So you're planning a high school reunion. You can't wait to see some familiar faces, reunite with old friends, and find out what everyone has been up to—but first, you need to compare reunion venues and find the perfect space to get together with your former classmates. In this guide, we'll show you how to find your ideal reunion venue and plan a catch-up everyone will love.
What class reunion venues should the planning committee look into? Here are a few high school reunion location ideas to get you started.
Rooftop Bars
Rooftop venues make excellent reunion venues if you and your old classmates want to share memories in a location that reflects just how far you've come since your school days. They offer a relaxed atmosphere you only get in an open-air setting, while the views of the city skyline and lights offer a pretty backdrop for a memorable reunion.
Banquet Halls
Banquet halls make great reunion venues for a huge range of reasons. They're spacious, usually elegantly decorated, and offer a functional layout for large events. They also make it easy to organize catering and come with experienced event staff who can help keep things running smoothly.
Hotel Ballrooms
For a touch of glamor and sophistication, why not go all out and choose a ritzy hotel ballroom as your event venue? Everyone can come dressed in their finest formalwear and spend the night wining, dining, and renewing old ties.
Parks
If you want your reunion to be a relaxed event, host it outside in a pretty park so you can take advantage of the sunny weather and green surroundings. Plan a laid-back picnic to reconnect with your former classmates alongside your family.
High school reunions need venues that are practical as well as stylish. So if you find yourself on the planning committee, here's what to look for when comparing class reunion venues.
Price
Don't blow your budget on a venue that you simply can't afford. Set a realistic price range and be sure not to exceed it, no matter how wonderful a venue may look on paper.
Location
The best reunion venue for you is one that's easily accessible for as many of your guests as possible. A central location is a must, as are handy public transport links (if applicable) and off-street parking. On-site or nearby accommodation options are also important for those class members that now live interstate.
Amenities
Now it's time to look at the situation from a practical point of view and think of the key facilities you need for your event. These include things like a dance floor, enough bathrooms, comfortable seating, a kitchen, and a bar area. A good AV system for speeches and presentations is another important inclusion.
Ambiance
Style matters just as much as substance when choosing a reunion venue, so look for an event space that suits the atmosphere you want to create for your reunion. Some venues are elegant and stylish, others casual and cozy—it all depends on what sort of experience you want your guests to have.
Helpful Staff
Choosing venues with experienced and helpful staff can make planning reunions much less stressful. The best venues have people who will work with you to get the space just the way you want, and they'll help ensure that everything goes to plan on the night.
How can you make your class reunion an event that all the cool kids will be desperate to attend? Make it fun by choosing a theme.
A decade-themed reunion based on the year you graduated will encourage everyone to don their retro fashion and relive their younger years. Add in some fun props and you and your old friends will enjoy a night you won't forget any time soon.
Plan some games and activities too. A high school trivia competition with questions about your old class and alma mater, perhaps? Or maybe a karoake competition or costume contest—that should provide a treat for the ears or eyes.
Make sure you put extra effort into decorating the venue for your class reunion. Flowers and table centerpieces are nice, but custom plates, helium balloons, or anything that evokes memories of your school days will put smiles on faces.
Class reunions are major events that require careful organization. Use this brief checklist to make sure you remember all the key jobs for your next reunion.
Create a Survey to Gauge Interest
Put the feelers out to find out how many of your old class members would be keen to get together for a reunion.
Form a Reunion Committee
If there's enough interest, join forces with old friends to form an organizing group. Once you've got everyone signed up, arrange a time to meet up and start planning in earnest.
Set the Reunion Date and Time
Now it's time to choose the ideal date and time for your event. Keep major holidays or events in mind when scheduling your reunion—otherwise you might not be able to get the venue (or the attendees) you want.
Choose a Venue
The site you choose for your reunion is hugely important, so don't rush the decision. Compare a host of venues in your price range before deciding, then get around to the all-important business of selling tickets.
Create a Reunion Website
A reunion website acts as a central hub where you can co-ordinate your planning and get everyone organized for the event. It'll also help generate excitement among everyone who will be attending.
Book Catering and Entertainment
Your school friends will want to enjoy some delicious food and a refreshing beverage or two, so organize catering and a bartending service if your venue doesn't provide these. If you'll be hiring a DJ or band, or some other form of live entertainment, organize this now too.
Hire Party Rentals
If you need to rent some extra equipment to make your venue more suited to hosting reunions, check out what the best party rental companies near you have to offer.
Create an Event Program
Put together a rough schedule so you and all your guests know what will happen and when on the day of the reunion. This will help you stick to a timetable and avoid getting off track.
Need some inspo to help plan reunions that all your old friends from class will love? Check out these options.
Reunion Feast
Book a banquet hall as the event venue for your high school reunion and you'll be rewarded with a truly special night. You can enjoy a three-course meal, not to mention a few drinks, and catch up on what friends from your old group have been up to since high school.
Retro Dance Party
Tap into your fondest adolescent memories by hosting a retro dance party. Whether you're opting for the big hair of the '80s or the bright fashions of the '90s, you'll get a kick out of seeing all your long-lost buddies hitting the dance floor in their retro garb.
Pub Party
Book out a private pub to treat your schoolmates to a night of eating, drinking, and good old-fashioned fun. You can enjoy a hearty meal, mingle to your heart's content, and maybe hire a live band to perform some of the favorite tunes from your youth.
Picnic Reunion
A reunion picnic is a family-friendly option if you want attendees to bring their kids to the event. Find the perfect site for your gathering in a pretty park, then spread out your blankets and set up your chairs. You can eat and reminisce while your kids make friends and play on the grass.
Booking an event space, sourcing catering and decorations, hiring entertainment—reunions are expensive events. Remember these tips to ensure that you don't go way over budget.
Be Realistic
Set your budget right at the start of the planning process, and choose a realistic figure that you know you can afford but also stick to.
Ditch Those Grand Plans
Sure, a weekend getaway to Las Vegas or San Francisco might seem like a great idea for a reunion, but it'll also be prohibitively expensive. Set your sights instead on creating something fun and affordable.
Do it Yourself
Hiring an event planner will help ensure a great reunion, but it'll also be expensive. Taking on as many jobs as you can yourself, along with the rest of the planning committee, is an easy way to keep reunions affordable.
Focus on the Essentials
Make a list of must-have things for your event and a separate list of nice-to-haves. This will help you work out what you should be spending money on, and what you can buy only if there's room in the budget once everything else has been arranged.
The best reunion venues will help make your next reunion a surefire hit. Start comparing high school reunion venues on Giggster today to find the ideal space for your special event.