how to write a welcome speech for a family reunion

Family Reunion Speeches

Amy has a B.A. in Communications and has worked in a wide variety of industries.

Learn about our Editorial Policy .

If you're asked to give a speech at the next family reunion, you'll want to be prepared. Introducing a little levity is a great way to break the ice upon arrival and thanking everyone who helped is a wonderful way to wrap things up. View and print these free editable speeches using Adobe Reader .

Outlaws and Legends Welcome Speech

Welcome the entire family to the rebellion - whoops - reunion! - with this fun speech. Don't forget to add in a few quips from previous reunions to get everyone smiling and laughing at the memories made. They'll look forward to making even more!

• Free Wedding Speech Examples to Celebrate the Big Day
• Thanksgiving Toasts to Make Any Celebration More Meaningful

Another Adventure Ends Speech

Send the family home with warm reunion memories and a short speech to bring the event to a close. Be sure you thank the appropriate people and mention when and where the next reunion will be held.

Tips for Writing Your Family Reunion Speech

Personalize the sample speeches by sprinkling in tidbits about your own family. Follow these additional tips to help your speech go off without a hitch.

• Throw in references to hilarious stories from past reunions. Don't get sidetracked with too many details - just name the person and the incident - and everyone is sure to crack a smile. However, refrain from mentioning anything that might be embarrassing to someone.
• If your family has a long-running joke, like calling themselves "outlaws" or something similar, play upon that theme throughout the speech.
• When giving a welcome speech, bring up annual reunion activities or reunion games that many attendees will want participate in.
• Add in a few favorite family quotes . If there will be several speeches throughout the reunion, consider referring back to the initial quote in each for continuity.
• A welcome speech could include a photo slideshow or video compilation from previous reunions. At the end of the reunion, highlight photos taken that year. Just be sure you include a snapshot of everyone, so no one feels left out or unrecognized.
• Most importantly, keep the speech fairly short. The welcome speech is supposed to get people excited, not put them to sleep. The goodbye speech shouldn't be drawn out either. Some some family may have lengthy travel times and be anxious to start their journey.

Share the Family Love

The most memorable speeches are the ones that leave people feeling good about the event and themselves. It doesn't matter what you say as long as everyone feels loved by their family.

Welcome Address Speech for Family Reunion

Ai generator.

Good [morning/afternoon/evening], everyone!

It is my great pleasure and honor to welcome all of you to our [Year] Family Reunion. I am [Your Name], [your relation to the family, e.g., Family Organizer, Host, etc.], and I am delighted to be your host for this special occasion. Your presence here today makes this gathering truly special and adds to the warmth and joy of this event.

Acknowledgments

Before we begin, I would like to extend a warm welcome and heartfelt thanks to:

• Our beloved family members who have traveled near and far to join us today.
• Those who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to organize this wonderful event.
• Our elders and ancestors, whose legacy and love have brought us together.
• And all of you, for being here to celebrate our family bonds.

Your presence means a lot to us and enriches this reunion with love and laughter.

Purpose of the Reunion

The purpose of today’s reunion is to celebrate our family heritage, strengthen our bonds, and create lasting memories. It is a time to reconnect with relatives, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company. Today, we come together to honor our shared history and to look forward to the future with love and unity.

Highlights of the Event

We have a fun and engaging program lined up for you, including:

• Opening Remarks: Words from family members to set the tone for the day.
• Family Introductions: An opportunity for everyone to introduce themselves and share a bit about their lives.
• Games and Activities: Fun games and activities for all ages to enjoy and participate in.
• Family History Presentation: A presentation highlighting our family’s history, achievements, and treasured memories.
• Talent Show: An open stage for family members to showcase their talents and entertain us all.
• Dinner and Refreshments: A delicious meal and drinks to enjoy as we celebrate together.
• Memory Sharing: An open mic session for family members to share their favorite memories and stories.

We hope that each part of today’s program will bring smiles, laughter, and a sense of togetherness.

Celebrating Family

Today, we celebrate the love, support, and unity that define our family. Let us take this moment to appreciate the strength and resilience of our family bonds, and to honor the legacy of those who have come before us. Our family is a source of joy and inspiration, and it is a privilege to be part of such a wonderful group of people.

Looking Ahead

As we enjoy today’s reunion, let us also look forward to the future. Let us continue to nurture our relationships, support one another, and cherish the moments we share. The bonds we strengthen today will carry forward into the future, ensuring that our family remains close and connected.

A Few Housekeeping Items

Before we proceed, here are a few housekeeping items:

• Refreshments: Dinner and drinks will be served shortly. [Provide any additional details if necessary].
• Restrooms: Restrooms are located [provide directions].
• Memory Sharing: We encourage you to share your favorite memories and well wishes during our open mic session.

In conclusion, I want to thank you all once again for being here and for making this reunion so special. Your love, support, and enthusiasm make our family stronger and our gatherings more meaningful. Let’s make the most of this opportunity to reconnect, celebrate, and create new memories together.

Without further ado, let’s get started with our first segment. Please join me in welcoming [Name of the First Speaker/Presenter].

Thank you, and enjoy the reunion!

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

10 Examples of Public speaking

20 Examples of Gas lighting

• Games, topic printables & more
• The 4 main speech types
• Example speeches
• Commemorative
• Declamation
• Demonstration
• Informative
• Introduction
• Student Council
• Speech topics
• Poems to read aloud
• How to write a speech
• Using props/visual aids
• Acute anxiety help
• Breathing exercises
• Letting go - free e-course
• Using self-hypnosis
• Delivery overview
• 4 modes of delivery
• How to make cue cards
• How to read a speech
• 9 vocal aspects
• Vocal variety
• Diction/articulation
• Pronunciation
• Speaking rate
• How to use pauses
• Eye contact
• Body language
• Voice image
• Voice health
• Public speaking activities and games
• About me/contact
• Speech examples
• Welcome speech

How to write a welcome speech in 3 steps

With a printable welcome speech planner, outline and a sample welcome speech

By:  Susan Dugdale  

So, you've been asked to give a short welcome speech for an event. Congratulations! And now you want to be doubly sure you get it right. The right content. The right tone. Plus, the right length!

You'll find everything here you need to do that easily, from start to finish. 

Jump in. You are just three steps away from a completed welcome speech. Shall we start?

The fastest and best way to get your speech done is to:

• skim read this page to get an overview of the speech writing process, ( the welcome speech template and the planner you're going to use), to  read the example welcome speech , and to find out more about the function of a welcome speech and the importance of its tone .
• then download, print and complete the welcome speech planner .
• and lastly, use the notes you made in the planner to write your welcome speech . To help with that, you can download and print the outline of my example welcome speech to use.  Edit, and add your information to make the speech your own.

Return to Top

The welcome speech template

To be effective your welcome speech needs to meet expected, as well as any specific, requirements dictated by the occasion.

The 6 standard welcome speech content ingredients

There are six common or standard content items in a good welcome speech.

• Greetings to welcome everyone and thanking them for coming along.
• Acknowledgement of special guests, if there are any.
• An introduction of the event itself and a brief overview of special highlights the audience will want to know about.
• Any important housekeeping information, for instance: where the bathrooms are, where lunch will be served and when...
• An introduction for the next speaker, if there is one.
• Thanking everyone for coming once more and then concluding having made everybody feel at ease, eagerly anticipating what is to come.

Numbers 1, 3, and 6 are basic essentials you cannot do without. Numbers 2, 4 and 5 may, or may not, be applicable. Pick what you need from them to fit your occasion.

Short sample welcome speech for a conference 

Now let's put all six ingredients into an example of a short welcome speech to open a conference that you can adapt for your own speech.

* (This speech is pure fiction! I made it up to show you how it's done. You'll see its tone is formal rather than informal to fit the occasion. I don't think there is a group called Parents United. However, there are others with a similar mission: 10 Inspiring Organizations that Promote Literacy and Education .)  

Example welcome speech - "Readers by Right"

"Sue-Ellen Thomas, Jim Smith, Jane Brown and all of our guests, good morning!

My name is April Molloy, and it's my privilege and great pleasure on behalf of Parents United to welcome you all here today.

We are delighted to have you with us to participate and share in this special occasion, our 5th annual Children's Day Conference. Thank you for coming. That many of you have willingly traveled long distances to be here serves as a reminder to us all just how important our work is.

Parents United is committed to actively raising the quality of life for every child. We want all children, regardless of race, creed or circumstance to achieve their full potential. Our task is to make it possible. Our mission is to provide practical, step by step assistance.

This year our theme is literacy. We've named the day 'Readers by Right'.

Thanks to the 1948 United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we are aware of 'rights' in many spheres, including education.  Article 26 declared it should be compulsory and free for children.

That goal is as pertinent today as it was then. And it's a goal I know we all share - the full development of every child. As a body, Parents United recognizes good reading skills established in childhood as the foundation of fulfilling, and ongoing education.

We are honored to have Sue-Ellen Thomas, Jim Smith and Jane Brown with us today. All three are esteemed specialists in teaching young children to read.

Sue-Ellen has worked for a long time with educational authorities to establish programs putting in place necessary pre-reading skills. Her hard work needs no introduction. The results speak for themselves.

Jim and Jane bring their passion, and knowledge of how to reach those in our communities who are frequently overlooked or bypassed. Their work among disadvantaged English-as-a-second-language families has bridged gaps that were deep dark chasms.

Prepare yourself to be challenged, excited and inspired.

And before I handover to Lesley Watts, our coordinator for 'Readers by Right', who will outline the day's various events, I want to say once more on behalf of the Parents United organizing committee, welcome. It's wonderful to see so many of you here." 

