Written by Role Mommy Contributor, Charli Radke
Planning a family reunion can be a lot of fun, but it can also be quite expensive. From accommodations and venues to food and entertainment, a successful reunion can cost much more than the average person is prepared to shell out. These tips will help you plan a memorable family reunion without spending a fortune.
1. Split Up The Costs:
The best way to make family reunions more affordable for everyone is to share the costs among everyone in attendance. There are several ways to do this. Selling tickets may be the best choice for large gatherings, while smaller extended families may divide planning responsibilities along with the costs.
2. Go Digital:
Rather than spending hours making phone calls and mailing invitations, create a Facebook page or website for your reunion. Send your relatives an email invitation, along with a link to the site for additional details. Consider setting up a donation option to help cover the costs of the reunion if you’re not charging an admission fee.
3. Raise The Money:
Bake sales, car washes, and fish fries are excellent ways to generate funds to cover the costs of a family reunion and can also be a lot of fun. If several family members live in the same area, invite everyone to participate. Cookbooks with secret family recipes make terrific fundraisers as well. Holding an auction or a raffle at the reunion can also recover some of the costs.
4. Research Your Options:
The destination, as well as the time of year you’re planning the reunion, will both play a big role in the costs. Choose a location that is central to most family members, but avoid holidays and peak travel seasons if possible. It’s usually cheaper to avoid big tourist areas, although an area with plenty of attractions may minimize the need for entertainment.
5. Choose Budget Friendly Accommodations:
Many family reunions are held at resorts because there’s plenty of room with a variety of activities to keep everyone entertained. Search for packages that offer discounts for blocks of rooms. Group rates may also be available at many campgrounds and are usually much cheaper than hotel rooms or rental homes. Campfire stories and s’mores create wonderful reunion memories!
6 Take Out a Short Term Loan:
Even with the most carefully planned budget, it isn’t always possible to foresee every little expense that you may encounter when you’re planning a family reunion. Short term loans are a convenient way to cover any unexpected costs and can be a lifesaver if you run into difficulties along the way.
7. Cut The Costs Of Catering:
Food and drink typically account for one of the biggest chunks of your reunion budget, but they don’t have to. Shop around for caterers with the best value, or consider enlisting the help of a few family members to grill burgers and hotdogs. If no one has to travel too far, a potluck is the most budget friendly option. Be sure to plan a menu beforehand to avoid duplicate dishes.
Whether you’re planning a family reunion for 50 or 500, it isn’t always easy to pull it off when you’re on a tight budget. The best way to cut costs is to get several people involved in planning and organizing the event. When you work together, you can save money and have more fun.
Here are some additional links with ideas to help you save and plan…
http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/06/little-steps-100-great-tips-for-saving-money-for-those-just-getting-started/
http://www.dumblittleman.com/2008/01/30-easy-ways-to-save-money-and-no-you.html
http://family-reunion.com/finances.htm
http://www.nydailynews.com/2.1353/plan-a-family-reunion-a-budget-article-1.260164
http://grouptravel.org/Family-Reunion/10-ideas-for-hosting-a-family-reunion-on-a-budget.html
Charli Radke is a freelance fashion, lifestyle, and technology writer exploring all things that are beautiful. Whether it’s about fashion, photography, family life, or whats new and cool in technology. Charlie is exploring it all. She is single and currently living in sunny Florida. When she’s not out exploring and blogging the newest trends she’s out writing for established companies like http://www.copyforbylines.com/.
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