Step 1: Put together a committee
You rarely organise a school reunion alone. Find 3 to 5 enthusiastic former classmates who want to help. Split the roles: one person handles the venue, another takes care of communication, and someone else manages ticket sales. A WhatsApp group for the committee is all you need to get started.
Tip: choose people who still have a broad network in the class. They can also help track down former classmates who are harder to find.
Step 2: Pick a date — at least 6 months in advance
The earlier you set a date, the better. People have busy schedules — especially when children are involved. A Friday or Saturday evening works best. Avoid school holidays and major public holidays. With 6 months' notice, people have enough time to plan ahead.
Open an online registration form as soon as you have the date. That way you quickly gauge whether there's enough interest, and you can book the venue based on expected attendance.
Step 3: Create your own reunion website
The days of a WhatsApp group with scattered documents are over. With a tool like Mijn Reünie you can create your own school reunion website in 5 minutes. Choose a web address (like reunion-class1998.mijnreunie.nl), fill in the basic details, and send the link to your classmates.
On that website, former classmates can:
- Register with their name and email address
- Buy tickets via iDEAL or Bancontact
- View the programme and venue details
- Browse old photos in shared photo albums
Step 4: Track down former classmates
This is often the hardest part. Use LinkedIn — by far the most effective platform for finding people. Search by name and school name. Facebook can help too, but is less reliable.
Other ways to reach people:
- Through the old school — some schools have an alumni network
- Through parents still in contact with other parents
- Through people you've already found — they know others
Set up a Google Spreadsheet with all the names so you can track who you've reached and who you haven't. Once you have a registration link, share it via LinkedIn too — people notice it quickly.
Step 5: Book the venue
The venue depends on the number of attendees. A useful rule of thumb:
- Up to 30 people: a private room in a restaurant or bar
- 30–80 people: a function room, party venue or large hospitality space
- More than 80 people: an event venue or dedicated party location
Always ask about minimum spend requirements, corkage rules (drinks), and whether AV equipment is available (useful for the LiveWall). Book as early as possible — good venues on popular evenings fill up fast.
Step 6: Set up ticket sales
Selling tickets via an online platform is far more efficient than sending invoices or collecting payments by bank transfer. With Mijn Reünie you sell tickets via iDEAL or Bancontact. The money goes directly to your account, and every buyer automatically receives a confirmation email with their ticket.
Set the ticket price based on venue costs and catering. An all-in price (including drinks reception and buffet) usually works better than paying separately later — people know exactly what they're signing up for.
Step 7: Plan the programme
An evening without structure can feel awkward. Put together a rough programme:
- 6:00 – 7:00 pm: Welcome drinks
- 7:00 – 8:00 pm: Dinner or buffet
- 8:00 – 9:00 pm: Presentations, videos, quiz
- 9:00 – 11:00 pm: Free programme, dancing, catching up
A reunion questionnaire is a great programme element. Send the questionnaire in advance via the website (where do you live now, what do you do, are you married?), and discuss the answers on the night. Always generates laughs.
Step 8: Use the LiveWall on the night
The LiveWall is an interactive screen where guests' photos and messages appear live. Guests upload a photo using a QR code on their phone. This instantly creates an interactive atmosphere on the night — even older guests pick it up quickly.
Display the LiveWall on a large screen or projector. Make the QR code big enough (A3 size on tables or on a board at the entrance). Encourage guests to upload old photos — that creates the strongest nostalgia effect.
Step 9: Check-in at the door
With a check-in app you scan tickets at the entrance. You can see exactly who has arrived and who hasn't. No lists, no manual ticking off. The Mijn Reünie check-in app works on any smartphone — no installation needed.
Step 10: Share the memories afterwards
After the night, everyone wants the photos. With Mijn Reünie you create a shared photo album where guests can add their own pictures. Send the link via a news post on the website to all registered guests. A beautiful ending to a special evening.
Summary: what you need
- A committee of 3–5 people
- A date at least 6 months in advance
- Your own website (like Mijn Reünie)
- Ticket sales via iDEAL or Bancontact
- A suitable venue
- A structured programme
- A LiveWall on the big screen