Get your welcome speech started

To shortcut wondering, "Should I say this?" or "Maybe I should say that?" and "Then again there's also ...", I have a very simple solution for you.

Get yourself a printable welcome speech planner

Download and print my  special greeting address planner .

It covers ALL the necessary ingredients that go into preparing a successful welcome speech. It's simple to use and easily filled out. Once it's done, writing your speech will be a lot less hassle as you'll have the core content ready to work with.

Writing your welcome speech

Tips to help you get your speech right.

When you're entering information into your speech planner:

• ensure you've got all the names of individuals or special guests you need to mention specifically and, that you know how to pronounce each of them. Also check that you know and use their preferred pronouns: them/they, she/her, he/him...
• double check the remarks you're going to make about them, or anything else, are factually correct.

Use your introduction of your guests/or the event, as a "teaser" for what is going to come. It will help create anticipation in the audience. Don't ruin it by giving too much away! Just enough to tempt and no more.

Keep it brief. One to two minutes is generally sufficient.

(The word count of my sample welcome speech is 357. It will take approximately 2 minutes to say .) 

Use the S-S-S formula for success: Short, Simple and Sincere. Your listeners will appreciate it.

Get a printable welcome speech outline

If you would like to use and adapt the structure I used in my sample speech as the foundation for your welcome speech, click the link to download the printable: welcome speech outline .

Then edit; delete, amend and add, until you are done.

Get a hand with vocabulary

If you're stuck for words, here's a large selection of  adaptable welcoming phrases with example s entences.  Reading through them could help you to find exactly what you want.

What does a good welcome speech do?

An effective welcome speech has three important functions. It:

• signals the official beginning of an event . It says to the audience, hush, sit down, stop talking and listen. What you came for is starting!
• sets the tone for the occasion through the choice of language used . For example, using light-hearted and informal words to welcome guests to a dear friend's birthday party may be completely appropriate.  However, the same type of language to welcome family and friends to a memorial service is unlikely to be. In that setting, people generally expect a more solemn and formal word choice. They could be deeply offended and think the use of casual language is disrespectful.  Understanding and getting tone right is a key element in the overall success of your welcome speech.  
• unites the audience . It draws everyone together in the common purpose at the heart of the occasion. For example, at a birthday party, the welcome speech invites everyone to join in celebrating the person whose birthday it is. The welcome speech opening a specialist conference will affirm its principal purpose: the coming together of people with mutual interests to meet and share new knowledge. Or if a welcome speech is given to newcomers in a workplace, club or educational setting, its purpose is to give an introductory overview of how things work to help them feel more at ease in their new situation - to help them develop a sense of belonging.

Getting the tone right for an event

What is tone.

Tone is the combined impact of the words chosen to express something, with how they are structured and, delivered.  All three elements come together to create tone * . 

Get tone wrong, and your welcome speech is a disaster.

Get it right, and it's a triumph!

(Yes, that's hyperbole but I'm sure you get the idea. ☺)

* Tone - a mood, quality or feeling

How to choose the right words

The beginning of getting tone right is to think about your audience and the event itself. Your goal is to unite and bring them together in the main purpose at the core of the occasion. What type of language will do that most appropriately and easily?

To answer that question, think about the common interest everybody shares - the principal reason behind them getting together.  It will help guide your language choice.

Is it a fun event like a birthday party for close friends and family? If so, then informal language is likely to be the most apt.

You might hear something along the lines of: "Well, here we all are! The big day has finally arrived. Jean-Marie is 50! Half a century! How on earth did that happen?"

If it's a remembrance service for someone who has recently died, the language you're likely to hear is more formal.

For example: "Friends, family, colleagues, thank you for joining us today to celebrate and give thanks for our dear Jean-Marie. Your presence is gratefully appreciated." 

What is appropriate? What is expected?  Do spend some time thinking tone through. Misunderstanding and getting it wrong can be very embarrassing for everyone. If in doubt, ask someone whose opinion you trust.

Related helpful pages

Help rehearsing your welcome speech.

Get  step by step instructions on how to rehearse  including how to make and use cue cards.

And please do rehearse. It makes a huge difference! You'll sound, and look better. Taking the time to rehearse shows respect for yourself, the audience and the event. Truly.

Help to manage pre-speech jitters

Nervous? If you're shaking in your boots at the thought of having to speak in front of an audience, click  overcoming public speaking fear  for assistance. Take your time. The page has 14 tried and tested suggestions to consider.

Help with other types of welcome speeches

Or perhaps you need  welcome to the family speeches   or a  church welcome speech sample ? Click the links to find easily adaptable examples.

speaking out loud 

Subscribe for  FREE weekly alerts about what's new For more see  speaking out loud  

Top 10 popular pages

• Demonstration speech topics
• Impromptu speech topic cards
• Thank you quotes
• Impromptu public speaking topics
• Farewell speeches
• Phrases for welcome speeches
• Student council speeches
• Free sample eulogies

From fear to fun in 28 ways

A complete one stop resource to scuttle fear in the best of all possible ways - with laughter.

Useful pages

• Search this site
• About me & Contact
• Blogging Aloud
• Free e-course
• Privacy policy

©Copyright 2006-24 www.write-out-loud.com

Designed and built by Clickstream Designs

What are some tips for delivering a welcome speech at a family reunion?

Delivering a welcome speech at a family reunion is a great way to set the tone for the event and make everyone feel welcome and excited. Here are some tips to help you deliver a memorable welcome speech:

Start with a warm greeting: Begin your speech by welcoming everyone to the reunion and expressing your gratitude for their presence. Use a friendly and inclusive tone to make everyone feel comfortable and valued.

Acknowledge different family lines: Mention the different families or family lines that are present at the reunion. This helps to recognize the diversity within the family and creates a sense of belonging for everyone [1] .

Outline the day's activities: Give a brief overview of the day's or weekend's festivities. Highlight any special events, games, or activities that attendees can look forward to. This helps to build anticipation and excitement among the family members [1] .

Thank the organizers: Take a moment to express your appreciation for the people who worked hard to put the reunion together. Acknowledge their efforts and thank them for their dedication and commitment to making the event a success [1] .

Share family stories and memories: Inject some personal touch into your speech by sharing funny or heartwarming family stories and memories. This helps to create a sense of nostalgia and connection among the attendees [3] .

Keep it concise: While it's important to engage the audience, it's also crucial to keep your speech relatively short. Avoid going into too much detail or rambling on. Aim for a speech that is around 5-7 minutes long to maintain everyone's interest [3] .

Use visual aids: Consider incorporating visual aids such as a photo slideshow or video compilation from previous reunions. This can add an extra layer of excitement and nostalgia to your speech [3] .

End on a positive note: Conclude your speech by expressing your hopes that everyone enjoys the reunion and has a wonderful time reconnecting with family members. Thank the audience once again for their presence and participation [2] .

Learn more:

• Welcome Address - RootsWeb
• How to Write a Welcome Speech: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow
• Family Reunion Speeches | LoveToKnow

Continue the conversation

Explore more.

EVENTS & ENTERTAINING

Food & drink, relationships & family, how to write a family reunion welcome letter, more articles.

5 Ideas for a Lake Tahoe Family Vacation

• Romantic Things to Do With Your Boyfriend on New Year's
• Family-Friendly Places to Stay in Savannah, Georgia

Family Friendly Vacation Ideas in Mexico

• Wedding Day Lunch Ideas for the Bridal Party

A family reunion welcome letter acts like a big hug, greeting the family to the week or weekend ahead. Unlike a greeting letter, which usually only says "hello" to a group, a reunion letter addresses important issues for the family group, such as to wear a certain color T-shirt to keep large families together. When writing the welcome letter, mixing an informal, friendly tone with an informative voice is the ideal route.

Start with a friendly salutation. Address family members with a "Dear All," "Welcome (insert pluralized family name)," or Welcome to the annual (last name) Reunion!" Keep the tone light and informal to create a welcoming, fun-loving atmosphere.

Write a caring first paragraph. Ensure all family members arrived safely and are happy with the accommodations, and who to speak to if they are not. Tell guests where they can grab a quick drink and something to eat, such as the hotel's cafeteria or a Greek restaurant across the street. Establish a home base for all your guests, such as the central cafeteria or the hotel's front desk, should anyone accidentally stray from the group.

Include useful information. If you are hosting the reunion at a retreat, ranch, hotel or beach community, note a little bit about the area and the expected weather for the length of your stay. For example, "Welcome Franklins! I hope you all had safe flights from the Midwest to the Southwest. We're looking forward to a great week, filled with beaches, sun, delicious cuisine and much needed relaxation! The Oliver Beach Resort expects sunny weather and a rain shower here and there over the next few days."

Pick a meeting place and time. Give family members time to relax and settle in before calling for a meeting time. Allot one or two hours. For instance, write "You've all had long journeys. Freshen up with a shower, or take a nap, grab a drink and a bite to eat at the hotel bar on the first floor." Slip in a time and place to meet in the afternoon or evening. For example, inform all family members that at 8 p.m. two blue buses will be waiting outside the hotel's main lobby to take them to an al fresco Mediterranean restaurant.

Give a brief itinerary. Avoid writing a list of "things to do" and planned activities in the welcome letter. Provide an overview of what's in store for the family, younger and older, for the reunion. If you are all staying at a winter resort, note that skiing, sledding, movie nights, an indoor swimming pool and sauna, dancing and elegant dining await. Save agendas for a packet of papers you will distribute later giving times and places for daily planned events.

Related Articles

Romantic Things to Do With Your ...

Family-Friendly Places to Stay in ...

Wedding Day Lunch Ideas for the Bridal ...

The Best Places to Stay in Disney World

Boardwalk Themed Party Ideas

How to Give Welcome Remarks

Places to Go for a Baby Shower in the ...

