To organize your first family reunion, start small and simple. Get two or three relatives to help, ask the family when and where they want to meet, set a budget, and pick one place online where everyone can get updates and sign up. A first reunion does not need to be fancy. It needs to happen, so the family wants to do it again.
I know how it feels to be the one in charge. My family “voluntold” me to handle the online side of our reunion. I had no idea where to start, and I could not find one tool that did everything we needed. That is how Gettagether was born. Here is the plan I wish I had.
Step 1: Do not do it alone
Ask two or three relatives to help. Try to pick people from different branches of the family so everyone feels included. Even a little help, like one person handling food and another handling money, makes a big difference.
Step 2: Decide how big this will be
Your first reunion sets the tone. Decide early:
- Who is invited? Descendants of one set of grandparents, or the whole extended family?
- How long? One afternoon, or a full weekend?
- What kind? A backyard cookout, a park picnic, or a hotel banquet?
For a first reunion, simpler is usually better. A one-day picnic is easier to pull off and easier to pay for.
Step 3: Ask the family
Send a quick survey with two or three date options and a few location ideas. People support what they help decide. Ask about any elders who need special travel help, too.
Step 4: Set a budget
Add up your costs, divide by the number of adults you expect to pay, and add a little cushion. For a full walk-through, read our post on how much to charge for a family reunion.
You will likely need money for deposits before registration opens. Many families sell T-shirts, a family history booklet, or other items to raise money early.
Step 5: Pick the date and book the place
Give yourself 6 to 12 months. Avoid major holidays. Make sure the place is easy for elders to get around in.
Step 6: Find your people
Make a list of every household. Ask one person from each branch to collect contact info for their part of the family. You will be surprised how many cousins you find.
Step 7: Choose one home base online
This is where many first-time planners get stuck. Updates end up spread across texts, Facebook, email, and phone calls, and people miss important details. Pick one official place where the family can:
- See the date, location, and schedule
- RSVP and register
- Pay
- Find hotel info
- Share photos
That is what Gettagether is for. Your family gets a private website with your name and colors. You share one link, approve relatives as they join, and post everything in one place. Up to four admins can help run it.
Step 8: Plan a few meaningful moments
You do not need a packed schedule. A first reunion feels special with a few simple moments:
- A welcome from the oldest family member
- A family photo
- Time for elders to share stories
- A tribute to loved ones who have passed
- Games for the kids
Step 9: Expect a little drama
Every family has history. Someone will not like the date, the food, or the price. That is normal. Stay calm, stay kind, and keep moving. Our post on navigating family chaos has more help with this.
Step 10: Make the next one easier
After the reunion, write down what worked and what didn’t. Post photos and thank your helpers. Keep your family’s online space going so you do not have to find everyone again next time.
For more, read How to Plan a Family Reunion Without Going Crazy.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to plan a first family reunion?
A simple one-day reunion can come together in 3 to 6 months. A larger weekend reunion needs about 12 months.
How many people should I invite to my first family reunion?
Start with a group you can manage, like the descendants of one set of grandparents. You can grow it next time.
Where should we hold our first reunion?
Parks, church halls, community centers, and family homes are all good, low-cost choices for a first reunion.
What if I am not good with technology?
That is okay. Gettagether was built for everyday organizers, not tech experts. There are step-by-step help guides for every part of setup.
Get started
Start your 7-day free trial of Gettagether and give your family’s first reunion a home base.