Family Reunion Series: Start off with Style

I’m sure many of you will be participating in one of the most time-honored traditions of summer – the family reunion! I myself am looking forward to catching up and spending some quality time with my extended family during our own reunion later this summer. As the party planning continues up until the big weekend, I’m going to share some of the tips I’ve come across for planning the perfect family get-together.

 

First up: the invitation.

 

Let’s say you have decided to be part of the planning committee for this year’s reunion. First, decide on a date and location and compile the guest list. Remember to check that you’ve included new additions to the family, name changes or updated addresses for anyone who might have moved. Once these major items are set, you can start thinking about how to get the word out!

 

Invitations serve two purposes: obviously the first is to provide relevant information for guests. This one is easy, just follow the 5 Ws ­– who, what, when, where, why.

 

Secondly, your invite sets the tone for the event. It gives attendees a preview of what to expect, how to dress, what to bring, and so on. (Novice party planners sometimes don’t realize how many “hints” the invitation gives until a guest shows up wearing a tuxedo to a beach party!). 

 

To get inspired, think about having a theme or consider the location and activities you have planned. There are a number of template and customizable invitations out there that will match perfectly with your plans, whether they include a reunion luau or a ladies’ tea (these invitation designs and more are available from FedEx Office).

 

If you’re not big on the theme concept, you can still make the invitations unique and attention-grabbing with a number of personalized touches – such as a bold color scheme, graphic of the family crest or picture from the last reunion – that are easily incorporated into an existing template. And, of course, you can channel your inner artist and design your own invite using tools such as the ones available at the Design & Print Center or other graphic publishing programs.

 

Always remember that the invitation is the first introduction to your party and you want to set the expectation that everyone will have a fabulous time! 

 

Have a good family reunion planning tip? Share it below in the comments!  

 

 

Related FedEx Office Solutions: Design & Print Center, Invitations

 

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