How to Word Invites to a Brunch

Jungle Birthday Invitation Wording Ideas

Fun Things to Do at Night in Atlanta

Wedding Prayers for a Bridal Brunch

Things to Do in Boulder, Colorado

Places to Have a Wedding on Lake ...

Disco Dance Clubs in Connecticut

Free Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta

Family Reunion Church Programs

Description of a Child Care Center

Places to Have a Baby Shower in New ...

• Microsoft Office: Family Reunion Newsletter; Templates

Noelle Carver has been a freelance writer since 2009, with work published in "SSYK" and "The Wolf," two U.K. literary journals. Carver holds a Bachelor of Arts in literature from American University and a Master of Fine Arts in writing from The New School. She lives in New York City.

Photo Credits

Jenny Acheson/Stockbyte/Getty Images

Reference.com

What's Your Question?

• History & Geography
• Science & Technology
• Business & Finance
• Pets & Animals

What Should You Say in a Family Reunion Welcome Speech?

A family reunion speech should be both funny and sentimental. These speeches should always thank the members of the family at the gathering for making it to the reunion, though the content and tone of the rest of the speech varies by family.

Religious family reunion speeches should incorporate references to the family’s faith along with specific sentimental messages. Sentimental messages may include reminding the family that the physical distance between members has not negatively affected the emotional connection they feel for each other. Such speeches may celebrate new additions to the family, and they typically close by thanking God for the family having a chance to be together again.

Families with a good sense of humor appreciate a speech that is both humorous and nostalgic. These speeches typically include a retelling of funny incidents that happened to individual family members in the past. The speaker may also incorporate music into the speech with songs such as “We Are Family” serving as a transition to dancing. One practical option for these speeches is to have someone hand out packets with city information or family activities in them while the speaker concentrates on entertaining the gathered family through the use of self-deprecating humor about the family’s particular quirks.

MORE FROM REFERENCE.COM

An Artificial Intelligent English Learning Platform

Welcome Speech in English: Best Samples, Examples & Tips

Why are Welcome Speeches Necessary?

Most of the gatherings and ceremonies are held with a purpose. They are either planned events or spontaneous gatherings. In both cases, it is important to know how to organize such events. We must prepare ourselves to conduct the event properly.

Let us imagine that you are hosting a gathering. You have prepared everything, including food, drinks, decorations, etc., and even set up the stage. However, you forgot one thing – a welcome speech. What happens next? Do you start talking immediately without waiting for everyone to arrive? Of course not!

The same goes for a meeting. How many times did you attend meetings where people didn’t introduce themselves? Or worse, they talked about themselves too much during the meeting. In addition, some speakers talk directly to the audience without introducing themselves. This makes it difficult for the attendees to comprehend the event’s process and connect with its objectives.

So why is a welcome speech in English needed? To begin with, it is necessary to give a brief overview of the topic. Secondly, it helps to provide information about the organization and its history. Thirdly, it allows us to highlight our achievements. And finally, it creates a good impression on guests. Otherwise, they might ask questions like “Where is this event going?”.

Significance of welcome speech

The significance of the welcome speech won’t be apparent without understanding what makes up the history of an event. An event can be defined as a sequence of activities carried out over a period of time. These activities are usually organized into stages, each with a specific purpose. For example, an event may start with opening remarks, followed by a keynote address, and finally concluded with closing remarks. Each stage of an event has a different set of responsibilities.

In the case of a welcoming ceremony, the welcome speech is considered to be one of the most important parts of the whole gathering. In fact, it is the most crucial aspect of the entire event. This is because the welcome speech serves several purposes.

First, it introduces the guests to the host. Second, it provides information regarding the upcoming program. Third, it creates a positive impression among the attendees. Fourth, it helps in creating a sense of unity among the participants. Fifth, it helps in establishing good relations between the hosts and the guests. And finally, it ensures that the guest feels comfortable during the occasion.

Objectives of a Welcome Speech in English

The objective of a welcome speech in English is to introduce yourself and the rest of the attendees at the event. This is done through a short introduction about who you are, what you do, why you’re attending, etc. The following are the objectives of a welcome speech:

• Introduce yourself
• Provide Information regarding the event
• Create a positive impression among attendees
• Establish good relations between hosts and guests
• Ensure guests feel comfortable during the event
• Help build unity among participants
• Explain the purpose of the meeting/event
• Set up the agenda for the meeting/event
• Make introductions
• Give background info about the organization
• Highlight achievements (if any)

Welcome Speech Samples in the Education Field

There is a number of school gatherings that require welcome speeches, be it an official school gathering or an informal event. In this segment, we’ve sorted samples according to the typical events organized in schools. Take note of each paragraph and determine its purpose. You’ll be able to create a workable framework or basis for your current and future speech requirements.

Welcome Address in English For Students

It’s natural for attendees of any event to expect an introductory speech, which sets the tone for the occasion. A host can easily command attention with an effective welcome. Even the longest speeches have the capacity to hold an audience’s interest when delivered in a catchy and impressive manner.

A short opening speech for a commencement ceremony

To everyone present, good morning. A very warm welcome to our respected faculty, our remarkable parents, and our dear students. Special recognition is due for our Chief Guest (name of chief guest). It’s a true honor to have such a successful alumnus (or state the chief guest’s job title). We express our biggest gratitude for accepting our invitation to deliver today’s keynote speech.

I’m standing here as a lucky witness to our dear students’ academic journey. Our school is very proud of everything you have accomplished and your small but not minor contributions to society. You’ve brought prestige to our name and deserve the title of one of our school’s most successful and dedicated batch of students.

With your teachers’ guidance and parents’ support, you’ve reached remarkable heights. I’d like to take this time to extend my gratitude to our faculty and our parents, for understanding, encouraging, and nurturing our students.

Graduates, you are about to start another chapter in your life. An exciting yet scary period. From now on, you will face more challenges, but I am confident that you’re adequately equipped to face any tribulation that comes your way. Remember that with conviction and self-belief, no mountain is too high to climb. The laurels you’ve brought back to our school are only the beginning. I am genuinely excited to see the astonishing feats that your futures hold.

A long opening speech for a commencement ceremony

Good morning everyone! I would like to extend a very warm welcome to our esteemed faculty, astounding parents, and our dear students. I’m honored to open our commencement ceremony and stand here where many of our accomplished alumni who I look up to once stood.

I extend a particularly warm welcome to our Chief Guest (name of chief guest), who as one of our outstanding alumni, has really set the standard for exemplary accomplishments.

(enumerate key achievements of chief guest)

Her/his professional and philanthropic endeavors attest to their upbringing and the values she/he lives by. We want to thank you for responding positively to our invitation to be the keynote speaker on today’s auspicious occasion.

As another academic year reaches its end, I’m sure that our dear students are anxious and also filled with hope and excitement. This is their final school event in our renowned school/college/university (name of school). But hopefully, it won’t be their last awarding ceremony.

We are extremely fortunate to have such a talented and passionate group of graduates who have earned laurels in honor of our school, adding to its distinction and great reputation. The amazing encouragement and unconditional support of our parents throughout the school year have been extraordinary. They have stood by their children in every school event. Our teachers and staff are truly thankful for the trust you’ve given us. Your children’s journey wouldn’t have been a huge success without your guidance and nurture.

It’s been a remarkable experience to witness the passion and commitment our students have exhibited in all their undertakings. I am filled with certitude that you will achieve whatever goal you’ve set your mind on. Adulthood is going to be jammed with more trials you’ve never imagined before. I am kidding. Maybe. Joking aside, you will win as long as you work hard and believe in yourself.

Remember that you are valuable and take every challenge you face as an opportunity to prove your worth and get better. Also, surround yourselves with people who are good for your well-being and treat them the way you’d like to be treated.

Maintain your sense of humor because not much else will get you through when the going gets rough. Life can be very special and you can truly make a mark, which doesn’t always need to have global proportions. Be accountable for your mistakes and learn from them. Keep nurturing your passions and remain as driven, bright, and astonishing as you are today. You are all wonderful and I can’t wait to see your future accomplishments, because they will be great.

Thank you and do us proud!

Welcome Speech for a College Function

(General greeting, i.e. good morning/afternoon/evening) to all (the audience attending the event, e.g. the parents, teachers, students, etc.) and our respected Principal (name of principal). It’s with great pleasure that I welcome everyone to (name of school)’s (name of event or ceremony).

Our college nurtures the ideologies of discipline and pride in one’s work and aims to hone our students as responsible and productive members of society. It is in this spirit that we celebrate today.

To commence our festivities, allow me to introduce one of our most esteemed alumni. Our Chief Guest (title and name of chief guest) has embodied the values fostered by our prominent and respected college. (Enumerate the main accomplishments of the chief guest). We honor you for your contributions to society and our city, most especially, which future generations will surely benefit from. With your hard work, dedication, and charitable spirit, you have set the goalposts we aspire to reach in order to make the world a much better place than we’ve found it.

(Initiate a round of applause)

Welcome Speech for a Yearly Function

(General greeting, i.e. good morning/afternoon/evening to all)

Honorable Chief Guest (name of guest), our beloved Principal (name of principal), our amazing faculty and staff members, our dearest parents and fellow students, and to everyone present, I welcome you all to (name of school/college/university)’s annual function.

My name is Lakshmi Gupta, a student of the Information Technology Department, and also the president of our school’s Cultural Exchange Organization and founder of the Languages Club.

It is with tremendous pride that I announce our prestigious school’s Silver Jubilee anniversary. We’re gathered today to celebrate 25 years of estimable service and success. The remarkable accomplishments of our elite school since its foundation won’t be possible without its long history of dedicated and respected teachers and passionate students, its tireless staff, and the unconditional support from our parents.

