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Are you ready to plan your high school reunion? Let’s get an 80s playlist going (or early 2000s?), some iced coffee, and walk down memory lane to start planning your high school reunion.

Table of Contents:

• Phase 1: How to Start Planning Your High School Reunion
  • What does a high school reunion planner do?
  • Do you need a committee to plan a high school reunion?
  • How do you find classmates for a high school reunion?
  • What is the best time of year to hold a high school reunion?
  • Is Thanksgiving weekend good for a high school reunion?
  • What are affordable high school reunion venue ideas?
• Phase 2: Budgeting, Fundraising, and Event Logistics
  • How much does a high school reunion cost?
  • How much should tickets be for a high school reunion?
  • How do you fundraise for a class reunion?
  • What’s a realistic budget for 50 / 100 people?
  • How do I collect payments from classmates for my reunion?
  • How to save money with your high school reunion budget
  • High School Reunion Invitations and RSVPs
  • Food and Drinks Planning for your High School Reunion
  • Fun High School Reunion Activities and Entertainment
  • What are class reunion decoration ideas?
• Phase 3: It’s Time for the Party!

We chatted with experienced event planners across the country to provide you with expert advice and practical tips to plan your high school reunion. We also scoured the internet to find high school reunion case studies. We were honestly blown away by the creativity and fun ventures of classes all around the country! Our resources will guide you through every step – from creating a budget, how to collect money from your classmates, fundraising, high school reunion invitations, selecting a location, event logistics, and choosing a theme for your party.

Phase 1: How To Start Planning Your High School Reunion

Pre-Event Planning, Brainstorming, Initial Discussions with Classmates

Phase 1 occurs 8-12 months before the Reunion

What does a high school reunion planner do?

It sounds like you’re the chosen one to plan your high school reunion! Or maybe you’re on the planning committee. We’re glad you’re here and let’s get down to business! 

Why plan a high school reunion?

A high school reunion is more than just a party — it’s the reunion of friends who spent those awkward, hilarious, and fun high school years together. Whether 20 years have passed, or 50 years, it’s always fulfilling to see how your classmates are doing and reconnect. 

“What I remember most about high school are the memories I created with my friends.” – J.J. Watt

Reunions are amazing ways to reflect on your journey since graduation and celebrate the friendships. These events can also create an opportunity to create new relationships and network.

In a world filled with social media and AI, it can be so special to get together face-to-face and actually spend time together. As the high school reunion planner, you’ll want to create a nostalgic, warm, and welcoming environment for your reunion.

 

Do you need a committee to plan a high school reunion?

You definitely want to enlist some help to plan the reunion. If your high school has an alumni committee or group, that’s a good place to start. 

If you’re a solo-planner, reach out to a few of your besties from high school to help coordinate and brainstorm.

You’ll want to know early on who will be in the trenches with you, and who can volunteer to help the day of the reunion! 

 

How do you find classmates for a high school reunion?

If you have an alumni list from your high school, start there. However, it may not be complete. 

Social media platforms are very helpful these days to find long lost friends and high school classmates. LinkedIn is also a great platform to use! And you can pretty much google anyone. 

Keep a spreadsheet or a google doc and track everyone’s name and email address in one place. This spreadsheet will eventually become your reunion guest list. With a Reunacy high school reunion online group, you can create an individual profile for each person in your class, and they can upload their photos, bios, and contact information. You just need the email addresses or phone numbers of your classmates to invite them to the group.

 

The Essential Early Details

As you plan your high school reunion, focus on these key elements. Be open to creative solutions.

Set the Date: Your High School Reunion

Setting a date might be the most important thing you do during the planning phase! Once you have a date range or a few dates in mind, pitch the dates to your classmates and see which date works for the majority. If the date is locked, everyone can start to make travel arrangements to attend.

What is the best time of year to hold a high school reunion?

The most popular time for a high school reunion is summer through December. However, the best time to plan your reunion is the time that works for YOUR class. 

Is Thanksgiving weekend good for a high school reunion?

Thanksgiving weekend has become a very popular time for a high school reunion. The night before Thanksgiving day is great for a casual high school reunion at a local pub, and many high school alumni get together over Thanksgiving weekend.

