How to Plan an Impressive Class Reunion

It’s an inevitable moment in all our lives: when we realize it’s time to plan our class reunion! Summer and Fall are the most popular seasons to host class reunions, so now is the time to kick your planning into high gear.

In this article, we’ll go over the basics of planning a high school class reunion, and we’ll discuss ideas for hosting a smooth, successful, and inclusive event. We’ll also share some fun custom gifts that will make your class reunion even more memorable.

Get Custom T-Shirts Printed Fast

One of the greatest benefits of custom merch is that it reminds you of the memories you’ve made! At Merchology, we’ve recently introduced a merch decoration method that allows faster, lower-cost, higher-durability printed tees, sweatshirts, and more: direct apparel printing! If you want to make your class reunion memorable with custom printed tees, check out direct apparel printing to get high-quality, soft-to-the-touch, quickly delivered tees so your team can remember your amazing class reunion event!

 

 

Recruit an All-Star Committee

Planning a great class reunion takes a team of organized and reliable people. It would be easy to simply contact classmates from your own social circle when putting together a reunion committee. However, you’ll have a better event if you broaden your committee search.

Reach out to classmates from a wide variety of clubs, organizations, and interests—from chess club to cheerleaders, from theater kids to shop class students. When your committee includes a diverse representation of your classmates, you can make sure that your reunion is fun and comfortable for everyone. 

Your classmates have developed plenty of skills and experience since high school—use them! For instance: 

• The finance expert from your class can set up a bank account and manage the budget.
• The event planner can oversee booking and decorating the venue.
• The hospitality manager can arrange a special rate for a block of hotel rooms. 
• The marketing professional can help with publicizing the event.

If you had a large graduating class or or planning an elaborate event, consider setting up sub-committees to handle all these different aspects of the reunion.

Decide the Budget Early On

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Before your committee makes any major decisions, you will need to determine a basic budget for your event. MyEvent suggests setting a preliminary ticket price and assuming that 40% of your class will attend, with half of those bringing a guest. Your planning committee can decide on any goals for additional class reunion fundraising (such as alumni donations or selling ad space in your reunion program or memory book).

This starting budget will inform all of your committee’s decisions, including venue choice, catering, and mementos such as branded class reunion clothing.

 

Create an event Website

Thankfully, the internet has made it much easier to stay in touch with our former classmates. It also hugely simplifies the reunion planning process! No more mailed-in RSVPs or dealing with physical checks. A simple reunion website can include event details and can be a platform for registration and ticket purchases.

You don’t need a web designer on your committee to have an attractive, easy-to-use event site. There are event website services that help you build your reunion page. A basic webpage can be free (other than charging a percentage on ticket sales). If your budget allows, you can upgrade to a paid site that allows more customization and includes extra features. Website ideas include classmate profiles and a “where are they now?” map, both of which add fun to your school reunion. 

Promote Your Reunion Online

Once you have your website set up, share it, share it, share it! Create social media accounts for your graduating class, so you have an easy way to communicate with your classmates. Of course, not everyone will be on social media. But the people who are can help you gather email addresses (or when necessary, physical mailing addresses) for those you aren’t. 

You don’t want classmates to miss out on your special event because they didn’t know about it. The more attendees you have, the more lively and vibrant your event will be. These social media pages can stay active after your event is over, and they will make planning your next class reunion even easier!

Put Together a Memorable Presentation

The centerpiece of any reunion event is the slideshow of nostalgic photos and videos from your high school days. Everyone enjoys laughing and reminiscing over funny moments, important events, and outdated prom fashions!

The steps for creating a great slideshow are simple:

• Gather a wide variety of photos and videos from your classmates
• Have a tech-savvy committee member create the presentation. There are plenty of software options for creating slideshow videos.
• Make sure your venue has the necessary audiovisual equipment.
• Be sure to test out your slideshow video ahead of time, so your presentation can go off without a hitch!

Your reunion website and social media pages are the perfect tools for gathering the memories for your presentation. Consider creating a dedicated email address for classmates to send their photos and videos to, so you’ll have everything gathered in one place.

Order High-Quality, Memorable Gifts

After such a fun event, you don’t want your guests to leave empty-handed! Merchology makes it easy to order custom gifts for your class reunion. We can add your school’s logo and graduating class year to great products from top brands. You could also create a special logo specifically for your reunion for an even more memorable gift.

Here are a few of our top suggestions for class reunion gifts:

Custom Sweatshirts for Class Reunions

Sweatshirts are the perfect branded clothing for a class reunion. Let’s face it: folks aren’t going to wear their reunion merch to work or to formal events. So keep it casual with a cozy sweatshirt that they’ll love wearing around the house. This custom Champion hoodie comes in multiple colors, so you can choose one that coordinates with your logo.

 

 

Branded Hats for Class Reunions

Everyone needs a simple cap to throw on for sun protection (or to cover up a bad hair day). The branded Zusa Staycationer Dad Cap has a sleek and simple design that looks good on anyone. We embroider your reunion logo right on the front, so your classmates will be reminded of your wonderful event every time they put it on. This is also a gift purchase you can feel good about: Each cap is made using recycled water bottles!

 

Custom Logo Drinkware for Class Reunions

Custom Drinkware is another popular choice for reunion giveaways. And for good reason: coffee mugs water bottles, and tumblers are both useful and personal. We recommend this custom S'ip by S'well Coffee Takeaway 15 oz Mug. It looks like a regular coffee mug, but includes a splash-proof, pop-on lid so you can finish your cup on the go. Your class logo is printed on the front, pairing the warmth of nostalgia with the comforting sips of your morning coffee.

 

Contact Us

Custom gifts are an important part of planning a great class reunion! Contact a Merchologist today for ideas on the best gifts for your high school reunion.