It’s also a great honor to introduce our Chief guest and keynote speaker. Any introduction won’t do justice to the extraordinary achievements she/he has attained throughout her/his career. (Enumerate the main accomplishments of the chief guest). She/he is truly one of the most treasured and incredible alumni our school has produced. Without further ado, let’s give a round of applause to (title and name of chief guest).

Welcome Speech for the School Principal

Ladies and Gentlemen, good morning!

I’m truly pleased and honored to welcome our new principal (title and name of principal). He has previously worked for 5 years at Lumos International as principal and has succeeded in revitalizing their academic standing and programs, especially in English and Cultural Studies.

I have gotten to know her/him over the last few days during the transition phase and found her/him to be a brave and progressive intellectual, with a great ideology and vision for the future of (name of school), our beloved school.

On behalf of the current administration, our board of trustees, the faculty, the staff, and our student body, we wholeheartedly extend a great welcome to you (title and name of principal).

We hope that with your leadership, energy, and enthusiasm, we shall start a new era of learning and reach greater excellence.

Congratulations and welcome!

Welcome Speech for Teachers Day

Good morning! We welcome everyone today who is here to celebrate this annual event for their beloved teachers. We don’t always get to thank our teachers, but on this day, we pay tribute to our second parents.

They have provided guidance and given their light to educate and lead us to a journey of wonder, discovery, and knowledge. For their efforts, they deserve the greatest of honors and our utmost respect.

Our steadfast yet affectionate teachers should be our role models. They inspire us daily and motivate us to reach our greatest potential. They impart wisdom so that we don’t only excel academically, but as good people and responsible members of our society.

So on Teacher’s Day, it’s all about them and giving them the honor that many take for granted. Thank you, dear teachers!

Welcome Speech for Children’s Day

Good morning everybody!

Today we extend our appreciation and the warmest embrace to our beloved students to celebrate Children’s Day!

It’s been a blessing to be a part of nurturing children’s sense of wonder and imagination. These are qualities we often lose as we grow up, and it’s awesome to witness them happen every day.

Children’s innocence and love are incomparable and difficult to resist. Their smile is the closest thing to heaven that we can glimpse in the world.

School is your children’s second home, and we teachers are their second parents. We thank you for the opportunity to take care of and guide your little angels.

Join us to celebrate our students and make this day as eventful and fun as it can be!

Welcome Speech for Freshers Party

Welcome everyone to our Fresher’s party!

We’ve all gathered here today to celebrate the gift of possibilities and commence the experience of a new beginning.

It’s of utmost pleasure to welcome everyone, especially all my freshers to today’s festivities. I extend my deepest gratitude to all my teachers and everyone who helped make this event a reality. Look at this place, it’s amazing!

University or school life isn’t just about getting a higher education – brace yourself for the adventure of a lifetime! This is the period to create good memories and meet people who can be a permanent part of your academic and later professional lives. May you develop the relationships and acquire the necessary skills to succeed in life.

But for now, let’s leave our worries and cares out in the hall. Let’s celebrate your wise decision to matriculate in our institution. Our college has prepared special events and an entertainment program highlighting some of our talented students.

The next few hours will be memorable and exciting! Thank you for listening and let’s get on with it!

Have a good time!

Welcome Speech Samples for Business

Much like in academic settings, there are more formal events that happen in professional contexts. Some may need a welcome address to introduce special guests or welcome the attendees of a conference. Some are informal events that welcome those who are invited to special occasions at the office and the people they’re honoring. Note down the key phrases and objectives of the samples below and use the same structure in your own welcome or introduction speech in English.

Sample of Welcome Speech for a Goodbye Get-together

Good evening everyone!

Welcome to my farewell party. I know, I know. You all said you’re sorry to see me go, but that you all would need food and entertainment first to deal with your sadness. So here we are. I shall deliver.

As the Semisonic song goes “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” And so it is with great gratitude that the VP in Japan decided to retire early, so the end of his role can mark the beginning of mine. To Toni Takitani, thanks for deciding you’ve had enough!

Kidding aside, I’d like to thank my friends who made this very corporate event a huge success. Look at this, my goodness!

Most importantly, I want to impart my profound gratitude to my boss (name of the boss). Without you, this party won’t have a band. I couldn’t ask for a better mentor. Or I could, but none of them would have changed my life as positively as you have. It saddens me to leave you the most, but it comforts me that you were my biggest source of encouragement to go. Or it may have been your plan all along. Genius!

So to everyone who came, thank you. I’ll have time to thank you properly later, but for now, let’s eat!

Welcome Speech Sample for a Business Conference

Good morning to everyone who came out to join us here today. My name is Julius Kaizer and I’ll be hosting today’s events.

Before anything else, I’d like to take this moment to thank Merville & Posque Inc., their CEO Mr. Hyori Asano and his team for putting this event together in record time. It won’t be possible without your tireless dedication and contributions. I also want to thank everyone who came, our remarkable associates from Osaka, Chiang Rai, and Quezon, our wonderful clients who have stuck with us through thick and thin, and our amazing consultants in various fields of energy conservation. Your interest and patronage are very much appreciated.

A great welcome to all our extraordinary employees and staff members, some of whom have worked and grown along our company’s 23-year history. A big welcome, too, to our interns who have recently joined and brightened our corporate offices.

Today marks the 15th annual MPBC and it’s an honor to be a host in this glorious congress. I myself will be staying for the conference’s entirety to learn what I can about sustainable energy systems and their various implications and impact on the future of our planet.

The activities today will include an overview of all the forums, seminars, and exhibits around the MPBC complex. Second, we will have the inauguration of the new bio-dome on the grounds where we will also honor this year’s retirees. The afternoon’s seminars will kick off after lunch, and I encourage you to attend the discussions and learn about our future plans and projects. Finally, I’d like to encourage everyone to help yourselves to the snack stations in the hallway. Refreshments and sandwiches are on us for the duration of the conference.

I won’t keep you long and let’s begin the day. I wish all of you a valuable and wonderful time! Thank you.

Welcome Speech for a Business Workshop

Good afternoon everyone!

I am so pleased to see you all here. Welcome to my workshop, or should I say “our” workshop. I am truly overjoyed and excited about learning together and helping you reach a breakthrough in industry-scale coding practices.

This workshop aims to cover new software and the importance of earning certificates in several computer applications such as VM Suite, Landscape 5.0, and NF Tech.

I hope you’ll learn a lot in the next few hours and I promise to try to make our activities as engaging and hands-on as possible. Good luck and thanks again for participating in our workshop.

Welcome Speech for Office Events

My name is (your name), the (position in the company), and your host for this meeting. To our CEO (title and name of the CEO), (next are the dignitaries for the company hierarchy if any), all the staff members and their loved ones, and our beloved employees. I welcome you all to the (name of the event) of (name of company).

We are here today to honor our employees’ achievements in their respective fields and departments. Your efforts to attain and sustain the standards we keep aren’t unnoticed. This awarding ceremony seeks to remind us about the value and pride we should have in our accomplishments, and the significance of collaboration and teamwork. It is our spirit of community and faith in our abilities that represent the vision of (name of company). May we continue to grow through hard work, accountability, and cooperation.

To start off with our first award, let’s call up (title and position of the presenter), (name of the presenter).

Welcome Speech Samples for Family Functions

Huge family events often have speeches: weddings, birthdays, farewell parties, funerals, anniversaries, and so on. Some of these events normally have hosts and esteemed guests. Here are some tips and samples to inspire you.

Tips on Welcoming the Chief Guest?

If you’re searching for tips on how to make a welcome speech for guest, here are some things you can do:

• When drafting your speech, do the research.
• Highlight the key qualities that are worth mentioning in an opening welcome speech for event.
• Take note of the welcome address speech sample in this article and create a framework from them.
• Look up welcome speech quotes and choose the best one to use somewhere in your speech.
• Greet the chief guest at the event personally and introduce yourself if you don’t know each other.
• Extend your hard for a handshake and smile to express that they are honored and welcome to the event.
• Smile and suggest they are being welcomed.
• Address them formally with the usual Miss or Mr.
• Escort the chief guest before you assume host duties.

Welcoming the Chief Guest with a Short Speech

It’s a great honor to welcome our Chief guest and tonight’s keynote speaker. I was worried at first about how to introduce (title and name of Chief guest) because any introduction would pale in comparison to the reality and immensity of her/his accomplishments.

(Enumerate the main accomplishments of the chief guest).

She/he is the ultimate inspiration for young professionals everywhere who want to succeed in the field of international trade. Here to inspire us with her career journey and all the experiences she accumulated along the day, join me in giving a round of applause to (title and name of chief guest).

Welcoming the Chief Guest (Longer Version of the Speech)

Introducing our next attendee is a great pleasure of mine. When she/he accepted our invitation to be tonight’s Chief guest and keynote speaker, I almost jumped for joy. Then I realized I would naturally receive the task of introducing her/him. At first, this gave me great anxiety. How would I be able to pull it off and deliver an introduction that would give her background justice? Then I thought, no introduction would ever compare, so it was foolish to aim for success when failure is guaranteed. So I decided to just do it. Our chief guest has accomplished the following, to name a few:

As I looked at her/his professional and personal successes, I realized here is a woman/man who was faced many times with the certainty of failure but had given her circumstances a grad twist by attaining success against all odds. Then I thought, perhaps I should aim for success in this speech, after all.

She/he is an inspiration to many, not only for all the fields of expertise she has earned and the extreme success that went with the process, but she/he has also set the benchmark for philanthropy and good deeds. She/he has done this quietly, too, and she/he might strangle me for revealing it to the public. I didn’t even know half of the wonderful things she/he has done for our community before my research.

