Every question on a reunion registration form should lead to a planning decision. If the committee will not use an answer to order, assign, communicate, accommodate, or protect someone, leave it off. Start with essential household information, then enable optional questions based on the reunion plan.
Questions every reunion needs
Collect the primary contact, email or phone, household member names, guest count, family branch, and attendance status. Include the event dates and fee policy near the form so relatives know what they are joining before submitting.
Questions for local reunions
Consider meal preferences, allergies, accessibility needs, volunteer interest, T-shirt sizes, and potluck contributions. Make shirt collection optional unless shirts are actually being ordered.
Questions for destination reunions
Add arrival date, departure date, lodging status, transportation needs, traveler deadlines, and document acknowledgments. Avoid collecting passport numbers, full medical histories, or other sensitive data that the committee does not need.
Make answers editable
Attendance and travel plans change. A household should update its original registration through a secure return page rather than submitting a second form. The organizer should be able to edit available questions later while preserving understandable historical records.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions should a reunion form have?
Keep the initial form focused. Ten to fifteen well-chosen fields can work when household members are grouped and optional sections appear only when relevant.
Should T-shirt size be required?
Only when shirts are included or ordered. Otherwise make it an organizer-controlled optional question.
Can a family friend register?
Yes. Include family friend and extended family options alongside organizer-defined family branches.