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A step-by-step guide in the planning process for your high school reunion with ideas and inspirations to make your reunion planning easier.
Posted by Chinny Verana
High school memories hold a special place in our hearts. As time passes, you can catch yourself losing touch with old friends. You find yourself drifting away from those cherished moments and people. With that said, you know it’s time for a high school reunion.
Whether you had a good or unfavorable high school experience, a high school reunion is your chance to make new memories and reconnect with classmates.
Planning a high school reunion may seem like a daunting task. However, the rekindling of old friends and reconnecting with former teachers make it all worthwhile. Given this, you might strongly consider planning a reunion for your batch.
This blog post gives you a list of ideas and inspirations to make your reunion planning easier. Furthermore, a section of this blog can serve as a guide for a step-by-step planning process for your high school reunion planning.
If you’re ready, it’s time to step into a time machine and start planning!
A class reunion is a gathering of classmates or batchmates after some time. It is usually organized after 5, 10, or 20 years. The purpose of a class reunion is to celebrate milestones, reconnect with former classmates, foster a sense of belonging, look back on memories, organize fundraising for a collected cause, and simply have fun. Aside from this, a class reunion is a great opportunity for business networking.
Organizing a high school reunion usually requires a theme to make it more engaging and fun. A theme is usually carried throughout the program – from the invites, activities, and attire.
Here are some themes you can take inspiration from:
Examples of fashion for specific decades are the following:
A decade-theme reunion is a fun way to look back on trends. The challenge here is to find outfits that are from previous decades. Attendees would have to be creative in repurposing old clothes and fashion pieces.
Another popular high school reunion theme is Hollywood glamor, composed of glitters, glitz, silver, gold, and black accents.
Attendees can come in their favorite Hollywood star’s outfit. Photo Booths can feature backdrops from famous Hollywood movies. Red carpets can be installed at the entrance. Awards can also follow the theme of Hollywood awarding.
Choosing entertainment options for a Hollywood-themed reunion is easier because of the rich culture and industry behind it. However, it may require a higher budget due to the need for elaborate decorations, props, outfits, and potentially specialized entertainment.
Additionally, some other costume ideas can be dressing up as your future self, old self, and high school stereotypes. Costume parties can be a good way to break the ice and can be a good conversation starter. However, event planners must manage their expectations as each person can interpret the theme differently.
Games and activities play a big role in the success of your high school reunion planning. The activities can make a mark on the memories that the attendees will take home. Be mindful of the type of activities to help break the ice and make it inclusive for everyone.
Some well-known nationwide photography services are Lifetouch, GradImages, and Prestige Portraits. These vendors are professional photographers so you don’t have to worry about capturing precious memories during the event.
Although the games here are fun, it’s important to note that not everyone will be comfortable getting wet or have activities in the pool.
In doing these life-sharing updates, hosts should be able to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere and be respectful and mindful of people’s context.
The location of your high school reunion can set the tone for your whole event. There are a lot of considerations in choosing a venue like budget, capacity, accessibility, convenience, and ambiance.
We listed down some reunion location ideas that you can consider:
Imagine reuniting with your old friends and teachers with a majestic view of the seas and the soothing background of the waves
A golf course as a venue might be ideal if a majority of the class enjoys playing golf. Otherwise, the other people who are not interested in golf might be discouraged from attending.
Movies or TV series are a fun concept to recreate in high school reunions. If your class is particularly fond of a specific film or show, it can give nostalgic and heartwarming memories to have it as a theme.
It is important to note though that not everyone may know the film or show. The event planning committee must still consider making the reunion relatable for everyone.
To use this classic comedy film as a theme, you can send Romy and Michele-themed reunions complete with vibrant and colorful fonts. An activity can be inspired by the movie. For example, the program can have a segment where attendees have the opportunity to share their own “inventions” or achievements, no matter how humorous or fictional.
Without spoiling the details of the movie, Peggy Sue Got Married is filled with nostalgia, second chances, and relationship. It’s a heartwarming movie making it a fun theme for a high school reunion.
