In the early stages of planning, create a preliminary budget to determine the scale and style of your reunion. This can and should be done before you begin actively searching for classmates.
Your first draft won't be perfect. That's fine. As decisions are made and real numbers come in, you'll update and refine it.
If possible, obtain the previous reunion's budget along with its actual revenue and expenses. Historical data provides valuable insight into attendance trends and spending patterns.
Step 1: Estimate Paying Attendance
You need a working estimate to begin budgeting.
A commonly used average is:
- 40% of classmates attend
- 50% of those attendees bring a guest
For example:
Graduating class: 300
300 × 40% = 120 classmates
120 × 1.5 (guest multiplier) = 180 paying attendees
This number will vary depending on:
- The milestone (10-year vs. 50-year)
- How well the reunion is promoted
- The personality and cohesion of the class
- Location and timing
But you must start somewhere. Using an average allows you to build a framework. As RSVPs and ticket purchases come in, you can revise your projections accordingly.
Step 2: Set a Temporary Ticket Price
Before publicly announcing pricing, establish a working ticket estimate for budgeting purposes.
The average reunion ticket price is approximately $75 per person. This amount typically allows for a memorable event while remaining accessible.
Some committees consider offering couple discounts (e.g., two tickets for $130). While this may seem appealing, the small savings rarely increases attendance significantly — and it reduces revenue. In most cases, it's better to maintain straightforward pricing.
Step 3: Calculate Your Revenue Projection
Using your attendance estimate:
180 attendees × $75 = $13,500 projected revenue
This becomes your baseline working budget.
Remember:
Ticket sales are your primary revenue source, but not your only one. Additional income from sponsorships, ads, or fundraising should serve as a buffer for unexpected expenses.
And there will be unexpected expenses.
Step 4: Itemize and Estimate Expenses
List every anticipated cost category.
If you don't know typical pricing, call vendors and request quotes. Take an average and use that as your estimate.
Be realistic. If your projected budget is $6,000, a live band may not be practical — a DJ or curated playlist would be more appropriate.
For nearly every expense, there is:
- A premium option
- A practical option
Decide what matters most to your class and allocate funds accordingly.
Step 5: Finalize the Ticket Price
Once projected expenses are clearer, adjust ticket pricing as needed.
If $75 does not cover your costs, test different price points.
If it feels too high for your class, reduce expenses strategically.
This is a committee decision and should balance affordability with financial security.
Step 6: Committee Members Purchase First
At your first or second meeting, committee members should purchase tickets for themselves (and guests).
These early funds help cover:
- Venue deposits
- Website costs
- Marketing materials
- Postage and printing
If the ticket price is not finalized, members can pay the temporary amount and reconcile later.
If necessary, committee members may loan funds to the reunion and reimburse themselves once ticket sales begin.
Sample Preliminary Budget
If you are not using a hotel or restaurant, remember to budget for:
- Caterer
- Tables, chairs, linens, tableware
- Dance floor
- Waitstaff and bartenders
- Audiovisual equipment
- Easels and signage
- Liability insurance
This is why many committees prefer hotels — the built-in infrastructure simplifies budgeting.
Your goal is balance: projected revenue should meet or exceed projected expenses. If expenses exceed revenue, you must:
- Reduce costs
- Increase ticket prices
- Generate additional income (ads, sponsorships, fundraising)
Average Cost of a Class Reunion
Typical total budget range:
$12,000–$25,000, depending on size and location.
Sample Budget Breakdown (150 Attendees)
The following sample budget assumes the venue and food and drinks are supplied together (hotel or restaurant buyout). Keep in mind this is only an estimate and every reunion is different.
- Venue, Food & Beverage: $12,000
- DJ: $1,200
- Photographer: $1,500
- Décor: $800
- Slideshow Production: $600
- Website & Marketing: $300
- Insurance: $400
- Contingency Buffer (10%): $1,700
- Total Estimated Budget: $18,500
Budget Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring service charges (often 20–25%)
- Forgetting sales tax
- Failing to include a contingency buffer
- Underestimating beverage consumption
- Overlooking credit card processing fees (typically 2–3%)
Final Thought
Your budget is a living document. Adjust it as real numbers come in. Raise as much additional revenue as possible through ads, sponsorships, and donations — not just to prevent shortfalls, but to enhance the experience.
Extra funds can allow you to:
- Upgrade décor
- Add valet parking
- Increase prizes or giveaways
- Make a donation to your school
- Preserve your reunion website as a lasting archive
A thoughtful budget doesn't limit your reunion, it empowers it.