The first part of a reunion checklist is forming a committee. This generally occurs when one person takes the initiative to contact former classmates and coordinates a committee. Once the committee is formed, a chairperson and treasurer are elected, and reunion meetings are determined. One of the first pieces of business the committee takes up is sending a survey to classmates for ideas. The survey is either formal or informal. An informal survey simply involves contacting a percentage of classmates and asking them for opinions. A formal survey is in written form and is sent to all classmates who have been located. Reaching all classmates is generally difficult to accomplish without a lot of time and research.
The committee chooses a date, location and format for the event. Some reunions are simply an afternoon or evening event, while others are designed for a whole weekend. The place and time of the reunion is chosen based on the party format. The committee then begins locating as many classmates as possible. Classmates are found through phone books, Internet sites and through friends and family.
The reunion committee also plans the budget for the reunion. After all details are decided and the location is booked, the committee hires a caterer for the party. The committee also begins adding up costs for all goods and services relating to the reunion. This helps the committee determine the price each classmate attending pays for tickets. After the ticket price is determined, classmates are notified of the reunion and are given the details. The details include the date, place, time and costs. Common places for a reunion are at halls, parks, restaurants and campgrounds. Many reunion committees place ads in local newspapers alerting graduates of the particular year of the reunion. Other committees set up a website dedicated solely to the reunion and the details regarding it.
Many class reunions have some form of entertainment. This includes hiring a disc jockey, band or comedian. The entertainment chosen is hired and paid for. This price is considered when creating the budget. The committee also investigates the area and makes a list of lodging places for out-of-town classmates. Many class reunion parties also hire a photographer for the evening. Another common activity is creating a PowerPoint slide show containing old photographs from the years these students attended high school.
Other items on a reunion checklist include choosing the menu, decorations and nostalgia table. A nostalgia table is a table containing pictures and memorabilia from the class's high school years.