Without further ado, and here to inspire us with her wisdom and grand skill, join me in welcoming our Chief guest (title and name of chief guest).

Welcome Speech for Parents

Hi everyone!

As host and brother of the groom, I’d like to take this time to introduce the parents of the bride. Without them, my brother wouldn’t be the lucky and happy man he is today. More than that, I have witnessed how they accepted my brother and treated him as a son long before the engagement. I often tag along on family trips and have spent hours of wonderful conversations with them. Apart from my own parents, they are two of the most affectionate and hospitable people I’ve ever met. If I could meet a woman whose parents are just like them, I’d consider myself half as lucky as my brother.

Let’s give a round of applause for (names of the bride’s parents). Thank you for embracing my brother into the fold.

Welcome Speech Samples for National Holidays

Below is a sample of a welcome speech typically delivered during Annual Day. Substitute the appropriate details to match your information and use the framework in other speeches reserved for national holidays.

Welcome Speech for Annual Day

I am overjoyed to have this chance to welcome all of you to our elite institution’s 25th Annual Day. Today’s children are the hope of the next generation. All these graduates we see today, receiving awards for their achievements will go on to lead successful lives. Let them live up to the expectations set before them.

I am very happy to be a member of such an elite school where we learned from such great professors who teach us beyond the boundaries of the ordinary classroom. They’re also the minds and hands behind such a big event every year. I’d like to use this chance to organize such a wonderful event this year. It’s also a great pleasure of mine to introduce our Chief Guest.

Welcome speeches are necessary at events. They usually set the tone or expectations of the people who attended or participated in the occasion. There are many ways in going about delivering a welcome address speech. Review the samples in this article and do your due diligence to craft an outline, framework, or skeleton from the contents that you can use in welcome speeches of your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

A good welcome speech has the following qualities: * It is sincere. * It can hold the attention of the audience. * The ideas don’t ramble. * Welcome address quotes are used. One for a short welcome speech, and 2 for a longer one. Never 3, unless the speaker is trying to be funny. * The contents are relevant to the event. * It has an impressive anecdote. * The length doesn’t exceed 5 minutes.

The last segment of this article contains tips on welcoming chief guests, esteemed guests, or guests of honor. The tips contained here can be divided into things to consider while drafting the welcome speech, and things to do at the event itself when meeting the chief guest.

A simple thank you would suffice. Make sure you reiterate your gratitude. Some welcome speeches can end with a line that welcomes the guest of honor.

Depending on the context, a welcome speech doesn’t always need to be impressive. In some situations, a straightforward introduction is all you need. However, in some circumstances like commencement ceremonies, farewell parties, dinners, and some others, the audience is prepared to listen to long speeches. In this case, the speech needs to catch the attention of the attendees and maintain their interest. An impressive welcome speech often has an emotional element. Not just parroting big words to describe a person’s achievements or flatter them. Try to use humor if you’re funny by nature or if you can deliver the punchline well. Use popular quotes in your speech. Tell anecdotes relevant to the attendees. Or reveal an epiphany. These are how you should draft a welcome speech set to impress.

Make sure that it is relevant to the content of your welcome speech or the point you’re making. You can use phrases such as the following: * According to… * As the old saying goes… * There’s a quote that has always stuck with me… * Events like this always remind me of one of my favorite quotes… Try to find quotes that are unique and not cliche. You can find some in the lyrics of contemporary music, or lines and dialogues from books and movies, and so on.

Learn from History – Follow the Science – Listen to the Experts

What’s the one thing that makes  LillyPad  so special? Lilly! She is a personal English tutor, and has people talking all over the world! Lilly makes improving your English easy. With Lilly, you can read in four different ways, and you can read just about anything you love. And learning with Lilly, well that’s what you call liberating! 

For learners of all ages striving to improve their English, LillyPad combines the most scientifically studied and recommended path to achieving English fluency and proficiency with today’s most brilliant technologies!

Additionally, the platform incorporates goal-setting capabilities, essential tracking & reporting, gamification, anywhere-anytime convenience, and significant cost savings compared to traditional tutoring methodologies.

At  LillyPad , everything we do is focused on delivering a personalized journey that is meaningful and life-changing for our members. LillyPad isn’t just the next chapter in English learning…

…it’s a whole new story!

Do you want to improve your English? Visit  www.lillypad.ai .

Follow us on  Facebook  or  Instagram !

William Landry

William is a professional English and ESL teacher with over 15 years of experience. He has taught students of all ages, from children to business executives, and has worked with ESL learners from all over the globe. With a degree in English Education, William has developed curriculum for learners of all levels and interests. He is passionate about helping people learn English effectively and shares his knowledge with the LillyPad community. When he’s not teaching or writing, William enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children.

Related Articles

8 ways to improve your English by reading what you love with an AI Tutor!

How To Read Like a Professional

What are the Benefits of Reading Aloud?

The World of Online Book Clubs

Improve your English Faster with Lilly! An Artificial Intelligent Tutor!

Latest Posts

Understanding YLTE: Importance of English Test for Young Learners

Top 10 Errors in English Proficiency Tests & How to Avoid Them

Challenges in English Proficiency Tests for Language Learners

FLUOROSCOPE LANGUAGE CALCULATOR

How long will it take you to improve your English?

Design, write and practice your own phrases or learn  3,500+ premade English phrases  with Lilly!

© 2023 LillyPad.Ai

70 Short Welcome Speech Samples To Address any Event

May 1, 2024

• 3.8K shares
• Facebook 812
• Twitter 748
• Pinterest 871
• Tumblr 1.4K

A big hello to my chivalrous crowd. How about that for a mind-altering beginning to Short Welcome Speech Samples ? Welcome – the most paramount gesture to make your guest feel attended and addressed and respected! Yes, the host is loaded with uncountable responsibilities to make their guests feel special and counted on. And all of it starts with a nice, heart-warming “#Velkommen” that you mark the event and tell what that day is all about. If you are preparing for an event and need someone to tell you that you are doing great, let it be you. Check on this list of Powerful Quotes to Boost Your Self Confidence , It helped me a lot, see if it could do a little magic for you as well.

Image Source

Feeling stuck and not being able to find just the right words to introduce events is so irritating that it could make you smash your own head (by personal experiences; wink). A welcome could either cheer them up or make them leave the event and rather have cozy sleep at home . Martin Luther King, in 1943, delivered a speech “I have a dream” and that still doesn’t fail to inspire people.

Short Welcome Speech Samples To Address any Event

Welcome speech for annual day.

I am extremely overwhelmed to get this opportunity to address you all on this auspicious occasion of 50th Annual day of our elite institution. Children are the future of tomorrow. All these students we witness today, receiving honours for their talents will grow up to be the responsible citizens of tomorrow. May they grow up to make us proud and achieve the highest human values.

I feel proud to be a part of such an elite institution where we are taught by such great teachers, whose teaching goes beyond the classroom. Also, they are the ones to be thanked for organizing such a huge function. We all have assembled here today, today to motivate and cherish the young minds present among us. Apart from it, this is a great occasion to welcome our Chief Guest of today.

Welcome of the Chief Guest

On behalf of the school, I welcome our chief guest Mr. James, who is a dean of the most renowned institution functioning under the government of India. She is working towards connecting young minds to strive toward success and achievement. We are grateful to him for accepting our invitation and becoming a chief guest of today’s event.

Our chief guest doesn’t require an introduction as he is a well-recognised figure in our city. She is known for his wonderful administration and high achievements of the Institution she is in charge of. Apart from this, she is a Philanthropist and renders selfless services to society. She has moulded the life of students and served people with her kindness.

We are so honoured to have her as the Chief guest for the evening. I am certain that all the parents present here are also moved and assuredly want their children to be like him.

Welcoming Parents

Parents are the world for children. Not to overlook that we are here, joined by the wonderful parents who have raised the best students this school possesses. With immense admiration and affection, we welcome all the parents who made the efforts to join this ceremony.

At last, I would like to thank all the teachers, other staff members and all the students present here to make this ceremony worthwhile.

Welcome Speech for Freshers Party

Good Morning to everyone present here!

We all have gathered here today on the occasion of a Fresher’s party. Welcoming people is part of Indian culture, followed for centuries. We maintain this custom and welcome today the fresh faces in the college with a fresher’s party.

I thank all my teachers and everyone who gave me this opportunity to welcome all my fresher’s today. It’s a moment of great pleasure for me to welcome you all.

My dear friends, studying in our institution is pure joy, the professors, students, and other staff members are an epitome of compassion and we are quite sure you will be perplexed by their sagacity.

All in all, I would like to say that you have made an absolutely secure decision to be a part of this institution. Our college welcomes all the students joining us today. I hope all of you will operate along with the values of the college and magnify its reputation at every go of life.

Now, I will halt my words and start with the programmes for the day which includes some astounding performances by the students of our college.

I guarantee, your next few hours will be delightful and memorable. Thank you for being a patient audience and hearing my thoughts.

Welcome Speech for a Farewell Party

I welcome you all on this occasion of the farewell party, for which we have assembled here today.

First of all, I would like to thank everyone who gave me this opportunity to welcome all my seniors and teachers on this memorable occasion.

School life is undoubtedly the best phase of life for everyone. Our parents, teachers and friends all have made this phase of life so memorable for us. We learned so many things, from our inspiring teachers. Made mistakes, made memories with friends, and whatnot. It was a long journey in itself.

Today marks the end of this school life of sweet and bitter moments to cherish all our lives. We do feel a touch of sadness but it is the nature of life, to move forward. So, today we will celebrate this moment with our beloved teachers and friends to bid a good farewell to all who have to leave now, with a smiling face.

Welcome Speech for College Function

Good Morning to all!

