Planning Tools
Should You Create a Family Reunion Website? (And What to Put on It)
Every few years, a family reunion organizer spends a weekend building a website on Wix or Squarespace only to find that half the family can't figure out how to navigate it and the other half didn't know it existed. This guide helps you decide whether a standalone website is worth the effort — and shows you a faster alternative that works for most families.
Do You Actually Need a Website?
A website makes sense in specific situations. For most family reunions, it's more work than it's worth. Here's the honest assessment:
A website makes sense if...
✓ Your reunion has 100+ attendees
✓ It's a multi-day, multi-location event
✓ You're coordinating travel from multiple states
✓ You want a public-facing legacy page for your family
✓ You have someone tech-savvy who enjoys building sites
✓ You're running a fundraiser alongside the reunion
A website is probably overkill if...
• Your reunion is 25-80 people
• It's a one-day or weekend event
• Most family members aren't tech-confident
• You're already using Reunly to coordinate
• You don't have a tech-savvy volunteer
• This is a one-time event, not a recurring tradition
What to Put on a Family Reunion Website
If you do decide to build a website, keep it focused on the information people will actually look for. Here's what belongs on a family reunion site, ranked by importance:
Essential
Event date and location
The full address, a map embed, and written directions. Many older family members print directions; a Google Maps link alone isn't enough.
RSVP form or link
This is the most important interactive element. If you're using Reunly, embed your RSVP link prominently. Make it the primary action on the page.
Cost and payment information
How much it costs per person, what's included, and exactly how to pay. One payment method, clearly explained.
Schedule / agenda
Day-by-day or hour-by-hour depending on the event length. Even a rough schedule is better than none.
Helpful
Accommodation recommendations
Links to nearby hotels, campgrounds, or Airbnbs. Group rate information if you've negotiated a hotel block.
FAQ section
Answer the 10 most common questions before they're asked: parking, what to bring, dress code, food options, activities for kids.
Photo gallery from previous years
Builds excitement and reminds people why they want to come. Gets people talking before they even arrive.
Nice to have
Family history or tribute section
A space to honor family members who have passed, celebrate milestones, or share the family story. More meaningful for long-running annual reunions.
Countdown timer
Simple motivation booster, especially for the last few weeks before the event.
🚀 With Reunly
Reunly's Hub replaces a website for most families
Your Reunly event page includes RSVP collection, the event schedule, accommodation info, and a shareable link — set up in minutes, not a weekend.
Free Tools vs. Paid Options
If you decide to build a standalone website, here's an honest comparison of your options:
Google Sites (free)
Pros: Completely free, easy to share, connects to Google Drive for photo sharing, no tech skills required
Cons: Limited design options, can look dated, no built-in RSVP or payment features
Verdict: Best free option for low-tech organizers
Wix or Squarespace (free tier)
Pros: More polished design, RSVP form integrations available, mobile-friendly
Cons: Free tier shows ads, paid plans cost $13-25/month, takes real time to set up well
Verdict: Good if you want something that looks professional and you have time
Reunly (free to start)
Pros: Built specifically for reunions, RSVP tracking included, guest list management, no design decisions required, set up in 20 minutes
Cons: Not a traditional public website — it's a planning hub with a shareable event link
Verdict: Best option for most families — replaces the website and the spreadsheet
Custom domain + WordPress
Pros: Most flexibility, professional appearance, permanent family URL
Cons: Requires real technical skill, costs $50-100/year minimum, significant time investment
Verdict: Only worth it for large, recurring annual reunions with a dedicated tech volunteer
Your Reunion Hub — Set Up in 20 Minutes
Reunly gives your family a shareable event link with RSVP collection, schedule, and all the key details — without building a website from scratch.
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