Making sure a family reunion runs like a finely tuned machine takes time, dedication, and organization. To ensure your family reunion is a rousing success, the Goodwrench car care experts have teamed up with Shamele Jordon, a family reunion expert and advisory board member of The Family Reunion Institute. Together we offer some easy steps to help you plan the perfect family reunion.

1. Begin by forming a committee of family members. It can be as small as 3-4 people. Include young people when possible. Decide how often the committee will meet.

2. Gather all the contact information for those on your list. Communication with family members helps to generate information and maintain interest over the months of planning for the reunion.

3. Choose a date when most can attend. Summer months are better due to school breaks. Survey family members to determine the best time and location. Be sure to ask for a timely response.

4. Once the dates are decided, choose the length of the reunion. Keep in mind, the farther attendees must travel, the longer the reunion should last. Also, remember that you won't be able to accommodate everyone. Choose your final dates based on what's best for the majority of family members.

5. Decide on a destination. Try to pick a central location and one affordable to most of the attendees. Remember to book early.

6. Create a budget and allocate how much each family should contribute. Costs could include travel, lodging, food, decorations, and special events.

7. Mail invitations with dates, locations, directions, and a map. Allow ample time for attendees to plan ahead.

8. Find a caterer or restaurant that can supply food for the event. Having to cook for a large group is a big job. Leave it to someone else so you can enjoy yourself too!

9. Consider hiring someone to take photographs or videos during the event that can be used to create post-reunion keepsakes, such as photo albums, DVDs, or even a Web site.

10. Plan to include sports, games, kids activities, and even talent shows. Award prizes for games or for distinctions such as oldest family member or longest distance traveled. Also, creating a theme, such as one based on family history or heritage, is a great way to add interest and get more people to attend. Share the family history by finding interesting ways to tell the story. Be sure to interview the family elders.