• Read up on reunions (see our recommendations). Also, check out Reunions Magazine (414-263-4567) and search the Web; try www.reunited.com for starters.
• As much as a year in advance, send out a feeler letter to your relatives, soliciting suggestions and volunteers.
• Decide who is to be included--how far up the family tree will you go?
• Surround yourself with a team of dedicated helpers and be sure to delegate tasks.
• Write out a calendar or time line--it'll keep you from feeling like you've got to do everything at once. Also, start a reunion notebook so you can keep track of separate projects, such as menu and activity planning, lodging negotiations and so forth.
• Set the date early and stick with it. If there are guests you can't hold the reunion without, check with them first, but otherwise, pick a date that fits the most schedules.
• Decide on a budget and how the reunion will be paid for. There are many ways to share costs; consider setting a registration fee, asking relatives to donate supplies and services and setting up a reunion scholarship fund.
