Family Reunion Planning Calendar

Just to get the creative juices flowing, here is a condensed calendar for all you family-reunion planners.

15 to 18 months out

• Organize a committee to plan the family reunion. Contact the Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau and request your free area information packet.
• Begin your invitation list.
• Look into creating a Web site for your reunion and have a link to the Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site www.wisdells.com. This will give your family members easy access to the reunion information, as well as information on Wisconsin Dells.

One year out

• Choose a date for your reunion and keep it – no matter what!
• Make the site and lodging reservations. Some facilities will hold the rooms or campsites for your group, and then each individual family can call in to provide payment information.
• Send out the reunion invitations. Include your reunion Web site address.
• Great tip: The Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau will mail out a copy of the Vacation Guide to all your family members at no charge. Simply contact the Visitor Bureau for more information.

9 months out

• Compile your RSVP list.
• Start planning your reunion itinerary and make the reservations for group activities and meals.
• Create a family reunion souvenir, like a T-shirt or photo album.

6 months out

• Update the Web site.
• Assist out of town guests with maps of the area (available from the Visitor Bureau), and airline, train and car rental information.

3 months out

• Add the expected weather conditions to your Web site.
• Plan out the menu for the group meals.

One month out

• Confirm all reservations.
• Send out a newsletter confirming the location and times of all the activities.

Two weeks out

• Call in your final numbers for all your scheduled group meal functions and activities.
• Purchase supplies, disposable cameras, decorations, batteries, and other sundries.
• Pick up the family reunion souvenir.

During the reunion

• Have fun! Enjoy the special time you and your family have together to experience the Wisconsin Dells area.

Post reunion

• Update your Web site with pictures and stories, so even those who couldn’t make it can be filled in on the fun.
• Start planning your next family reunion in Wisconsin Dells.