Monday, March 23, 2009

High School Reunions, Highly Overrated?

Zack received a letter in the mail about 2 weeks ago for his 10 year high school reunion.  As he read over it, the first thing he noticed was the price…$65 per person if paid a month prior to the date, $75 per person at the door. 
There is also a “free” meet and greet the night before at one of the local restaurants.  Of course you pay for your own meal, but that is a heck of a lot cheaper then actually going to the reunion. 
I am encouraging him to go, but he has made a good point.  Most of his friends are from his grade, but the ones before and after his own graduation year. 
Should we go?  Not only would we be forking out about $130 but whatever other costs involved including our outfits.  Yes, we could wear whatever, but it is semi formal.  So, that means a shopping trip is ahead.
I think we are planning on going the night before just because it would be a nice date if nobody is there that Zack does know.
My question to you all, did you go to your reunion, was it worth it?  Or are they highly overrated?  What was your experience?

9 comments:

Kelli said...

Overrated. I didn't go to my 10 year and I hear it was just OK. The people that I would like to see, I usually talk to and at $65 a person...that's just a lot of money. Maybe they didn't do enough fund raising. I say go on a nice date and call a few close HS friends to go out.

Runner Mom said...

I think my 10 year one was lots of fun simply because it had only been ten years! You still recognized people and remembered tons of fun things that you'd done together. As you get older, and the memories fade, you don't have quite as much to talk about. But...I'm a sentimental one, so I would go and have a ball!!

Hugs,
Susan

Let us know waht you decide!

Laura said...

I didn't go to mine, there wasn't really anyone I needed to see again. Plus it was expensive too! I don't regret it and thanks to Facebook anyone I would want to contact I have done on there. If I were you, I would do the 'free' night before, sounds like a more relaxed environment, and then you won't feel guilty leaving after spending a whole bunch of money if there is no one there you know!

Laura :)

Lisa said...

I think its completely up to the person. I didn't go to my own because of the exact thing you mentioned...COST. Some friends of mine said it wasn't worth it regardless.

I get the same results from contacting friends on Facebook. :)

Melinda said...

I go to my high school reunion every 5 years and have since the first one at 10 years. This year we are having our 35 year, and it is $60.00 per person. We do not do semi-formal anymore, we did at our first one at 10 years. Now we're very casual and have way more fun.

I know that seems like a lot, but you have to take into consideration that it takes it to rent a venue, buy the food or pay a caterer, mail out the invitation. There is no way to do fundraising for these things.

Each year our groups grows larger and larger, so I definitely think it's worth it. We become better friends as we age, because we're no longer competing with each other.

It's a good thing, and I will continue doing it until we can't.

I say go to the night before, and if it's fun for him, he can go again the next night. He'll have to pay at the door, but just for one.

Melinda
http://youknowjuststuff.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

I've not been to a single one of mine. I kinda wish I had though...now I want to go, but all those years I could have cared less.

I'd say go if it is not too much of a financial burden!

Shannon said...

I planned my 10 yr reunion a few years ago and it was alot of work..we had a really good turn out the first night (free night) but not so good for the more 'formal' dinner/dance night...and that was okay...the free night was alot more fun and that had alot to do with the number of people there.

I still talk to a handful of friends from HS, and all of them were at the reunion, so it really just felt like another night for us to go out together.

My husband had his 20 yr reunion last year..back in his hometown he hasn't lived in in almost as many years...he has not kept in touch with anyone even though he does go 'home' a few times a year. I really pushed him to go..he didn't go to the 10 yr and I really felt that if it was me I would always regret not going to one. I think it was alot more awkward for him...seeing those people who he was very close to growing up after all these years apart from eachother...trying to catch up. It was nice, but at the same time a little sad that they had lost touch...and really for the most part probably would not be in touch now if it wasn't for facebook. :)

He is glad we went though..alot of people were happy to see him and had wondered whatever happened to him. So I personally think your husband should go..he may have a great time!

debbi said...

i've gone to all of mine...and had a blast. i'd say go. if, your not having fun leave...but chances are you will have a blast

i'm visiting from the blog party...nice to meet you.

Stacey said...

I had my 10 year reunion 2 years ago and, although it was fun to see everyone, I think I would opt for the free meet & greet. I liked seeing my old classmates but I don't know that I would pay $65 to see them!