Organizing an Alumni Party

Most homecoming events happen in the fall so take time in the summer months to touch base with active alums as well as former students who may want to come back to their old school community.

No doubt, Facebook and other social media websites have reunited more school chums in the last couple of years than the traditional "Dear Alumni" letters in the mail.

Reach out to alumni online as much as possible for a budget-friendly and effective way to manage your event.

• Post a message on social media websites to get started and establish a planning committee.
• It's also a good idea to touch base with the school's alumni association if they have one and talk to any people who have spear-headed prior alumni events or reunions.
• Send out a "Save the Date" message on a social media website, by email, or the postal service.
• Gauge the response and potential guest count of the party and then decide on the best place to host the event. It's customary to charge a fee "per person" to help pay for the event. The fee usually covers costs for the location, food, and extras like postage or rental equipment for a slide show, microphone, etc... Many events go with a cash bar where guests pay for their drinks at the party.
• Send out Online Invitations from Celebrations.com! See my sample Homecoming Alumni Cocktail Party invite.
• After you send your invitation, go to your Celebrations profile and click on "Events" in the left column. You should see your event listed. Click on "View Event Details" to see the RSVP and online event page.
• If you want to add more details to the event, you can do so at the right column on the event page where it says "Post Message." The comments section is a great way for all to communicate with each other and swap ideas!
• For those who are not online, send an invitation in the mail with details about the event and make sure that you update them by phone or mail to keep them in the loop.
• Post the link to your event page or online invitation on the school's website as well!