Honourable Chief Guest Mr. Swamy, Principal Sir Dr. Reddy, Staff Members, and all the students present here. I welcome you all to the annual function of our esteemed college.

My name is Lakshita Kumar, a student of B.Sc. and also a secretary of cultural programs organized under our college authority.

I feel extremely proud to announce that our elite college has completed 25 years and we all have gathered today to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the same. Behind huge success over the years are the dedicated teachers, motivated students, and helpful staff who give their best to make the college achieve great heights of success.

Also, It is a great honour for me to pronounce that today we are joined by a lady who hardly needs an introduction. She is well known for her work in educating poor children. Besides, he is a published and extensively read author of the contemporary world. (the title of his book) is one of her treasures that have gained a huge international acknowledgment.

Moreover, she is extremely loved and respected by her readers which include the youth population of the country, whom she has influenced the most with her writing. With that being said, let us call upon none other than Miss/ Mrs. (name of the chief guest).”

Welcome Speech for Teachers Day

Respected Principal Sir, Teachers and dear students!

We welcome you all today, to celebrate this auspicious occasion of teacher’s day. We celebrate teacher’s day every year on 5th September, to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.

Teachers are our ideals. They inspire us each day and make us strive towards the route of success. They equip us with the power of knowledge and propel us with endless wisdom to become better citizens of the future.

On that note, I would now like to invite our Principal mam on the stage and to deliver her thoughts on the day.

Welcome Speech for Children’s Day

Good Morning Everyone!

We welcome all the students as we celebrate Children’s day today.

It is true, the imagination of a child is incomparable. Children are a creation of God and their smile is irresistible to not make us smile alone. Their innocence is overwhelming.

For children, school is a second home and teachers are equivalent to the parents in times when students need them the most. This day is celebrated with many events which cannot be possible without the contribution of our lovely teachers.

Thanking you all, I would like to start the events for the day without any further delay. 

It is simply not possible for everyone to come up with the right kind of words to use in a welcome speech. It is something that one has to plan and think about so that the right tone is set for the person you are welcoming to make his or her speech. Plus care has to be taken to ensure that none of the vital details are missed but at the same time, the speech cannot be too long. It is not as simple as writing a heart melting long distance relationship quote and requires a lot more consideration.

Focus on the TONE While Delivering the Introductory Speech For an Event

Understanding the basic idea and being able to think about the feel is really important in order to make the listener feel connected. Make sure they don’t yawn or even doesn’t end up rolling on the floor laughing too! Your speech should be making them feel eager to know what going to come up next. If at all it is the professional conference that you are conducting, you can’t pour in too much fun in your speech but a family function demands the same. Choosing tone and focus on how you talk to the audience will vary with the different types of event. Decide if its “Howz it going peepz?” event or “Blesses morning, ladies and gentlemen.” event. A few Maid of Honor Speeches if at all you are thinking to make the #Bigday special for your BFF.

Important Points to Consider while Giving Welcome Speech For an Event

• What is the purpose of the event and what it aims to achieve out of it? The objective, unless made clear to the audience, leaves the speech incomplete. Be specific as you introduce the event and its significance ’cause being brief helps people register it seriously. Tempting them is all you have to do and then stop – make them feel excited about the event.
• Welcome speech must address all the guests and the chief guests of the event (if any) thanking them for being present and giving the auspicious event their valuable attention.
• Make proper introductions of the Chief guests and hosts along with the motive of the function to achieve more attention and appreciation. Make sure you have all the names beforehand and you know how to pronounce them correctly.

SSS Mantra for Appreciable Hosting

Short-Simple-Sincere, it should be! The speech better not exceed a minute or two. Use simple and understandable language along with a sincere tone and vocab as to make sure your audience gets impressed by your way of expression.

4 Comments - Add Comment

Wonderful, very Nice, super…..

awesome content. really worth!

It’s really wonderful and meaningful it will help for others who is really In need……

dear sir/madam greetings.very useful tips.thank u… regs veerabadran guna

Cancel reply

You cannot copy content of this page

Photo Books

• Fleece Blankets
• Ceramic Mugs
• Wedding Invites
• Anniversaries
• Baby Showers
• Cards and Stationery
• Father's Day
• Photo Prints

Wedding Invitations

Everything you need to know about family reunions.

Written by  Shutterfly Community Last Updated: Mar 13, 2019

Every family has a different set of traditions and expectations for family reunions. Some treat reunions as their opportunity to go on a vacation with their loved ones. Others look forward to seeing their whole family for the same Holiday plans, year after year. Whatever your family traditions are, if it’s up to you to plan your family reunion this year, you may be looking for a little extra guidance. If so, we’re here to help.

Shop Trending Categories

Canvas Prints

Photo Puzzles

What is a family reunion, why should you have a family reunion, how to plan a family reunion, how to start a family reunion letter, tips for hosting a family reunion, where to have a family reunion, what to do at a family reunion, what to wear to a family reunion, how to keep in touch after the family reunion.

A family reunion is a meeting, which can occur annually on the same date or by availability, of immediate and/or extended family members. Family reunions can serve as a way for a family to reconnect and strengthen bonds while providing an opportunity for a vacation. There is no minimum party size, frequency, or duration for a family reunion and the reunions may even include a few close friends outside of the family bloodline.

Common family reunion activities and plans include outdoor excursions, shared meals, party games , and passing down family history and stories.

Family reunions have several important benefits. Most importantly, these reunions improve familial bonds. These bonds need constant work and effort to remain strong through the years, and reunions are a great way to do this. Without constant contact and time spent together, family bonds can weaken and leave you feeling isolated. Other benefits for attending reunions include giving you time to relax and catch up on significant events in family’s lives. They also give young family members a chance to learn family history and older family members the chance to see everyone together.

Ready to start planning your next family reunion? Simply follow the steps below to get started, and make your reunion one to remember.

• Plan head. You’ll want to give yourself at least a year to plan, especially for larger family events. Planning far ahead gives your whole family enough notice to take time from work, plan transportation, and decide on a date that works for the most people.
• Set a budget ahead of time. Decide on a budget each family will contribute well ahead of time. You don’t want to surprise any family member with the burden of a bill that they can’t pay at the end of the reunion.
• Give family options for date and location. When you have a budget and time frame established, send out a poll to each family member asking for availability across certain dates and desired locations.
• Send out invitations early. Send out informal notices as early as possible, and formal invitations at least six weeks in advance. Read our resource on when to send party invitations for additional help.
• Delegate some responsibilities to other family members. Ask for volunteers to help you with the planning of the reunion, or else you’ll quickly feel overwhelmed. Planning committees may include budget, reservations, food coordination , travel and lodging, entertainment, and a communications liaison.
• Start off the reunion on the right foot. Plan a welcome receptions for the beginning of the reunion. This might include food and drinks, a few games, and a welcome speech from a senior member of the family.

Looking for guidance to help you write your family reunion letter? Look to the guidelines and sample below to make sure you don’t end up leaving any details out.

What to Include:

• Announce reunion. Include the family name(s) and the number of years it’s been put on.
• Give Location.
• Provide Date.
• Give Lodging and Travel Information.
• Include Additional Information. Make sure everyone knows what’s expected on them in terms of budgeting, dress code, and timing. If you’re also creating family reunion T-shirts, make sure to include this info here as well.
• Ask for help. Do you need committee volunteers or family heirlooms? Let them know here.
• Include additional sentiments. Feel free to share a few past memories and/or reasons why it’s so important for everyone to attend. You can also share a meaningful family quote or two.
• End with closing statement and contact information.

Sample Reunion Letter:

Dear (Name),

Get ready for some fun in the sun! It’s time for the 14th Annual Janson Family Reunion!

Based on our previous family survey, this year we are planning to host the family at Green Lakeside Campgrounds, CA during the weekend of August 12th-14th. We’ve reserved campground C, which hosts space for tents and camper vans.

Directions to the campground are attached, as well as a sign up sheet for extra space available RV’s and tents.

As we prepare for a family-filled weekend, we are asking for donations of $50 to help supply food and other necessities for the whole family. Please send any donations to the contact information below.

Additionally, we’re still looking for volunteers to help with lodging and entertainment.

We can’t wait to see you all there! We’re hoping for a super fun weekend without any mishaps (so we’ll be keeping Uncle Stan away from the cooking!) and can’t wait to get started!

(Your Name)

123-456-7890

[email protected]

From organization to execution, you’ll want to make sure you’re keeping the following tips in mind while planning your family reunion.

• Make your own T-shirts. Making themed T-shirts ahead of time not only provides everyone with a special keepsake and souvenir, but they also give you some fun family photos.
• Plan for off-peak travel season. This helps keep costs down and making finding open hotels and flights easier.
• Raise extra funds beforehand. Small fundraisers organized by them family can increase your budget while giving you a few fun bonding opportunities.
• Look for group rates for hotels and travel. Many flights, hotels, restaurants, and more offer group discounts if you ask them directly.
• Offer a range of activities. Make sure there’s something to do for all skill levels. Refer to our guide on family activities for additional guidance.

