Old-fashioned family reunions get an upgrade with a help from new tech

Family reunions can generate a lifetime worth of memories that span across generations. From secret recipes to matching T-shirts and BBQ smoke to line dances, the formula for creating the Black classic event seems tried and true. However, as times change, new tools offer an upgraded experience to streamline communication, enhance catering efforts and entertain the entire brood.

Planning

With a multiplicity of communication streams used in this digital era, it can be hard to know the best way to connect with everyone. Some thrive on Facebook, while others avoid it like the plague. Older generations may still expect paper mail, while younger folks may have never received a personally addressed letter in their lives. To cut across the email/group text/Evite chatter, these websites have created platforms that act as one stop shops for family reunion planning. Reunacy functions like a private social media site with forums and photo sets galore. EventCreate includes custom templates for building an event landing site with no shortage of bells and whistles. AmazingReunion integrates payment platforms, hotel reservations, reunion accessories and more, the most feature-rich of all three.

Food

Between mac and cheese, cole slaw, ribs and potato salad, there are endless conflicts to be avoided by planning for the right number of plates. A basic place to start might be the Whole Foods Holiday Servings Calculator, which gives basic guidelines for small gatherings and covers genres of food like spreads and dips, cheeses, soups and salads. For more precise calculations, the website Calculate This gives more exact information, complete with the serving size per person and the amount of raw ingredients needed as well. If your group decides to break up the burden by delegating dishes across the clan, an app like Potluck Hub helps to coordinate efforts by letting guests pick items from a communal list, have a dedicated chat about them and even post pictures after the party.

Entertainment

Everyone has a cell phone these days, from matriarchs and patriarchs to grandbabies and their babies, too. Use technology to bring the family together by having everyone use Kahoot to play an interactive round of trivia from their phone; family history tends to make a great topic! If outsiders are allowed, organizers may consider inviting party professionals to enhance the occasion like balloon artists, face painters, caricature artists and more. The website Thumbtack is a treasure trove for these types of bookings and can help find entertainment even in an unfamiliar city. As the festivities draw to a close, hosts may want an efficient way to present memories of the occasion to an audience. With Animoto, this process is streamlined with templates, editing tools and features designed for simplicity and shareability.

This story was originally published August 10, 2022 at 8:00 AM with the headline "Old-fashioned family reunions get an upgrade with a help from new tech."