Were you voted “Class Clown” in high school? “Most Likely to Succeed”? How about “Cutest Couple”? Whether you received one of these superlatives or are just curious about what happened to your classmates, your school reunion is sure to be a blast.
If you were nominated for “Biggest Partier” or “Most Organized,” you might be in charge of helping to plan the reunion. If so, check out these creative ideas for class reunion decorations!
A Time to Remember
Naturally, reuniting with former classmates will inspire nostalgia. Looking back on your younger years together is a wonderful way to reconnect. Some class reunion decorations that will take you back include:
- Album covers
- Magazine covers
- Newspaper clippings or front-page headlines
- Photographs of celebrities, events, or activities
If possible, blow these up into poster-size decorations. It’s also easy to evoke days gone by with fonts, color schemes, and design elements. Think neon colors, Art Deco revival, or geometric design for the 1980s, or tie-dye and peace signs for 1960s.
Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes
The internet makes it easy to look back and recall what was popular. Make table toppers or posters that tell your classmates what songs were topping the charts your senior year, which TV shows were can’t-miss, which fashions were in vogue, and other cultural milestones.
Another fun decoration idea that will definitely help reunion guests to break the ice? Price comparisons. Create a slideshow that includes the cost of a gallon of gas, a gallon of milk, a loaf of bread, and if applicable, a personal computer or another tech item.
Vintage advertisements, either print or television, will also be conversation starters, especially if you can find them from your hometown stores. Let the slideshow play in the background, so that everyone gets a chance to see it without interrupting their conversations.
Photographs Are Priceless
Of course, you will also want to decorate your class reunion with photos of the school, the teachers, and the students. If you can track down extra copies of your yearbooks, leave them out for people to flip through. Use senior pictures or candid snapshots as place cards.
One surefire way to get guests talking — and laughing! — is to create a “then vs. now” photograph game. During the planning stage, ask attendees to send in a current picture of themselves. Display these “now” pics, along with corresponding “back then” photos, on an easel in the entryway. People will have a wonderful time guessing who’s who.
A Few More Ideas for Class Reunion Decorations
Any school or class memorabilia — sports trophies, pennants, graduation caps, prom king and queen sashes or crowns — will also add to the nostalgic decor. Solicit loans of such items from classmates when planning the reunion, and promise to return them safe and sound.
You will also want to issue name tags to help people remember their classmates (and to avoid embarrassing mixups). Lastly, be sure to order enough personalized party favors so that everyone has a memento from the evening.
Have you been to a reunion? What are some of the most clever class reunion decorations you’ve seen? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!