There’s no end to the possibilities of where to host your family reunion. You may want to go back to the same place you’ve always hosted it, or you may be looking for a fun new adventure. Here’s a list of some of the most popular destination choices:

• Your house or a family member’s house
• Summer home
• Hotel or resort
• Rented cabin
• Community center
• Favorite restaurant

When you’re ready to start building your family reunion itinerary, keep a few of these common traditions in mind:

• Play some games. Games help involve the whole family and set a cheerful and playful mood. For specific game ideas, read our resource on fun family games.
• Plan a large potluck. Ask each family member to bring their favorite dish, or a dish that has significance to the family history.
• Make a family reunion photo book. Ask for family members to provide old photos and take new ones during the reunion. Then craft a family reunion photo book using these family photo album ideas .
• Go for a hike. Exercise is a great way to bond and stay healthy as a family!
• Host a BBQ party.  BBQ’s are a family reunion classic for a reason. Check out our BBQ party ideas for more inspiration.
• Take a family photo . Schedule a professional photography session during the reunion for a reunion photo the whole family can look back on.
• Go on a family trip . Take a day trip somewhere special. Read our family trip ideas for help picking the right trip.
• Do some arts and crafts. Arts and crafts are as kid friendly as they are fun for the creative members of the family. Check out our art projects for kids for some ideas.
• Family Traditions
• Thanksgiving Traditions
• Family Christmas Traditions

The best clothes to wear to a family reunion most often depends on the environment and weather. If your reunion is in a cabin in the woods, you may want to plan for warm clothes that cover arms and legs from bugs. Whereas lighter clothing would be more appropriate for a family beach vacation. You also want to dress in a way that’s respectful and appropriate in front of older family members. And if you’re planning your wardrobe for family reunion photos, visit our guide on what to wear for family photos .

Once the family reunion is over and everyone has said their goodbyes, you’ll want a plan to keep in touch. Nowadays social media has made this a lot easier. However, it’s also a good idea to keep a constant email list and updated list of addresses (which is great for sending family reunion gifts ) for regular correspondence.

Resources Related to Family Reunions

If you liked this guide on everything you need to know about family gatherings and you’re looking for additional content, make sure to visit the resources:

• Family Inspiration
• Holiday Inspiration

Explore Categories

Framed Prints

Custom Photo Blankets

Save the Dates

Thank You Cards

Written by Shutterfly Community | View all posts

★ Lifestyle Expert

Shutterfly Community is here to help capture and share life's most important moments. Discover thoughtful gifts, creative ideas and endless inspiration to create meaningful memories with family and friends.

Visit their Website . You can follow on Instagram and Pinterest .

• Welcome Letters
• Neighborhood to New Neighbor
• Class to New Student
• Back to School
• To New Patient
• To Councilman/Woman
• To New Employee
• To New Board Member
• To New Civic Leader
• To New Religious Leader
• To New Club Member
• To New Customer
• To New Account Holder
• To New Church Member
• To Church Visitor
• Attendees at Family Reunion
• For New Store/Company Location

Welcome to All Attendees at Family Reunion

[Your letterhead, if desired; if not, your return address]

[Date of letter-month, day, and year]

[Recipient's first and last names] [Company name] [Street or P.O. box address] [City, State ZIP code]

Dear [recipient's name]:

Welcome to all of you who are attending the 5th annual Davis family reunion! We are so happy that you have joined us for this fun-filled, exciting, memory-making long weekend here at the beach. Enclosed with this letter, you’ll find a brochure detailing all of the events we have planned.

Make yourself at home, and let's get ready to relax and enjoy the time we have together. Again, welcome!

[Signature]

[Sender's first and last names]

• Print this Letter

Make changes in the following box and take a print or save as doc file

• Authorization Letter sample
• Appreciation Letter Sample
• Business Letter
• Business Announcement Letters
• Holidays and Place
• Invitation Sample Letter
• Letter of intent Samples
• Travel Letters
• Valentines Day Letters

recently twittered on Letter Samples

Family Reunion Party Script: Plan an Unforgettable Gathering!

• February 24, 2023

Family reunions are a fantastic way to reunite loved ones, rekindle relationships, and create lasting memories. Whether an annual event or a one-time gathering, a family reunion party requires thoughtful planning and preparation to ensure everyone has a great time. Here’s a script to guide you in planning a fun-filled family reunion party.

Introduction:

Welcome, all family members, to the reunion party. As the host, it’s essential to introduce yourself and explain the purpose of the gathering. Highlight the significance of family and how important it is to come together to create lasting memories. You can also take the opportunity to recognize any family members who traveled from afar or who haven’t seen each other in a long time.

Icebreakers:

As soon as guests arrive, creating an environment that is fun and welcoming is essential. Consider some icebreakers to help guests get to know each other better. One great way to break the ice is to have everyone introduce themselves and share one unique thing about themselves. You can also have guests write down their favorite family memory or tradition and share it with the group.

Activities:

Activities are a great way to keep guests engaged and entertained throughout the party. There are various activities that you can organize, depending on the age range of your guests. For example, consider setting up a face painting or balloon twisting station for the younger ones. For the older ones, you can plan a family trivia game, a scavenger hunt, or even a talent show where each family member can showcase their hidden talent.

Food and Drinks:

Every party is complete with good food and drinks. Consider setting up a buffet-style meal that includes dishes catering to various tastes and dietary needs. If you want to add a unique twist to the menu, you can have a potluck where each family member brings a dish to share. For drinks, you can set up a self-serve bar or hire a bartender to serve signature cocktails or mocktails.

Entertainment:

It’s important to keep guests entertained throughout the party. Consider hiring a DJ or a live band to play the music that appeals to all age groups. You can also set up a photo booth where guests can take pictures and create lasting memories. Consider setting up a craft station or a bounce house for the kids. Consider renting lawn games such as cornhole, giant Jenga, or ladder toss if planning an outdoor event.

Speeches are a great way to express gratitude and honor the elders in the family. You can have each family member share a personal story about the elders in the family and what they mean to them. You can also invite the elders to share their own stories and memories of the family.

You can also consider donating family reunion favors or gifts to commemorate the occasion. This can be anything from customized t-shirts or hats to family photo albums or scrapbooks. You can also consider giving out certificates of achievement or recognition to family members who have achieved significant milestones, such as graduating college or starting a business.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, a family reunion party is an excellent opportunity to unite family members and create lasting memories. With proper planning, you can create a fun, engaging, and unique environment. Thank all the guests for coming and express your hope that everyone will stay connected and plan to attend future reunions. So start planning your next family reunion party today, and make it a celebration that your family members will never forget.

Related Posts

Emcee script for moving up ceremony.

• August 3, 2023

A REFLECTION ON ICT INTEGRATION

A reflection on learning assessment, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Name  *

Email  *

Add Comment  *

Post Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Family Reunion Letter Sample: Free & Effective

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to creating a heartfelt and engaging family reunion letter, including customizable templates .

Key Takeaways:

• Understand the purpose and tone of a family reunion letter.
• Learn the basic structure of a family reunion letter.
• Discover tips for personalizing and enhancing your letter.
• Free Template:  Get a template to simplify the writing process.
• Know how to effectively distribute your letter.

Understand the Purpose

Firstly, it’s essential to understand the purpose of your family reunion letter.  These letters are not just about conveying information; they’re about igniting excitement, rekindling memories, and fostering a sense of belonging.  Your letter should reflect the warmth and love that you feel for your family.

Real-Life Example: Last year, I wrote a letter for our annual Smith Family Reunion. The joy and anticipation it created were palpable, setting a positive tone for the event.

Basic Structure

A typical family reunion letter includes:

• Greeting: Start with a warm, familial greeting.
• Introduction: Mention the purpose of the letter.
• Details of the Event: Provide the date, location, and other relevant details.
• Personal Touch: Share a fond memory or a hopeful message.
• Closing: End with a heartfelt closing statement.

Writing the Letter

Step 1: personalize your greeting.

Begin with a personal greeting. Use a warm and inclusive tone to make every family member feel valued.

Trending Now: Find Out Why!

Example: “Dear Smith Family Tree,”

Step 2: State the Purpose

Clearly state the purpose of the letter. This helps in setting the context right away.

Example: “I am thrilled to announce our upcoming Smith Family Reunion!”

Step 3: Provide Event Details

Be specific about the date, time, location, and any other pertinent details. This ensures clarity and helps with planning.

Example Table:

Step 4: Add a Personal Touch

Share a brief personal story or a fond memory. This adds an emotional element to your letter.

Example: “Remember how Grandpa Joe’s laughter echoed across the lake last year?”

Step 5: Closing

End with an encouraging and heartfelt closing.

Example: “Can’t wait to create more unforgettable memories with all of you.”

Distribution

Once your letter is ready, consider how you will distribute it. Email is efficient, but for older family members, a mailed physical copy can be more meaningful.

Tips for Writing a Family Reunion Letter

• Keep it Joyful: Maintain a positive and inviting tone.
• Be Inclusive: Address every family member, making them feel important.
• Details Matter: Double-check dates, locations, and times.
• Personalize: Add personal anecdotes or family-specific traditions.
• Follow Up: Be prepared to send reminders or additional information as the reunion approaches.

Here’s a basic template to get you started:

Dear [Family Name],

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am excited to announce that our annual [Family Name] Reunion is scheduled for [Date] at [Location]. This year, we have planned a variety of activities that cater to all ages, ensuring a day full of fun and fellowship.

Remember how [Personal Anecdote]? Let’s create more such beautiful memories. Please RSVP by [Date] and feel free to bring your favorite dishes for our traditional potluck.

Looking forward to seeing each of you and catching up on our lives.

Warm regards, [Your Name]

Comment Request

I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences about writing family reunion letters. Please share your stories or tips in the comments below!

Related Posts

11 inspirational messages for family reunion, what is a family reunion, and why is it important, what are some common traditions associated with family reunions, frequently asked questions (faqs).

Q: How Do You Begin Writing a Family Reunion Letter?

Answer: Writing a family reunion letter is all about capturing the warmth and excitement of reuniting with loved ones. I always start by expressing my enthusiasm about the upcoming event. 

For instance, I might begin with, “I am thrilled to announce our upcoming family reunion!” This opening sets a joyful tone and immediately grabs the attention of my relatives. I make sure to include the date and location early in the letter, so these crucial details are clear. 

