No good reunion can go without a hitch without good planning.  Hmm...you say.  If you're a novice, you might just be wondering, 'Now, where do I start?'  You're in luck!  Here are some tips and ideas that will help you through the planning stages of your next family reunion.

Appoint some help and form a committe!  If you're planning a big reunion, it would be great if you had a point of contact for every city where family exists.  This way, you can have them do some of the leg work in their neck of the woods.  For example, if you decide to supply t-shirts to family members, you could have your point of contacts gather the sizes and money for you.  Instead of YOU having to communicate with several of your family members, you can have a local point of contact do this for you.  This will save you tons of time, phone minutes, aggravation...and probably some hair too!

Create a guest list for the invitations and other information you'll need to communicate to your family.  You'll need addresses, home/cell phone numbers, and email addresses (if available).  Enlist help from your committee with tracking down relatives who may have moved or contact has been lost altogether.

Pick a date.  Can't have a reunion without a date.  The earlier, the better.  Now, you won't be able to accommodate everyone.  So, just know that you may ruffle some feathers, but that's ok.  They can catch the next reunion.  Don't feel bad about it, because there's no way around it.  It's worth mentioning that you probably shouldn't plan around major holidays...unless it is a tradition in your family.  Family members may have other plans with in-laws, etc.  You're with me, right?  The sooner you have your date firmed up, the sooner you can let the rest of your family know so they can start to make travel plans.

Pick a city.  This may have already been decided at the last reunion.  But in the event that it hasn't, picking a place that is easily accessible, by car, to most of your family is ideal.  Hawaii may be a beautiful place to have a family reunion, but consider distance, family budgets, travel time, etc.  Get my drift?  People like to experience different parts of the country, so if you have relatives in different cities, try something new once in awhile.  Besides, those family members who reside in those cities make great free tour guides!

Plan for accomodations: You may need hotel rooms for those out of town family members, right?  Most hotels are smart enough to offer group discounts when booking a block of rooms for family reunions.  Be sure to ask for the discounted rates.  Also, while you have the hotel on the line, ask them about specials when renting their banquet facilities, or using other services the hotel may offer.  If you decide to have a banquet for your family reunion, have them fax or email you their rates, menus, and availibility.  Sometimes they'll throw in stuff like a projector, podium, or microphone...just for the asking.  Remember to negotiate these things up front before you commit to booking the rooms.  They want your business, so you'll have more negotiating power that way.

Hotels are great, but ever think about a family resort or family cabins?  They are family friendly, and usually offer more than just a room and a pool.  They are a little pricier, but the amenities can offset the cost.  For example, resorts are more likely to have bedrooms, video game systems w/ game rentals, full or partial kitchens that may include a refridgerator, stove, dishes, pots & pans, blender, toaster oven, microwaves, washer & dryer, high chair, crib, spa services, salons, and kids clubs whos activities strictly cater to your children.  So, instead of taking your family out to dinner, which can get pretty costly depending on the size of your family, you can go to the local grocer and cook your meals in your resort kitchen.

Holding the Festivities:  Once you've got a city, you can plan for the venue or location to host your family reunion.  Consider places like the hotel where you have rooms booked, family restaurants, the neighborhood community center, a hall, park, or someone's big backyard (weather permitting).

Places to visit:  If you're in or near a big city, sightseeing may be an option.  Take a grand tour of some well known places and take your shopping shoes!  Bring your camera and act like a tourist!  It'll be fun, and the pictures will be a wonderful reminder of the great time you had. 

If you're near main attractions, such as the city zoo, Six Flags Amusement Parks , Discount Theme Park Tickets - Buy Now , or a water park, the kids will love to go with their new found cousins and are sure to have a great time.  For you adults, some night time fun might be in order. 

Can't remember the last time you did that before the kids?  Well, think about it this way...when have you had so many babysitters in one place at the same time!  Imagine the time you could have painting the town while your kids are quietly sleeping at grandma's house.  Research some night time fun near or in the city you choose.  A nice night dinner & dancing with your relatives you haven't seen in so long would be just the ticket. 

For the older kids, you could arrange to have a pajama party for them.  The teenagers can supervise those not quite capable of watching themselves.  You'll have adults there as well.  Cool huh? 

If your family reunion will involve going to church on Sunday, be sure to ask your relatives about their church, and decide which one you'll want to visit that day, and if they can accommodate all who may want to go.

The Costs:  Ok, now that you have some preliminary ideas down on paper, it's time to think about how much all this stuff will cost.  Unless you are RICH, you probably won't be able to pop for the family reunion no matter how much you love your relatives.  So, you will need to let each family member know how much you will need from them and the deadline for sending the monies.  Some of them are guaranteed to be late, so it may be a good idea to 'fudge' the date a little.  For instance, you could say you need the money a month before you actually do. So, those late folks won't get you too huffy. Now is a good time to go over the plans and schedules because they will want to know how their money is being spent.