There’s no point in a family reunion if your family disowns you in the end

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You agreed to help organize this year’s family reunion—and it’s become more work than planning a wedding! Sandy Clunies, author of A Family Affair: How to Plan and Direct the Best Family Reunion Ever, offers these helpful suggestions.

1. Who's invited? Decide on the guest list ahead of time to sort out details, such as the location and type of reunion.
2. If there are more than 15 people on your guest list, get help. You can delegate site selection, budget, correspondence and food.
3. Have a lot of out-of-towners on your list? This will impact the location and length of your reunion. For instance, perhaps you want to book space at a campground for a two-day gathering, or get together on a single Saturday for a picnic.
4. Send a "save the date" card as soon as possible. Next, mail or email a formal invitation about a month before the event. Remember to include a map to the venue, as well as what people need to bring.
5. A blog or Web site can be an easy way to communicate with attendees and fellow organizers regularly.
6. Ask each family to bring a potluck dish. Assign everyone a specific food category. Dishes like our Zesty Corn & Pasta Salad and our Grilled Chili Pork Tenderloin And Pineapple are perfect picnic fare.
7. In a busy park or campground, you'll need to stand out. Put up signs and banners to direct people.