Personal touches, like recalling a fond memory from the last reunion or mentioning a family tradition we’ll be continuing, help make the letter engaging and heartfelt.

Q: What Important Details Should Be Included in a Family Reunion Letter?

Answer: When I write a family reunion letter, I ensure it covers all the essential details. These include the date, location, and time of the reunion. I also mention any special activities planned, like a family game, a picnic, or a group outing. 

Accommodation information is crucial if relatives are traveling from afar, so I include suggestions for nearby hotels or arrangements for staying with family members. Additionally, I request RSVPs to plan for food and seating. 

I’ve found that including a contact person for questions or suggestions is also helpful. Lastly, I always emphasize the importance of everyone’s presence to make the event memorable.

Q: How Can You Make a Family Reunion Letter More Personal and Engaging?

Answer: To make a family reunion letter more personal and engaging, I focus on adding elements that resonate with my family’s unique characteristics. 

I often include family jokes, reference past reunions, or mention specific family members and their well-known traits or achievements. 

Adding photos from previous reunions is a great touch, as it evokes nostalgia and excitement. I also encourage family members to contribute ideas or items, like a favorite dish for the potluck. 

Personalizing the letter based on our family history, like mentioning our grandparents’ legacy or a family heirloom, creates a deep sense of connection and belonging.

Q: What Tone is Appropriate for a Family Reunion Letter?

Answer: The tone of a family reunion letter should be warm, welcoming, and inclusive. I aim to convey a sense of excitement and anticipation. It’s important to make every family member, from the youngest to the oldest, feel valued and important to the event. 

I use a conversational and friendly tone, as if I am talking to each member personally. The language should be clear and positive, avoiding any complex wording or formalities that might feel distant. 

Humor, when appropriate, can also add a lighthearted touch, making the letter enjoyable to read and setting a joyful tone for the reunion.

Q: How Do You Close a Family Reunion Letter Effectively?

Answer: Closing a family reunion letter effectively is about leaving your family members feeling excited and looking forward to the event. I usually end with a heartfelt expression of how much I’m looking forward to seeing everyone. 

Phrases like, “I can’t wait to catch up with each and every one of you,” or, “Let’s make this reunion one to remember,” work well. I also remind them to RSVP and reach out if they have any questions or suggestions. 

Finally, I sign off with a warm closing, such as “With love,” or “Eagerly awaiting our time together,” followed by my name. This personal touch ensures the letter ends on a warm, inviting note.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Family Reunion Ideas for the Perfect Family Reunion

Whether you’re in the middle of planning a family reunion right now or just need some family reunion ideas , you’re in the right place.

Now, imagine all that planning, except you have to consider it for 20 or more people. That is precisely the task you face with family reunion planning. It is also exactly what we’re going to help you with!

Video: Family Reunion Ideas

Please enable JavaScript

Team Effort: Planning Your Family Reunion

One other family member helping you out may be enough for a smaller group to handle the responsibilities. For mid-sized or large family reunions where you bring together 3 or more families, however, you may need to organize a reunion committee. A committee comprises several family members, with tasks assigned to each member. It is also possible to have multiple committees if the event is especially large. Committees have tasks but also the responsibility to make decisions for the area they are responsible for.

Stay Organized

Include others in the planning.

Getting others’ family reunion ideas and input helps you plan a more inclusive and fun event. If possible, have a direct contact person in each nuclear family that you can immediately communicate with or ask for suggestions regarding different plans and options related to the reunion event itself.

This helps reduce last-minute changes later on if you make plans or reservations that don’t sit well with some other guests. A team working together towards a common goal can accomplish more, so organizing a committee to assist you in the different stages of family reunion planning not only lightens the load, but also adds additional layers of creativity to the whole endeavor.

Who Should be Invited to the Family Reunion?

Finalizing your guest list should be a priority in the planning process. Much of the planning hinges on who you’ve invited, including:

Start Small, Then Think Big

It is simple for them to escalate into a bad memory. Ensure extended families and members who are supposed to get invitations will receive them. There’s nothing more awkward than having to pacify an agitated relative who got overlooked and found out about the family reunion from somewhere or someone else.

This can cause unnecessary tension, especially if they show up at the reunion (yet another reason why getting help is very important, so these details are not overlooked). There is also a great website here that allows you to list your family reunion on their website, and it will link it to your family reunion website .

How Should We Cover the Expenses of the Reunion?

The family reunion costs play a very important role in planning and, therefore, should be a foremost priority in the planning stages. Stay away from venues, activities, or events that may be too expensive or limiting to some family members.

Make sure that everyone is as comfortable as possible regardless of their budget constraints and can enjoy it as much as possible. Striking a balance somewhere in the middle is a crucial goal. Ask for family reunion ideas and suggestions to get a sampling of destinations, activities, or events the families are willing to shell out money for.

Where Should We Have Our Reunion?

Once reunion guests are confirmed and a general budget is set, the venue of your event must be selected. Setting the location of your reunion is perhaps the most challenging part of the planning process, as various factors such as:

Smaller gatherings can often be held at home, but a venue or hall may be required for larger groups. Popular options include:

These venues often have multi-purpose rooms where family members can eat together, mingle, and participate in activities. Combining vacation time and family bonding is popular for family reunion events. You can look into:

There are often great discounts and deals for large groups. Make sure you inquire about such discounts so holding your reunion becomes more cost-efficient. There’s nothing wrong with saving money while allowing everyone to relax, unwind, and enjoy more activities.

What Type of Food Should We Serve at Our Reunion?

Get help with meal preparations.

Meal preparation for the reunion revolves around your venue. The host or hostess may need to plan and prepare meals for gatherings at home. One option is to enlist the help of other families in cooking up one big meal (or meals) for all attendees. Like planning, it is always better to get help from other family members when preparing the food; you will get more family reunion ideas, and the workload is evenly distributed.

Potluck dinners are another option for reunions, especially if most attendees live close by and can conveniently bring dishes to the reunion venue. For potluck meals, use a signup sheet as a checklist. This lets people see what others have already committed to bringing and what is needed (salads, appetizers, dishes, desserts, drinks, and other necessities).

Are Meals Included?

If your family decides to enjoy a week-long cruise or an all-inclusive stay at a resort or mountain lodge, meals are likely included in the cost. This frees everyone from worrying about cooking and cleaning up afterward.

Even for events that are not out-of-town, you can opt for professional catering services to minimize the stress of food shopping and preparation. Attendees can share the cost of professional food catering and the convenience of just showing up and enjoying the event.

Where Will Our Reunion Guests Stay?

Include options for every budget.

Travel is also a significant consideration. If you have family members from coast to coast, a more central location is best, so everyone shares equal travel expenses. You can benefit from lower prices through group bookings, such as families flying together from one city.

What Family Reunion Activities are Good for Everyone?

When planning, keep in mind the different age groups and what interests or hobbies they may have. For example, some families love sports and enjoy group ball games or sports-related activities. Just remember to make room for family members who may not be as physically capable or enthusiastic about sports. Everyone must find an activity they enjoy, instead of just one general event for the whole group.

Should We Plan Backup Family Reunion Ideas?

Have a restaurant backup list, have a game backup list too.

Make a list of activities or games the family can enjoy in case of rain. Have a plan if outdoor activities aren’t possible. Or if you have hired professional entertainers for the evening, such as a band or singers, make backup plans for entertainment you can call just in case something unforeseen happens.

Relax, let go, and enjoy

Keep in mind that you are among family. While you should try your best to be prepared, you should also enjoy your time with them. The mix-ups and mistakes are some of the most cherished moments we look back to. They bring out the best in everyone (especially laughter) and remind us what family truly means. If you mess up a little bit, don’t stress about it; just let it go and let everything else fall into place.

Laura Phelps

Want a 30% discount at our printable etsy shop.

I agree to receive email updates and promotions.

Redirecting you to the shop now!

Welcome Speech Ideas for a Class Reunion

A reunion speech offers a chance to elicit a lot of laughs and smiles, delving back through the decades to the school years classmates shared. Use local history and school history in the speech to reminisce with the classmates, who will enjoy remembering where they came from, as you welcome and thank participants and special guests for coming to the event.

Advertisement

The Class at That Time in History

Video of the Day

When these classmates graduated from high school or college years ago, they wore different clothes, styled their hair differently and might have had funny nicknames. Talk about what was happening at that time in history, such as current events during the graduation year, or local government buildings, stores and shops that have since been demolished or changed. Mention favorite hangout spots or points of particular interest that classmates may have forgotten about.

The Class at School

Before the speech, find the yearbooks from those four years of high school and write a speech based on school life. Take the classmates back in time and mention the politics, friendships and society that occurred at school. Quote the funniest or sweetest senior quotes and get comments from the audience on whether the quotes still apply. If the seniors were assigned superlatives in the yearbook (cutest couple, funniest person, kindest person), bring up some of these during the speech and call the people by name.

The Class Then to Now

Talk about the changes and wisdom that the classmates have experienced through the years; whatever mistakes or catastrophes happened, they made each individual who they are today. Read aloud excerpts from the old school newspapers (if possible) and remind the audience how young they were then, and what has since happened in the world to change how they view things, as well as ways in which the local area and the world have changed.

The Class Interactive

Before the reunion, distribute a questionnaire through mail or email to all of the classmates of that year. Include questions such as: number of children or grandchildren, current hobbies, marital status, current job, residence and number of countries visited over the years. During the opening speech, share with the class who has been married the longest, who has the most grandchildren, who has traveled the farthest, and other interesting or unusual facts -- the more unusual or notable, the better.

• Reunions Magazine: Looking for Awards and Prizes?
• Dave Romm's Portal: 25th Reunion Speech: Holyoke High School Class of '43