The Burland
Free Planning Guide

Family Reunion Planning Guide

A simple, step-by-step plan for a reunion your family will talk about for generations.

Get the Wedding Guide

Start 9 to 12 months out

  • Pick a core planning team of 3 to 5 people and give each one a job: dates, money, food, activities, communication.
  • Send a short poll with 3 candidate weekends. Summer fills first, so lock the date before you lock the schedule.
  • Check the Burland availability calendar before you poll, so every option on the poll is actually open.
  • Send an inquiry through the contact form to hold your date. We confirm by hand and add it to the calendar.

Set the budget and how it is shared

  • Decide whether the cost is split per family, per head, or covered by a reunion fund.
  • Count kids and adults separately. Many families charge little or nothing for young children.
  • Collect money early and keep a simple shared spreadsheet that everyone can see.
  • Budget a cushion of about 10 percent for surprises.

Head count and sleeping

  • Ask each family for a head count and the number of nights they plan to stay.
  • The Burland sleeps 40+ on site, so most families can stay under one roof. Plan beds by household, not by person.
  • Put grandparents and light sleepers on the quietest floor and keep the kids together near the gaming area.
  • Ask guests to bring their own pillows and towels if you want to keep costs low.

Food plan

  • The full kitchen is yours. Choose one: potluck, assigned meals by family, or a hired caterer.
  • Assign each family one meal, so everyone cooks once and relaxes the rest of the weekend.
  • Collect food allergies and dietary needs on your sign-up sheet.
  • Plan a big Saturday dinner in the ballroom and a simple, early Sunday brunch.
  • Make a shopping list per meal and decide who buys what before anyone arrives.

Activities for every age

  • Build in one big group outing, such as a day trip to Yellowstone, about 45 minutes away.
  • Offer optional activities: the St. Anthony Sand Dunes, floating the river, bowling, hiking, and the waterfalls. See area attractions.
  • Keep free time. The best reunion moments are usually unplanned.
  • Plan an evening activity that works for all ages: a talent show, family trivia, old photo slideshow, or storytelling.
  • Give older kids and teens a role, such as photographer, game leader, or cook helper.

Make it memorable

  • Print a family tree poster and let everyone add to it.
  • Ask each family to bring 5 photos for a slideshow or a wall display.
  • Record short interviews with the oldest family members.
  • Take one big group photo in the ballroom early, before everyone is tired.
  • Give each household a small keepsake, such as a printed recipe card or a family photo.

Timeline checklist

  • 9 to 12 months: date, team, budget, hold the venue.
  • 6 months: send the save-the-date and open sign-ups.
  • 3 months: final head count, meal assignments, activity plan.
  • 1 month: confirm travel, shopping lists, and the weekend schedule.
  • 1 week: send a reminder with address, arrival times, and what to bring.
  • After: send the photos and a thank you, and set the date for next time.

Questions? We are happy to help.

The Burland, St. Anthony, Idaho. Call or text 208-709-1403, email burlandevents@gmail.com, or use the contact form. Visit theburland.com.