You promised you’d keep in touch — but somehow, the years flew by. Now, it’s time to bring everyone back together for a class reunion they’ll actually want to attend (and won’t awkwardly bail on at the last minute). But where do you even start? From picking a date to collecting money for tickets (without chasing people down), planning a class reunion can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. This guide is packed with creative class reunion ideas to make planning easy, fun, and stress-free.
Form the class reunion planning committee
Say it out loud: “I don’t have to do this alone.” Creating a dedicated planning committee is critical in organizing a memorable class reunion. This team will be the driving force behind the event, from initial brainstorming to execution. Here are some tips on forming an effective planning committee:
Identify Key Roles
Start by identifying the key roles and responsibilities needed for your reunion planning. Some common roles are listed below, but can be combined depending on the size of your reunion:
Chairperson:
Oversees the entire planning process, ensuring tasks are completed on schedule.
Treasurer:
Manages expenses, handles ticket sales, and tracks finances. Venue Coordinator: Researches and secures the event location.
Communications Coordinator:
Manages outreach, including social media and email updates.
Entertainment & Activities Coordinator:
Plans and organizes games, music, and any performances.
Decorations & Set Up Coordinator
Designs the event’s look and feel and coordinates setup on the day.
Catering Coordinator:
Oversees the menu selection, food, and drink arrangements.
Volunteer Coordinator:
Solicits volunteer sign-ups for the week of the event and oversees volunteers at the event.
Pro Tip:
Want an easy way to collect reunion fees and RSVPs? Cheddar Up makes it simple (and free!) — see how it works.
Recruit Committee Members
Reach out to classmates through social media, emails, and word of mouth to recruit volunteers for the committee. Look for individuals who show enthusiasm or possess special skills relevant to the roles above. Include classmates from various social circles to ensure a wide range of perspectives and ideas.
Establish Clear Communication
Set up a reliable communication system for the committee, such as regular Zoom meetings. Clear and consistent communication is crucial for keeping everyone updated, sharing ideas, and making decisions collectively. When forming your planning committee, be sure to check on communications from group members.
Set a Timeline & Goals
Establish a detailed timeline early in the planning process with specific milestones and deadlines. Key milestones may include: selecting a date, finalizing the venue, and sending invitations. This helps the committee stay focused and on track.
Establish key details of your class reunion
It’s essential to complete a few class reunion milestones as early as possible.
Picking a Date
The first critical step is choosing a date that works for the majority. Avoid conflicts with major holidays, school events, and peak travel seasons. You can also check with alumni groups to see when past reunions had the highest attendance.
Finding a Location
Your venue sets the tone for the reunion, so choose one that fits your vibe! Go formal with a hotel ballroom or banquet hall, keep it casual at a park or beach, or add nostalgia with a school gym throwback. Want something unique? Try a vineyard, cruise, or historic site. Prioritize accessibility, parking, and accommodations for out-of-town guests—and check if classmates have venue connections to help cut costs!”
Incorporating Flexibility
A great reunion accommodates different interests, schedules, and budgets. Offering multiple activities ensures everyone can join in, whether they’re up for a casual get-together or a full weekend of events.
Some flexible class reunion ideas include:
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Golf tournament fundraiser + Happy hour at a classmate’s bar or brewery
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Campus tour + Formal dinner celebration
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Reserved section at the big game + BBQ lunch for a laid-back vibe
Pro Tip:
You can gather all this information and more using a Cheddar Up class reunion questionnaire! It’s the perfect way to reconnect, gauge excitement, and get input — so you can plan an event everyone will be thrilled to attend.
Get the Word Out
Get the word out and build excitement! A well-promoted reunion means a higher turnout, so create a dedicated website or social media page as your central hub. Spread the news through email, social media, and good old-fashioned word of mouth. Keep the momentum going with fun updates, sneak peeks, and reminders — because the more buzz you create, the bigger the turnout!
