I wanted to keep the budget as low as possible, not really knowing what everyone's budget would allow.
For invitations I wrote my own cute saying, using the core family name. For paper, I tore brown paper bags into uneven pieces just a little larger than I needed. Then I burned the edges just enough to look like camping. I made my own envelopes from the rest of the paper and all I had to buy were stamps. Plus, they were really cute.
I then bought everything in bulk for the number of people who responded. I made a variety of huge casseroles that could be cooked there, and salads that could be easily made. The time in the kitchen was short, but fun! It worked great and was cheap for everyone!
By NaniB
We are planning a two day family reunion to be held in Sioux Falls, South Dakota in the summer of 2013. We would like to meet inside on either a Saturday or Sunday. (The other day, we'll meet in a park.) As a very rough estimate, we're expecting 75 people. We've checked meeting and party rooms at hotels and have found them to be fairly expensive. Do you have suggestions for inexpensive places to meet? The more specific, the better!
By O.K.
I live in Sioux Falls as well, and depending on where you're looking and what you want to spend will influence where you want to meet.
I know that Skelly's downtown doesn't charge anything, and all ages can be in the bar/pub. They have a great selection of food, and the staff is super nice. Plus, there's no more smoking in bars either, so you don't have to worry about smelling like smoke. I would call them to ask if you can use their space.
The Parks and Rec office charge a small fee of $25 to reserve a picnic shelter.
http://www.siouxfalls.org/parks/parks/shelter-reservations.aspx
Here's a link to help you find a park shelter with the accomodations you need for your outdoor day:
https://register.siouxfallsparks.or ... -7fbc-e111-1f84e390cf0d&xxmod=fr
I would also contact the parks and rec dept to see if you could rent out one of their rooms at their community centers. If renting out a shelter is $25, I'm sure renting a room at the community center is probably just as cheap.