The easiest way to manage reunion registrations online is to use one tool for sign-ups, payments, and tracking. Set up a few registration types with clear prices, share one link, let families register their whole group and pay by card, and check a single report to see who is in and who has paid.
When registration lives in a Google Form, payments come through Cash App, and the list lives in a spreadsheet, something always slips. Here is how to set it up so it runs smoothly.
RSVP vs. registration: know the difference
These two words get mixed up, but they do different jobs.
- An RSVP is a yes or no. It tells you who plans to come, so you can get an early headcount and book the right-sized venue. It does not hold a spot or collect money.
- Registration is the real commitment. People give you names for everyone coming and pay their fees.
Open RSVPs early, even before you have every detail. Open registration once you know your costs and prices.
Step 1: Decide your registration types
Most reunions have a few price levels. Keep it simple. Three to five types is plenty. Common examples:
- Adult (13 and up)
- Child (5 to 12)
- Child under 5 (free)
- Senior
- Banquet only, or picnic only
Write a short description for each so people know exactly what they are paying for, like “Includes T-shirt, Saturday picnic, and Sunday banquet.”
Step 2: Set clear deadlines
Your caterer, hotel, and T-shirt printer all need final numbers. Work backward from their deadlines. A common setup:
- Early-bird deadline with a lower price, to bring in money for deposits
- Regular deadline a few weeks before the event
- Final cutoff when orders go to vendors
Step 3: Collect the right information
Ask for the name of every person in the group, not just the person paying. This makes name tags, seating, and headcounts much easier. Only ask for what you will use. Long forms make people quit halfway.
Step 4: Take payments by card
Card payments save you hours. Money goes straight into your reunion’s account, and every payment is tied to a registration automatically. You don’t have to match screenshots of Zelle transfers to names on a list.
If some relatives can only pay with cash or apps, record those payments in the same place so your report stays accurate.
Step 5: Track who has registered and paid
You should be able to answer these questions in seconds:
- How many adults and kids are registered?
- Who has paid, and how much have we collected?
- Who said yes on the RSVP but has not registered yet?
That last list is gold. A personal reminder to those families is the fastest way to boost registrations.
How registration works in Gettagether
Gettagether was built for exactly this. Here is how it works:
- You create up to five registration types, each free or paid.
- You connect a Stripe account so card payments go straight to your reunion. See how to set up a Stripe account.
- Family members join your private community with your link or QR code.
- One person registers everyone in their group by name and pays all the fees at once.
- You see a per-person report of everyone registered, and you can download it as a spreadsheet for vendors and name tags.
Events also have RSVPs with guest counts, so you can get your early headcount before registration opens.
Stripe charges its standard card processing fee, and Gettagether adds a platform fee of 1% plus $0.25 per transaction. Many planners add a small amount to each registration price to cover fees.
Common registration mistakes to avoid
- Too many price options. People get confused and email you questions.
- No deadline. People wait until the last week, and your vendors cannot.
- Collecting money in five places. You will lose track. Use one main method.
- Forgetting fees. Card fees come out of what you collect. Price for them.
- Not following up. Most people need two or three reminders.
For tips on the money conversation itself, read How to Collect Money for Your Reunion Without the Awkwardness.
Frequently asked questions
When should reunion registration open?
About 6 months before the reunion is a common choice. Open earlier if you need deposit money sooner, and offer an early-bird price to reward quick sign-ups.
Can one person register their whole family?
Yes. In Gettagether, one person registers everyone in their group by name and pays for all of them at once.
What if someone cannot pay online?
Offer a backup option, like paying a committee member directly, and record that payment so your list stays accurate.
Do family members pay to use the registration site?
No. Family members join Gettagether free. They only pay the registration fees your reunion sets.
Set up your registration
Start your 7-day free trial of Gettagether and have online registration running for your reunion this week.