Some ideas on incorporating this into your program could be in the music choices. Create a playlist that combines hits from the 1980s and 1960s. From ’80s pop anthems to iconic ’60s rock ‘n’ roll tracks, the music should take attendees on a journey through time.
Another idea is to host nostalgic monologues inspired by monologues from the film itself. Hosts can invite attendees to share their own “what I would say to my younger self” monologues, reflecting on their journey since high school.
American Reunion is an installment from the hit movie “American pie”. The plot revolves around the group’s reunion with each dealing with their own struggles and issues. The reunion becomes a backdrop for humorous and heartfelt moments as the characters grapple with personal growth and rediscovery.
If this movie is your chosen theme for your reunion, you can plan to have the setting on a beachfront or serve American dinner. You can also host a pie eating contest to be in theme with the film American Pie.
The series Friends is a hit sitcom on five friends living their lives in New York. Its relatable and comedic storyline centers on the theme of the enduring bonds of friendship and the sense of community that comes with it.
Some ideas for activities can be a “We were on a break” segment where participants can share relationship stories inspired by the iconic breakup moment of the series’ characters – Ross and Rachel.
Additionally, you can create your own version of the trivia game that Ross organized. In the 12th episode of Friends season four, Ross created a trivia quiz with questions about his friends and their lives, and Chandler and Joey compete against Monica and Rachel to determine which pair knows the others better.
Similarly, you can create a board with different cards on questions about high school memories.
A Beverly Hills-inspired reunion can give a touch of Hollywood and a luxury vibe. The series is filled with friendship, drama, and youthful exploration making it a good choice for a high school reunion theme.
To give planners an idea of how to incorporate this into your class reunions too, you can have a fashion contest inspired by the series’ famous fashion sense. Moreover, you can design a dance floor with a glamorous black and gold pattern or incorporate a Hollywood star design, encouraging attendees to dance the night away in style.
A high school reunion can be fun and productive at the same time with fun and interactive workshops. These workshops provide a unique opportunity for attendees to actively participate, learn new skills, and bond over shared interests.
Attendees can be stressed by the busyness of life and careers. Provide a wellness and mindfulness session as a segment on your reunion.
Hire a wellness instructor to guide attendees through a guided meditation exercise. There can also be a yoga or journaling session to help everyone relax and reconnect in a meaningful way.
A cooking or baking class is a more hands-on activity to do in your class reunion. The only setback for this type of activity is that it requires a venue with ample space for cooking and complete equipment like stoves or ovens.
The workshop can be hosted by a batchmate who became a chef or baker. Finished products can also serve as their souvenirs.
Get everyone to wear their painter’s hat for a relaxing painting workshop. Hosting a painting workshop does not have to be complicated to be fun and interactive. There are a lot of guides and materials online that can serve as a reference.
A painting workshop at a high school reunion serves as a creative outlet and a memorable bonding experience among classmates.
A culinary tasting activity is an ideal choice for those who have a shared interest in food. Set up different tasting sessions for the different cuisines to be tasted. Attendees are sure to leave the reunion with a happy heart and tummy.
Everyone loves a good endorphin boost from an exercise or workout routine. Offer a variety of fitness activities to cater to different interests.
You could include activities like yoga, Zumba, circuit training, or even a nature walk. Doing an activity together can encourage interaction and bonding among participants.
Since attendees are already in a reminiscing and throwback mood, hosting a Personal Development Workshop can help them reflect on their personal journeys throughout the years.
Furthermore, doing a personal development workshop together can enhance relationships and give opportunities for networking.
A Time Capsule creation as a high school reunion activity is a great way to infuse nostalgia and anticipation for the future. Attendees can write a letter to their future selves or their future goals. They can also place printout photos from the event as something to look back to on the next reunion.
Fundraising at a high school reunion is a great way to raise money for a certain cause. Organizers can partner with specific organizations or even their alma mater for attendees to commit to a specific cause.