 

Thanksgiving Turkey Bowl Reunion Case Study: Oceanside High School

The 1984 class of Oceanside High School gets together every year at Thanksgiving for Turkey Bowl! For over four decades, the Turkey Bowl has been a tradition for the class and a way to stay in touch. In fact, as the years go on, even the children of the ‘84 graduating class also join the game!

After the annual Turkey Bowl, the group takes their reunion over to a local restaurant, EGP Oceanside, owned by one an Oceanside HS alum, to reminisce and chat.

“At this point, this is a brotherhood and a sisterhood. It’s just about old friends. Getting to see each other’s families grow up, catching up and maintaining a tradition over all these years, and we’re open to anyone that wants to be a part of that.” – JOSEPH CUOMO

Props to the class of 1984 of Oceanside High School for keeping that high school spirit alive for over 40 years!

 

Your High School Reunion Venue

For many high school reunions, it’s convenient and nostalgic to return to your high school to hold the event. Work with your high school alumni group to see if your high school is available for the date you have in mind.

What are affordable high school reunion venue ideas?

If you don’t have the option to hold your class reunion at your high school, it’s time to brainstorm. Much like a family reunion or other event, pick a venue that reflects the personality of your group and makes sense financially.

Questions to ask potential high school reunion venues:

• Look for event venues that have ample parking, or a shuttle service.
• Always inquire about in-house catering versus outside food and beverage service.
• Find out how the location handles alcohol. Can you bring your own drinks, or does the venue provide a bar service?
• Does the venue require a deposit fee?
• How many people can the venue hold, and how long can you stay?

Here’s a list of ideas for your high school reunion venue:

• Your high school (top choice for many!)
• A favorite restaurant your class used to frequent
• Any budget friendly restaurant or venue, or one owned by a class alum
• Hotel ballroom
• Beach BBQ
• Local Park
• Golf Course
• Backyard party

 

Choose a Theme for Your High School Reunion

It’s time to travel down memory lane for your high school reunion. Whether that’s the iconic 1980s, or the effortlessly cool 1990s, or the turn-of-the-century early 2000’s, get as funky or elegant as you want with your high school reunion theme! 

For example, if you’re going for the 80s, you could pick the entire decade as your reunion theme like the alum of Hirschi High School did for their reunion in 2023. Or, you might want to narrow down your high school reunion theme and focus on a specific aspect of your decade — like movies, music, or fashion.

Here’s a few theme ideas for your high school reunion. 

1980s Movies

High school movies were very popular in the 1980s. From Grease 2, Footloose, Back to the Future, Sixteen Candles, and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and many more, you have a plethora of movies to be inspired by!

“The question isn’t, ‘what are we going to do?’… the question is, ‘what aren’t we going to do?'” -Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick)

The Entire Decade of the 1980s

We found a case study we think you’ll love! In 2023, the alumni class of Hirschi High School organized a combined reunion for the entire decade alumni who graduated from their school from 1980 – 1989. What made this high school reunion so unique and fun (we wish WE were invited…) is the schedule of activities.

On Friday night, there was a pep rally and football game, followed by a tour of the high school. The next day, alum were invited to a picnic at a local park. On Saturday night, the reunion continued with a dancing party at Marriott Convention Center. All this, AND they made custom high school reunion t-shirts!

High School Trivia

This is where an active alumni association can come in handy, or at least a classmate with a good memory! Create questions about your high school daily life, teachers and staff, inside jokes, sports, trends, and current events.

 

PHASE 2: Budgeting, Fundraising, and Event Logistics

Pre-Production, Budgeting, Fundraising, Locking in Vendors

Phase 2 occurs 6-12 months before the Reunion

Create Your High School Reunion Budget

Based on the brainstorming and pre-planning you’ve done for your high school reunion, now you can get to work on the event logistics. Your budget will determine which ideas can become a reality for your party. Every good event starts with a comprehensive budget.

