years. I can say it was then that I became the person I am today, character-wise and all. University days hmmm…I am trying to reinvent myself so I run from some of my friends from uni. Just kidding. Maybe just a little. Reunion is not something that is uncommon; naturally you would want to meet some of your old buddies and besties once in a while.
If you live in the same town you went to school, the cheapest way to have a reunion is to wait till one of your former classmates is getting married. I understand that you may genuinely miss some of them, want to go down memory lane, may want to show off your spouse or your new levels. I am here for you. I have pointers on how to organize the perfect reunion.
First, decide if you are organizing a formal or informal event. If formal you may have to contact the school to reach out to the alumni. If informal you can even use Facebook.
Start planning early.
To ensure that you leave yourself enough time to plan a great reunion, you can start planning as early as 12 months prior to your reunion date. Especially if you want a grand affair. Also to allow as many people as possible attend. Some classmates might live in other states or even other countries. Some classmates might have changed their names. The earlier you begin assembling your committee, the more time you will have to reach out to the appropriate people.
Seek the help of other classmates.
Form your own committee of people who will volunteer their time. You may want to appoint a different person for every event you plan to hold.
Meet with the committee to plan the reunion.
The following are main issues to discuss:
Decide how you will raise money for the reunion events. You can ask for donations, a fee for all events or you can hold fundraisers.
Pick a date or dates. Check this with others to ensure your dates don’t clash with any events.
Pick a venue or venues
Send a Save the Date by mail and email.
Do this 3 to 4 months prior to the actual event, so that you give people plenty of time to schedule. Ask the Alumni Association if they can help setting up a reunion page or school sponsored Save the Date emails
Consider creating an event page on Facebook.
Social media is a popular way for college friends to stay in touch. You can create a Facebook group or fan page.
Create a reunion event program.
Set dates, times, food, drinks and activities. Assign a reunion committee member to each event to carry out all the program details.
Send invitations and registration instructions 2 months in advance.
Send out a program of events with the invitation so that alumni can choose what and when to attend. Set a date for class members to RSVP by email, phone or through online registration.
Ask for payment at this time. Services, such as catering, entertainment and venues may require deposits. Ask for payment in advance; that’s if it is a pay-to-attend event.
Confirm all details again 1 week prior to the event.
Buy decorations and refreshments in the days leading up to the events. Ask for alumni who attend to help with set up.
Post event pictures on social media.
This would help so when next you are throwing a party people would know they have to be there.