How to Plan a High School Reunion in 11 Easy Steps

Figuring out how to plan a high school reunion can be a thrilling yet daunting task. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with old friends, share nostalgic memories, and laugh about the high school moments that once seemed so important.

While it’s no small feat to gather everyone in the same place after so many years, these 11 easy steps will guide you through the process, making it manageable and even enjoyable. From setting the date to sending out invitations, every detail is important for creating a memorable reunion that your classmates will enjoy.

1. Plan the high school reunion early

The early bird gets the worm - and they also get the best selection of venues, which increases the chances of more people being able to attend the event. Pro tip – Plan one year ahead of your scheduled reunion day. While one year might seem like a long time to start planning, venues book far in advance - especially large spaces which are frequently used for weddings and corporate events. 

2. Track down former classmates

Class presidents usually plan and execute class reunions. If you notice that a reunion date is near but no event has been announced you might do this on your own. You will have to find classmates to start your reunion preparation. Get in touch with your high school for the alumni directory. Sometimes, an alumni database is kept and updated and provides additional information about how to contact your classmates.

3. Form a committee (gradually)

Assembling a committee can help to share the workload, spreading the responsibility among several people. Start by reaching out to enthusiastic classmates who showed interest in helping, and assign them roles based on their strengths. Some may excel in budgeting and financial planning, while others might have a knack for marketing or finding the perfect venue. Having a diverse committee ensures that various aspects of the reunion are being handled simultaneously, making the process more efficient. Remember, teamwork makes the dream work!

4. Establish a budget

Your budget plays a crucial role in your high school reunion plans. Ideally, your event is financially feasible for the classmates, while also offering everyone a memorable experience. Start by calculating the per-person cost and determine how much each classmate needs to contribute. Then, look for ways to cut costs without compromising on the quality of the reunion.

5. Check in with your high school

In most schools, administrators track alumni and are willing to help with planning reunions. Public schools have fewer resources but may point to a good route. They may even put you in contact with alumni in previous classes whose reunion was a success.

6. Brainstorm big-picture details

Depending on the amount of money, consider the possible theme of the event, location, optimal date, program ideas, activities, etc. Are you trying to find an inexpensive event site? Can the costs cover event workers if needed? Choose the type of services available for events, including buffets or a plated dinner. Hosting a bar is the most common choice amongst guests but can also cost money. Keep these details in mind as you plan the reunion.

7. Book an event venue

Once the best dates for reunions have been determined then you must find or book the venue. When you talk to potential host venues ask about deposits and fees, cancellation policies and guest restrictions. A special event venue offering meals, and bar services typically charges according to the expected number of people, so it's important to get accurate RSVPs. Plan Tip: Don’t sign any contracts or pay any fees without asking for details of venue policies.

8. Book vendor services for your high school reunion

In addition to the event venue, you may require hiring various vendors for your reunion, such as catering services, DJs, bar staff, and a professional photographer. Event suppliers need a down payment to secure the services they offer. Keep up with upcoming deposits by putting them on your calendar. If you are having trouble finding a vendor in the vicinity, it's a great idea to contact the venue director for recommendations.

9. Set up a reunion website to sell tickets

When planning for your High School Reunion, you need tickets to sell as soon as possible. Create a registration process and sell tickets by putting together a site with ticket sales. Many websites exist to help you create event website pages and offer ticket processing. Be sure to do your research to determine which platform is the best for you.

Check Out Payit2.com for planning your high school reunion

Payit2.com is a website that allows event planners to create an online payment page where guests can pay for their tickets and other reunion expenses. With this website, you can easily create different packages with various prices depending on the activities or services included. You can also add options for alumni to make donations towards the reunion fund. This makes it easier for everyone to contribute and helps cover any necessary expenses for the event.

10. Promote and advertise

Once all the details are in place, it’s time to promote and advertise your high school reunion. Utilize social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to reach out to more alumni. You can create a group or page specifically for the reunion and post updates about the event. You can also promote through traditional methods like flyers, posters, and word of mouth. Make sure to include all the necessary details such as date, location, ticket prices, and any other important information.

11. Keep in touch with attendees

Leading up to the reunion, keep in touch with those who have registered and bought tickets. This helps build excitement for the event and also allows you to update attendees about any changes or additional information. You can send out newsletters, and emails, or post in the social media group/page to keep everyone updated. After the reunion, you can also use these channels to share photos and memories from the event, keeping the alumni connected even after it’s over.

Plan a high school reunion today!

Planning a high school reunion may seem like a daunting task, but with proper preparation and organization, it can be a fun and memorable experience for everyone involved. Remember to stay within budget, utilize available resources, and keep in touch with attendees throughout the planning process. With these tips, your high school reunion is sure to be a success! So start planning now and get ready to reunite with old friends and create new memories together.