Selling Tickets
Offering an easy way to purchase tickets is essential. Cheddar Up allows organizers to sell tickets online, offering various payment options to suit everyone’s needs.
Consider early bird discounts or tiered pricing to encourage early purchases. Providing clear information on what the ticket includes (e.g., dinner, entertainment, memorabilia) can also boost sales.
Online ticket sales make the purchasing process convenient for attendees and provide organizers with a clear overview of attendees. Additionally, reporting features make it easy to track ticket sales and volunteer responses in real-time.
Organizing additional volunteers
Organizing volunteers for the event day is crucial to ensuring everything runs smoothly. And while some people may not be able to be committee members, they’ll jump at the chance to help on the day of the event(s).
Start by identifying tasks and roles needed on the day, such as registration desk helpers, decorators, and photographers. Recruit volunteers in advance through a volunteer sign-up, clearly communicating the expectations and time commitments for each role.
On the day of the event, hold a brief meeting with volunteers to review the schedule and answer questions. Expressing appreciation for their help and recognizing their contributions can motivate volunteers and create a positive, collaborative atmosphere throughout the event.
Pro Tip:
Your all-in-one class reunion template is here! Sell tickets for every reunion event, recruit volunteers, take song requests, gather photos, and even collect for a class gift. No spreadsheets, no stress — just an easy way to keep your reunion organized and unforgettable!
Bonus: 10 class reunion ideas to make it a little “extra”
Enhancing a class reunion with thoughtful and engaging activities can significantly elevate the overall experience. Here are 10 more class reunion ideas to make your event memorable:
Memory Lane Gallery
Create a walk-through exhibit of yearbooks, old photos, and memorabilia from your school days. Include sports trophies, art projects, and anything else that captures the essence of your time together. This can be a great conversation starter and a nostalgic journey back in time.
Decade-Themed Decor
Decorate the venue in the style of the era when your class was in school. Whether it’s the vibrant ’80s, the grunge era of the ’90s, or the early 2000s, tailoring the theme can stir up fond memories.
Video Montage
Collect video greetings from classmates who can’t attend, mixed with clips and photos from school days, and play it during the event. This can include teachers and staff too, adding a special touch to the nostalgia.
Class Superlatives Revisited
Have fun with a light-hearted award ceremony that revisits the class superlatives or creates new ones. Categories like “Most Changed Since Graduation,” “Traveled the Furthest to Attend,” or “Most Likely to Organize the Next Reunion” can add humor and engagement.
Live Band or DJ with Era Music
Hire a DJ or band specializing in hits from your school years to set the soundtrack for the evening. Encourage song requests beforehand to ensure the playlist has something for everyone.
Interactive Games
Plan interactive games that encourage mingling and laughter. Consider trivia quizzes about events from your school years, a scavenger hunt with items related to your class, or even a friendly sports match if the venue allows.
Themed Photo Booth
Set up a photo booth with props and backdrops that reflect your school spirit or the era you graduated. This gives everyone a chance to take home a personalized souvenir of the night.
Guest Speakers
Invite a beloved teacher, coach, or staff member to speak at the reunion. Their reflections on your class and updates on their lives can add a unique and heartfelt element to the festivities.
Charity or Scholarship Fund
Establish a class charity initiative or scholarship fund in honor of your reunion. This can be a powerful way to give back, fostering community and purpose among classmates. You can ask classmates to donate while purchasing their tickets or while at the event.
Honoring Missing and Departed Classmates
Take a moment during the event to honor classmates who have passed away or couldn’t attend. A simple slideshow or a moment of silence can be a touching tribute.
Planning a class reunion is a labor of love that brings its own rewards. Seeing old friends reconnect, sharing laughs over past adventures, and catching up on years lost can make all the effort worthwhile. With the right tools and team, you can create a class reunion that will be talked about for years to come.
Have more class reunion ideas of your own?
Start using Cheddar Up today to streamline every aspect of your event. From collecting payments to managing RSVPs, you can ensure your reunion is an unforgettable success.
