How to plan a fun and memorable family reunion on a budget

Disclaimer: This article is intended for US audiences.

When was the last time you hung out with your cousins from your mom’s side? Or perhaps you’ve been wanting your kids to meet and play with your sister’s kids. Organizing a family reunion is a great way to bring the whole family together and reconnect with loved ones that you haven’t seen in a while.  

However, if you think about the cost of venue, food, travel, and entertainment, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed about pulling off a family reunion without breaking the bank. Thankfully, this article’s got you! Here’s how to pull off a fantastic family reunion without emptying your wallet. 

Choose a Budget-Friendly Venue 

The first thing that you need to nail down when organizing a family reunion is the venue. Family reunions are generally attended by at least 50 people or more, depending on the size of your family tree. Thus, you’ll need to find a venue that can accommodate large groups without going over budget.  

Your best bet are theme parks or public recreation areas. They may only charge minimal reservation fees compared to hotels and event spaces. But if your entire family’s small enough, you can host in someone’s backyard. If the weather is a concern, you can rent a large tent and set it up outdoors. 

Create Custom Mementos Without Breaking the Bank 

Nothing pulls a reunion together like matching t-shirts. They’re fun, they’re festive, and they double as keepsakes. But custom apparel doesn’t have to drain your funds.  

Start by crowdsourcing ideas. Ask family members to vote on a funny slogan, a meaningful quote, or even a cheesy inside joke. Or you can settle for simple designs with one-color logos or minimalist graphics. Next, find some budget-friendly printing services like online custom shirt shops. Make sure to order the clothes in bulk to snag discounts. 

Beyond t-shirts, consider simple keepsakes like a printed family recipe book with contributions from different households or a digital photo collection everyone can download after the event. 

Organize Potluck-Style Meals 

Food is often the biggest expense for family gatherings, but it’s also where you can save the most. Instead of catering or covering all meals yourself, embrace the potluck approach.

To pull this off, create a shared spreadsheet where families can sign up to bring specific potluck dishes. That way, you can ensure you’ll have a good balance of appetizers, main courses, sides, and desserts. 

To keep things organized, assign food categories by branch of the family tree. Perhaps your mom’s side brings desserts while your dad’s side handles the main dishes. This prevents ending up with fifteen potato salads and no main courses! 

Don’t forget to coordinate on supplies, too. One family can bring paper plates and napkins, another can handle drinks, and someone else can supply ice. When everyone contributes a little, no one person gets stuck with a major expense. 

Book Accommodations Strategically 

If your reunion spans multiple days, accommodation can quickly become the biggest expense. Instead of everyone booking individual hotel rooms, look into group rentals like vacation homes or cabins that can house multiple families. Splitting the cost of a large rental property often works out cheaper per person than hotels. 

For those who enjoy camping, consider a campground with both RV hookups and tent sites to accommodate different comfort levels. Many campgrounds also offer basic cabins for reasonable rates. 

Handle Transportation Creatively 

Transportation costs can be a major barrier for some family members, particularly those living overseas. Organize carpools or create a ride-sharing system for those traveling from the same areas. For relatives coming from farther away, consider pooling resources to help with plane tickets or gas money. 

If several families are flying in, coordinate arrival times so you can arrange shared airport shuttles instead of multiple separate rides. And for getting around during the reunion, designate a few people as designated drivers rather than having everyone rent their own vehicles. 

Plan Free or Low-Cost Activities 

The most memorable family moments often come from simple outdoor activities that encourage conversation and connection.  

Create a family Olympics with three-legged races, water balloon tosses, and relay races using household items. The prizes don’t have to be expensive. Bragging rights and a small trophy from the dollar store work perfectly. 

Family history scavenger hunts are another hit. Create clues related to family stories and hide them around your venue. Or organize a “Family Feud” style game with questions about your shared history and traditions. 

For evening entertainment, set up an outdoor movie night with a borrowed projector and sheet, or gather around a campfire for storytelling sessions where the older generation can share tales from their youth. 

Make Use of Technology for Planning and Sharing 

While you’re keeping costs down, make technology work for you. Create a private Facebook group or use free apps to coordinate details. These platforms make it easy to share information, collect RSVPs, and assign responsibilities without costly paper invitations or endless phone calls. 

Then, after the reunion, set up a shared cloud folder where everyone can upload their photos and videos. You’re basically creating a collective memory bank that costs nothing but means everything! 

Key Takeaway 

At the end of the day, the most successful family reunions aren’t about fancy locations or elaborate activities. They’re about creating space for genuine connection. So, keep the focus on bringing people together, and you’ll find that the most meaningful moments often cost nothing at all. After all, the whole point is celebrating the treasure you already have: your family. 

ADVT.

This article is brought to you by Family Reunion.