Plan an Epic Family Reunion with Seacoast 

It’s that time of year again…family reunion season. Whether you are enlisting the help of cousins, uncles and aunts or tackling the challenge by yourself, family reunions can be a huge undertaking. Seacoast Events knows the importance of these annual gatherings and is ready to help plan and execute a successful family gathering. 

Before the big day arrives, here are some key steps to organize and ensure a fun time for all, from the youngest members of your tribe to the family matriarch or patriarch. 

Determine the Best Time/Date/Season 

Some times of year are busier than others, so send out a survey to family members about when your reunion would be best for all involved. For some families, shoulder season (outside of busy tourism times) is ideal for budgeting and finding venues and vendors that are available. For some families, reuniting during peak vacation season works best. Find out what works for your family through a Google Form or other survey app. Once a date is chosen, it may be easiest to stick with that timeframe annually. 

Find a Central Location 

If your family is scattered around New England or elsewhere, determine a central location with all the needed features, such as plenty of restaurants, hotels, car rentals, etc. Be sure to consider access to airports, public transit and entertainment for all ages. 

Plan the Gathering 

Most family reunions occur over long weekends, when family members are off work or can travel the distance conveniently. Make an itinerary that spans the main days, allowing for free time where family members can rest or head off to nearby activities. 

Key things to include in your event planning include: 

• Meal breaks with and without the entire group
• Entertainment for the old and young
• Rest times where family can gather informally
• Key events geared toward the whole family 
• Welcome and Farewell events 
• Engaging activities for all ages 

Create Traditions & Entertainment Options 

To allow younger members of the family to understand your family’s core values, create traditions that continue at each family reunion. For instance, storytelling is a fantastic way to share your family’s history. A physical or digital family tree would also be an excellent tradition for family members to review and reflect on during the reunion weekend. Be sure to add names each time a new member is added, either by birth or marriage. 

Traditions can also include annual competitions such as chess or checkers, Giant Jenga, Giant Connect Four, and other Larger Than Life Sports games provided by Seacoast Events. Scores and family rivalries can be ongoing from year to year and passed from generation to generation. 

Establish other annual customs like interactive entertainment that includes games shows such as Faceoff Feud, Challenge, Game Show Mania or Bingo Ball Fun. These are unique and enjoyable ways to include everyone in the family in the activity, regardless of skill or age. 

Do you have a family reunion planned for this summer or fall? Talk to our team at Seacoast Events about what type of entertainment would be best for your family. We deliver, set up, and break down at the end of your event, making it enjoyable for all.