Start by including all the essential categories in your budget:

Budget line items:

• Venue deposit and fee
• Invitations
• Online High School Reunion planning group like Reunacy (will cover invitations and ticket payment collection)
• Drinks/ Alcohol
• Catering and Food
• Decorations
• Entertainment (Music, DJ)
• Food
• Photography 
• Audio/Visual (A/V): Rental of a projector and screen, microphones for speeches
• Music/DJ/ Dance Floor
• Name tags
• Signage
• Memorial Display
• Contingency (15%)

How much does a high school reunion cost?

Most high school reunions cost between $2,500 and $15,000, depending on the venue, food and drinks, entertainment, and number of attendees.

How much should tickets be for a high school reunion?

High school reunion tickets typically range from $40 to $100 per person, based on your budget, location, and what’s included.

How do you fundraise for a class reunion?

You can fundraise for a class reunion through crowdfunding, sponsorships from local businesses or alumni, raffles, or silent auctions.

• Crowdfunding: Set up an online fundraising campaign. Share the link widely among classmates and encourage donations of any size.
• Silent Auction: Collect donated items or experiences from local businesses or alumni. Hold a silent auction at the reunion, allowing attendees to bid on items.
• Raffles: Sell raffle tickets for a chance to win a prize, such as a gift basket or a weekend getaway.
• Sponsorship: Reach out to local businesses and ask for sponsorships in exchange for advertising at the reunion or on promotional materials.

What’s a realistic budget for 50 / 100 people?

A realistic budget is about $3,000–$6,000 for 50 people and $6,000–$12,000 for 100 people, depending on venue costs and food and beverage choices.

How do I collect payments from classmates for my reunion?

Reunacy provides payment links for your event tickets. Once you sign up and set up your Reunacy group and your event, you can create a sharable payment link. The attendee clicks the link, which takes them to a payment page where they select tickets and pay using their preferred method (credit/debit card, Venmo, PayPal, etc.)

Ticket Prices for High School Reunions

If you charge $50 a ticket and sell 100 tickets, then your planning committee will have $5,000 to cover costs of the high school reunion.

You can set ticket prices for your reunion and ask your guests to pay for their ticket as they RSVP in Reunacy, our event planning platform. You can easily ask guests to pay via PayPal and Venmo as they submit their RSVP.

 

High School Reunion Invitations and RSVPs

Sending digital invites to your classmates and alumni is the best way to go these days for your high school reunion. It’s best to send your high school invitations at least 6-7 months before your high school reunion. This allows everyone to mark their calendars, and make travel arrangements if necessary!

 

Food and Drinks Planning for your High School Reunion

A casual outdoor gathering might call for a barbecue with burgers, hot dogs, and delicious sides like potato salad and coleslaw. For a more formal event, you might want to do a buffet or plated dinner with a variety of dishes. 

If you’re hosting a daytime event, lighter fare like finger foods and appetizers might be more suitable. Don’t forget to accommodate dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options.

For drinks, offer a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Beer and wine are classic choices, but consider offering signature cocktails or mocktails to add a special touch. For non-alcoholic options, water, soda, and juice are always popular. 

If you’re planning a late-night event, coffee and tea can be a nice way to end the night. Remember to prioritize the comfort and enjoyment of your guests, so choose food and drinks that are both delicious and practical for the setting and occasion.

Fun High School Reunion Activities and Entertainment

Photo Booth 

A photo booth at your high school reunion captures unforgettable moments, and is a great way to break the ice and encourage alumni to have a little fun! Photo booths do well with props and signs. You can find a bunch of fun Photo Booth Props like silly glasses, wigs, and signs on Amazon!

If you want to DIY a photo booth, create a colorful or school-spirited backdrop where guests can take selfies! You can also have a dedicated photographer there to take the photos. Here’s a helpful guide on event and group photography.

Nostalgic Activities and Memory Tables

A popular high school reunion activity is to showcase old high school photos and videos. You can put all these media assets into a slide show. Another option is to lay out a memorabilia and memory table, setting out yearbooks, old photos, trinkets from the time, and photos.

Ice Breaker Games

Yes, even though you all went to high school together, some of your guests might still have a bit of social anxiety. If you want to try out some games to break the ice, create a trivia or storytelling exercise. Check out our list of ice breaker games for big groups in our post here!

