Keepsakes & Memories
What to include in a family reunion memory book, section-by-section. DIY vs. printed options with cost estimates, how to collect content from family members before the reunion, and digital alternatives for families who prefer a virtual archive.
A well-organized memory book has distinct sections that serve different purposes. Not every section is required — build what makes sense for your family.
Family origin story, genealogy chart or family tree, photos from the family's earliest available era, key milestones (immigration, military service, major moves), and a brief history of how the annual reunion began.
Group photo (full page), generation group photos, candid moments, food table and decorations, activities and games, awards ceremony, and children at play. Organize chronologically through the event's timeline.
Each family submits: current photo, names of all family members, where they live, what they've been up to since the last reunion, and a quote or message to the family. Collect via a form 4–6 weeks before the reunion.
Signature dishes brought to this reunion and past reunions, with the family member's name and a brief note about why the dish is special. These pages are often the most-referenced part of the book years later.
Invite elders and parents to write a short letter addressed to 'the children of this family who will read this someday.' These letters become irreplaceable when the writer is no longer living. Collect handwritten or typed.
At the reunion, pass the book around for guests to write a note, sign their name, or add a quick message. Works well as both a guestbook and a personal keepsake element.
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DIY scrapbook: One-of-a-kind, handcrafted, beloved by the family member who receives it. Cost: $30–80. Time: 6–15 hours. Best for a single display copy or a gift for an elder.
Printed photo book: Professional quality, can be ordered in bulk, shareable across the whole family. Platforms:
Most popular for family photo books. Good template selection, regular discount codes (40–50% off is common). Ships in 1–2 weeks standard.
Best for: Standard family photo books
Higher design quality than Shutterfly. More flexible templates. Slightly pricier but worth it for a premium presentation.
Best for: Premium quality books
Design in Canva (free or $15/month), export as PDF, print through Lulu Direct or a local printer. Maximum design control, most time-intensive.
Best for: Custom designs, bulk orders
Premium quality, beautiful presentation. Best for a single display copy or a gift for the eldest family member.
Best for: Display copy or elder gift
Simple interface, decent quality, Prime member pricing. Best for families that want straightforward photo book without design complexity.
Best for: Simple, affordable option
The hardest part of a memory book is gathering content from family members before the reunion. Start at least 6 weeks early and make it as easy as possible.
A digital archive doesn't replace a physical memory book — but it's a great complement, especially for photos that need to be accessible to the whole family immediately after the event.
Free and easy to use. Share the link before and during the event. Anyone with the link can add photos. Persistent — stays accessible for years. Works on all devices.
Best for: Ongoing photo collection
Many older relatives already use Facebook. Create a closed group and add all family members. Can share videos, text updates, and photos. Works as a year-round family hub.
Best for: Multi-generational families
A simple private website with family history, reunion photos, and family member profiles. Requires more setup but creates a permanent, professional-looking family archive.
Best for: Long-term family archive
For Apple-heavy families, an iCloud shared album works seamlessly across iPhone users. Non-Apple users can join via a web link.
Best for: iPhone-dominant families
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Reunly keeps all your reunion memories in one organized place
Capture stories, photos, and milestones — then share them with the whole family after the reunion.
Start by choosing your format: a DIY scrapbook assembled by hand, or a printed photo book from a service like Shutterfly, Mixbook, or Canva. Decide on your sections (family history, reunion photos, family profiles, recipes, letters to future generations). Collect content before the reunion — send a form asking family members for photos, bios, and their favorite family memory. After the reunion, add event photos. Compile in your chosen platform and order copies. Plan for 4–6 weeks of lead time for printed versions.
The most meaningful family reunion scrapbooks include: a family tree or history section, photos from this reunion and past reunions, a family member profile page for each household or individual, beloved family recipes with the name of who brought them, handwritten notes or letters from elders to younger family members, a 'where are we now' section showing current photos and locations, and blank pages for guests to add handwritten notes at the reunion itself.
The most treasured family reunion keepsakes are: (1) A printed photo book or memory book — tangible and beautiful, (2) Custom family reunion t-shirts that guests wear at the event, (3) A framed group photo ordered and mailed after the reunion, (4) A printed family recipe collection or cookbook, (5) A memory box with physical mementos from the event. Photo books and framed group photos consistently rank as the most appreciated by recipients because they preserve the memory in physical form.
A DIY scrapbook costs $30–80 for a single handmade copy (album, paper, adhesive, printing). A printed photo book from Shutterfly, Mixbook, or Canva costs $25–60 for a single 20-40 page softcover copy, or $50–120 for a hardcover. For 50 copies of a printed book, expect to spend $600–1,800 depending on page count and cover type. Most families either make one display copy and let family members order individual copies at cost, or include the book price in the per-person reunion fee.
Reunly helps you plan the reunion that creates the memories. Guest list, RSVPs, budget, schedule — all in one place.