Reunion planning
A Family Tree for Your Reunion: What to Prepare Four Weeks Before the Event
Prepare a readable family tree for a reunion with a four-week plan for checking names, collecting corrections and choosing a focused presentation.
Create your free family tree →
Choose what the reunion tree should explain
A reunion tree can help relatives recognize how different branches connect before conversations begin. Decide which family group this version will cover: the descendants of one couple, a shared grandparent’s branch or another clearly defined group. Write down that scope so contributors understand what you are preparing. You can keep a fuller research project separately without crowding the reunion version.
Four weeks before: build a checked starting branch
Create a free Family Tree Builder account and begin with names and connections you already understand. Review parents, partners and children against your existing notes. Do not add a guessed relationship merely to make the branch look complete. Record open questions separately and identify a relative who may be able to clarify each one. This turns the next stage into a short review rather than an open-ended research request.
Three weeks before: ask for focused corrections
Show a small section to a willing relative and ask them to check spellings and relationships. Give them a specific question when something is unclear. Keep a record of who supplied each correction and when. If two accounts disagree, preserve both in your working notes until you can investigate. Avoid treating the most confident reply as proof that a connection is correct.
Decide how to handle additions and late replies
Choose a review cutoff that gives you enough time to check the presentation. Tell contributors that later discoveries can go into the next revision. This avoids rushing unverified details into a finished tree on the evening before the reunion. Keep a simple list of pending names and questions so those contributions remain part of the project even when they miss this version.
Two weeks before: choose the presentation
Review the tree designs in Family Tree Builder with your actual branch in place. Look at long names, busy sections and how easily someone can follow a connection. If an exported tree is part of your plan, review the current paid plan and premium export option before deciding. Check the available output yourself before promising a particular format or size to the reunion organizers.
One week before: test with an unfamiliar reader
Ask a relative who did not help build the tree to locate a person and explain their relationship to another name. Their questions may reveal an ambiguous connection or a branch that needs a clearer presentation. If you plan a physical copy, inspect a sample at the intended reading size before arranging a larger print. A readable small tree is more useful than a crowded impressive-looking one.
Plan a considerate way to receive feedback
Prepare a notebook or simple correction sheet with space for the person’s name, suggested change and contributor. Invite questions without asking attendees to announce personal details in a group. Check that living relatives are comfortable with the information and photos you intend to display. The reunion tree should make conversation easier while giving people room to decline participation.
Keep the project useful after the gathering
After the event, review the new notes before updating your working tree. Keep the reunion version dated in your own records and retain source notes separately. Start your free Family Tree Builder account today so you can reach the first review with a real branch in place. As the project grows, explore the paid plan for the next stage you actually need. The reunion can become a milestone in a continuing family record rather than a deadline to finish every ancestor.
Keep exploring: How to start a family tree · 25 questions to ask your grandparents