Don't cancel the family reunion just because the world is shouting "economic recession." After all, it's often during tough times that we learn family and our personal relationships with others are our most valuable possessions. The most important things in life aren't things.
That said, many of us are being forced to tighten our purse strings. These 10 tips will help cut expenses for your next family reunion:
1. Send postcard invitations instead of flyers or letters. Postcards are the least expensive way to send mail.
2. Cheaper yet, send invitations via email and communicate electronically. Family reunion websites are a wonderful addition to your reunion and can serve as a communication hub before, during and after your family gathering. Many companies offer family reunion websites that allow you to track reservations and payments online. You can also create opinion polls and upload pictures.
3. Change the venue -- reserve a campground or state park instead of a hotel or resort.
4. Shorten your stay -- cut a multi-day reunion down to a single afternoon picnic. Focus on the main reunion elements: an initial ice breaker activity, some sort of food, a family meeting or program; and an interactive, fun group activity.
5. Go potluck instead of catered; casual instead of formal. Drink water instead of soda. Whatever your family is used to doing, back it down one level.
6. Do it yourself. Invitations, games, souvenirs, decorations -- everything -- will be less expensive if you or a family member does the work.
7. Be your own entertainment. Instead of hiring professionals or spending money on entry fees and tickets, plan a family talent show or perform group skits. Play cards, games... send the kids on a scavenger hunt. Make up your own contests and awards.
8. Meet with purpose. Combine your family reunion with another family event such as wedding, funeral or graduation.
9. Skip the commemorative t-shirt. (Or at least make your own.) A family reunion t-shirt acts as a uniform -- a way of demonstrating who you are, where you come from and what you stand for. Plus, they make great reunion souvenirs. However, as fun as they are, shirts are an obvious way to cut costs.
10. Gather every other year instead of annually.
Family reunions can build connections, establish identity and and add meaning to everyday life. Don't let money get in the way of building lasting memories with the ones you love.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Family-Reunion-on-a-Budget---10-Ways-to-Save-Pennies-and-Dollars-During-a-Sagging-Economy&id=2128563
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