Here are some ideas to raise money:
Prior to the event, the event planners can collect donations or items that can be used for auction during the event. Unlike traditional auctions with an auctioneer, in a silent auction, bids are submitted silently and are usually displayed next to each item for all participants to see. The highest bidder at the end of the designated bidding period wins the item.
Doing an auction together gives a sense of camaraderie among classmates as they work towards reaching a common goal together.
A 50/50 raffle is a fun way to raise funds. To get higher margins, organizers can ask for sponsorships as prizes. This engaging activity invites attendees to purchase raffle tickets, with half of the proceeds going towards a charitable cause or enhancing future reunions, and the other half forming the prize pot for one lucky winner.
45. Food and Products Sale
Finally, the food and bake sale is a no-fail fundraising activity. Aside from the food that will be served during the event, the reunion can host several booths to sell food or products. Attendees are encouraged to purchase as a simple way to support the fundraising cause.
When selling food and products, make sure to comply with venue rules and regulations. For instance, some hotels or restaurants might charge a corkage fee when guests bring outside food.
The first step in organizing a high school reunion is to gather a reunion committee. The committee is usually comprised of the following:
Before starting your high school reunion planning, it is good practice to listen to the pulse of your target audience. You can send out a survey form asking about general interest, availability, reunion type, location preferences, budget range, activity preferences, and other further suggestions.
The next step is to finalize the date, time, and venue for your reunion. This is the first thing that needs to happen before sending out invitations and other information to potential attendees.
Selecting the right reunion date involves checking for major holidays, school breaks, and other local events that might clash. The time of day matters too, as it influences the atmosphere and activities, whether it’s a daytime stroll at the park or an evening gala.
Equally important is the venue choice, which should reflect the theme and size of the reunion. Opt for a location that holds sentimental value, such as the school grounds or a spot that resonates with shared memories.
After the previous steps, it’s time to create a reunion website. An event site is an important step in reunion planning because this is the first thing that attendees will see once they’re interested to attend.
Customize your site with complete details like the date, time, venue, and a teaser of the activities. Sites like Event Smart and Event Espresso allow for customization of your reunion website.
The next step is sending invitations and selling your tickets. Make it easy for former classmates to purchase tickets with ticket-selling sites like Event Espresso and Event Smart. Both are platforms of choice for selling tickets. It has secure payment collection systems, customizable registration forms, and $0 commission fees on an unlimited number of tickets sold.
Unlike other platforms that charge a significant amount of fee per ticket sold, you can enjoy higher profit with every ticket sale with Event Espresso.
Now, it’s time to create a program that the attendees won’t simply forget. Tailor your program in a way that can encourage people to engage and interact with one another.
Use the fun and engaging ideas mentioned above as you craft your program
As the reunion draws near, it’s time to choose the food and drinks for the event. Take note of allergies and general preferences from your survey to make sure everyone will be pleased with the food.
Potential sponsors can elevate the reunion experience for attendees. Try reaching out to classmates who may have a connection with certain brands so the event planning committee can reach out to them for potential sponsorship.
The sponsorship can be in kind. Sponsors can provide food, drinks, or products for raffle and prizes.
As with any event, the reunion needs promoting and marketing. In today’s age of social media and digital marketing, finding your classmates can be easy. You can start inviting people to the reunion once you have a hold of your alumni database.
Event planners can personally send them information about the upcoming reunion through a Facebook group or email. Get a copy of the class list to make sure that everyone is invited.
Finally, after a successful event of catch-ups, it’s time to continue the connection formed. Send post-event follow-ups like a thank you message, send links to photos, and give details on how to stay connected with fellow classmates.
Make planning for your high school reunion convenient and hassle-free with a reliable ticketing system like Event Espresso and Event Smart.
Event Espresso is a WordPress plugin for websites. It’s an event registration and ticket-selling platform that has $0 commission fees per ticket sold. If you’re not using WordPress and simply want an event site for your high school reunion event, you can try Event Smart.
Both platforms have customizable sites, secure payment collection, and customizable registration forms and confirmation emails. Aside from it being a ticket-selling platform, it is also an ideal platform for your class reunion website.
Start planning for your high school reunion now!