What are Class Reunion Decoration Ideas?

Want your high school reunion to be unforgettable? Creating a memorable atmosphere is key! A well-planned ambiance can elevate a party and significantly impact the overall experiences of your guests. 

By thoughtfully selecting decorations, lighting, and music, you can transform your reunion venue into a space that celebrates your shared history and fosters new memories.

Set Up a “Nostalgia Corner”

Set up a designated area with old yearbooks, high school photos, and memorabilia. This area will spark conversations and help guests reminisce about shared experiences. 

Background Music

If you want to create a relaxed atmosphere, play soft background music that evokes nostalgia. Consider a playlist of popular songs from your high school years, or a live band to set the mood. 

If you want to hire a DJ to get everyone dancing, that’s a fun option as well!

Class Reunion Decorations Ideas:

• A fun and simple way to set the mood is to consider a balloon arch with a poster. Here’s a reunion poster from Etsy we really like!
• For each table, you can consider any decoration that references the year of your class. 
• For example, if you are the Class of 1975, you can get confetti that says “Class of 1975.”
• Flower arrangements for each table in the theme colors of your high school.
• Printed nostalgic photos for each table.
• A welcome table near the front entrance with a memory book for everyone to sign.
• Check out this case study on how designer Crystal Hackl created incredible decor for her class reunion. She wrote in detail about her process – check out her tips here!

Class Reunion Photography

We recommend hiring a photographer to document the night, and encourage all your guests to take their own photos too. Guests can upload their high school reunion photos into your Reunacy group, so that the photos are accessible to everyone!

If you have a designated alum or friend/family of an alum who can volunteer to be the event photographer, make sure you have a detailed shot list. Remember – the most important thing you can do as a photographer is keep guests comfortable and laughing so you can capture those authentic smiles!

Class Reunion T-Shirts

If you want to design and order class reunion t-shirts as party souvenirs, check out our post on creating family reunion t-shirts!

We’ll take you through the entire process from choosing a meaningful design, picking the right fabric, to vendors that will print out your shirt for you.

 

Case Study: Getting the Band Back Together

We found an amazing case study of a 50th high school reunion in Columbus, Ohio that inspired a few alumni to get their band back together!

Knowing that his 50th high school reunion was coming up, musician and Worthington High School of ‘74 alumni Rob Lamp checked in with a few of his high school and junior high friends who played music together as teenagers.

The band called themselves 1974 and decided to play classic hits from the 70s. With a few vocalists, guitarists, a keyboard player and a drum players, the group of friends 1974 performed for their high school reunion.

The high school reunion served as a catalyst for these musicians to rediscover their shared passion and perform together once again, proving that the bonds formed in high school can last a lifetime!

Check out their performance video here:

 

PHASE 3: It’s Time for the Party!

Phase Three occurs 1 month before the Reunion, to the day of the event

It’s go time! It’s the week of the high school reunion. The details and communication process matter the most in the moments leading up to the event. Once the reunion starts, try to have everything managed so you can enjoy the fruits of your labor and have an amazing time with your classmates!

It’s Time to Confirm the Details

Here are the most important details you need to re-confirm the week of the reunion:

Preparation schedule:

• Food shopping and prep: Will the caterer take care of the main meal? Will you or volunteers still need to shop for food, and prepare appetizers or drinks?
• When can you decorate the venue? Who can help you decorate?

Vendor deliveries:

When will tables and chairs be delivered? Is there anyone who can help set these up?

Transportation

• Parking at location: Where will guests park? Are there enough spaces at the location?
• Will there be transportation provided from the hotel to the venue?

Vendors

• Make sure to pay your vendors on time
• Communicate with your vendors the week before the reunion for any last minute changes or updates.

Seating arrangements:

• Do you want classmates to sit wherever they wish, or is it better to organize a seating arrangement?
• How will you communicate the seating arrangements? Will you give guests a table number when they check in?

Check-In Table:

• Will you arrange a check-in table to provide name tags and high school reunion information?

YOU DID IT!!! It’s finally time for the Reunion!

Start a free group on Reunacy today to start connecting with your high school classmates and building the plans for your amazing reunion.

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