How do you create a perfect reunion invitation?

Here are some steps to follow to create a perfect reunion invitation to your next creative family beach vacation reunion.

Your Guest List
Before you send out the actual invites, try to track down as many potential guests as you can. Ask the people you know if they have contact info of others, and ask these "other people" the same, etc. Try to get not only their names, addresses, and phone numbers, but their email address. This will prove handy when you go to send them your reunion report, and update them on future reunions.

Provide Notice
Try to give as much notice as possible to your guests after you have established the reunion basics such as the date, them, and admission price. This will give your guests as much time as possible to raise money, set their vacation schedule, and make arrangements for their children if they will not be attending.

"Jazz" It Up
Remember, your reunion invitation is in many respects, their first exposure to the upcoming reunion. Since first impressions are lasting, make sure you "jazz" it up a bit. Be neat and clear. There are computer programs out there to create nice invitations and mailing lists...use them if you have access. Buy some specially decorated paper to make your invitation all that more special. Use a color printer if you have one. Especially if you are asking for admission money, the fancier your invitation the better. This will be the first clue as to where their hard-earned money is going to go.

Make Sure You Include
Your reunion invitation should include:

1) The date and time of the reunion.

2) The name, phone number, address, and email address of the invitee. Be sure to ask them to update this info if it has changed.

3) A description of the reunion and what activities are planned.

4) The admission price per person. Mention any discounts, such as 1/2 price admission for children and seniors.
5) Let them know if anything is not included in the admission price, such as hotel rooms and airfare.

6) Tell them how they can send the money, whether by check, money order, cash, or credit card.

7) Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so they will be able to reply right away to your invite. You can recover the cost of these stamps from the admission price.

8) Directions to get to the venue.

9) Inform them if they will need to bring any special items, such as a baby stroller, or special clothing.

The Last Minute Reminder
A few weeks before the reunion beings, send out a last minute reminder to the guests. Having their email address will come in handy now. Remind them of the upcoming event, and basically recap the info on the invitation. Mention what you think the weather is going to be, and what you suggest they wear. Let them know how many people will be attending the event, and any special "tidbits". For example, if this is a class reunion, and one of your former classmates became famous, be sure to mention that they will be attending (if they are coming that is). Be sure to remind them to bring personal photos of days gone by, and any other special items that they think others will enjoy looking at.

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