Don't cancel the family reunion because the world is roaring in an "economic recession." In fact, it's during hard times that we learn family and our private relations with others are our most valuable possessions. The most vital things in life are not things.
Having said that, many people are being compelled to tighten purse strings. These ten pointers may help cut costs for your next family reunion:
1. Send postcard invites rather than flyers or letters. Postcards are the least costly way to send mail.
2. Less expensive yet, send invitations thru e-mail and communicate electronically. Family reunion sites are an excellent addition to your reunion and can function as a communication hub before, during and after your gathering. Many companies offer family reunion internet sites that let you track reservations and payments on the web. You may also create polls and upload pictures.
3. Change the locale -- reserve a campground or state park rather than a hotel or resort.
4. Shorten your stay -- cut a multi-day reunion down to a single afternoon picnic. Target the main reunion elements: a preliminary ice breaker activity, some variety of food, a family meeting or program; and an interactive, fun group activity.
5. Go potluck rather than catered; casual rather than formal. Drink water rather than soda. Whatever your folks are used to doing, back it down one level.
6. Do it yourself. Invites , games, souvenirs, decorations -- everything -- will be more cost effective if you or a member of the family does the work.
7. Be your own entertainment. Rather than hiring a band or DJ, or spending money on entry fees and tickets, plan a family talent show or perform group skits. Play cards, games... Send the youngsters on a scavenger hunt. Make up your own contests and awards.
8. Meet with purpose. Mix your reunion with another family event like a wedding, funeral or graduation.
9. Avoid the renion t-shirt. ( Or at least make your own. ) A family reunion t-shirt acts as a uniform -- a strategy of demonstrating who you are, where you come from and what you stand for. And, they make great reunion keepsakes. As fun as they are, shirts are a clear way to chop costs.
10. Gather every other year rather than yearly.
Family reunions can build connections, build identity and add meaning to day-to-day life. Do not let money get in the way of building lasting memories with the ones you love.
on behalf of; Reunion Memory Book reunion-memory-book.com
