Comparison
Reunly vs Facebook Group for class reunions
Facebook keeps the class talking. Reunly runs the reunion.Most committees use both — and the Facebook Group alone can't handle RSVPs, payments, badges, or the missing 30–50% of the class who isn't on Facebook.
Where the planning actually lives
Caterers don't accept "Going" clicks
Reunly gives you a real headcount, paid tickets, and the 30–50% of classmates who never see Facebook posts.
Try Reunly for class reunions →The Planning Tool
Reunly
- Reliable RSVP collection (real headcount)
- Built-in payment processing
- Reaches all classmates, not just FB users
- QR-coded name badges
- Per-event RSVPs for multi-day weekends
- Memorial wall template
- Committee co-planner seats
- $39 one-time
The Engagement Channel
Facebook Group
- Ongoing class conversation
- Throwback photos and stories
- Polling and informal feedback
- Reaches FB-active classmates (often 40–65%)
- ❌ Unreliable RSVP ("Going" ≠ going)
- ❌ No payment processing
- ❌ Doesn't reach off-FB classmates
- Free
Why "Going" on Facebook isn't a real RSVP
Caterers and venues need a committed headcount they can plan against. Facebook Events "Going" is famously unreliable — Pew Research and event-industry data consistently show that 30–50% of "Going" clicks don't actually attend. People click yes to be nice, then forget, then don't come.
The committee that bases the caterer order on Facebook "Going" counts ends up paying for 40 plates that didn't show. A real RSVP — like Reunly's, with a paid ticket attached — converts clicks into commitments.
The recommended workflow: use both
- Keep the Facebook Group active for ongoing engagement — throwbacks, polls, announcements.
- Set up Reunly for the structured planning — RSVPs, payments, schedule, badges.
- Post the Reunly link in the group whenever you hit a milestone (RSVPs open, early-bird ends, deadline).
- Use the group to crowdsource missing classmates — post the missing list once a month.
- Push announcements through both — group post + Reunly email reminder.
- Run the reunion off Reunly on the day. Use the group for after-event photos.
Side-by-side feature comparison
Reunly vs Facebook Group FAQ
Can you plan a class reunion just with a Facebook Group?
Sort of — but the group can't collect RSVPs reliably, can't process ticket payments, can't print name badges, can't track classmates who aren't on Facebook, and can't keep payment records the committee needs. Most committees use the group for announcements and a separate tool like Reunly for the actual planning.
What percentage of a class is reachable through a Facebook Group?
Typically 40–65% of the class — varies by graduation year. 10-year reunions have higher Facebook reach (60–75%). 25-year and older reunions often drop to 30–50% as classmates moved off Facebook to other platforms or never joined. The missing classmates aren't reachable through the group alone.
Why can't Facebook Events handle the RSVP?
Facebook Events RSVP is notoriously unreliable — 'Going' often translates to 'maybe' or 'I wanted to be nice.' It doesn't process payments, doesn't collect dietary restrictions or plus-ones, doesn't generate name badges, and the data isn't exportable in a useful format. Caterers don't accept Facebook 'Going' counts.
How do Reunly and Facebook Groups work together?
Use the Facebook Group for engagement, conversation, throwback photos, and announcements. Use Reunly for the structured stuff — RSVPs, payments, schedule, badges, memorial wall, committee dashboard. Post the Reunly link in the group whenever you push a new milestone (RSVPs open, early-bird ends, deadline).
What if our class doesn't have a Facebook Group?
Start one in parallel with Reunly. Even a basic group helps with announcements and crowdsourcing missing classmates. But the Facebook Group alone isn't enough — you still need Reunly for the planning, payments, and committee tools.