How to Create a Family Reunion Website (Even If You Are Not Tech-Savvy)

Your Reunion Needs an Address

Not a physical address (though it needs that too). A web address. A single link that you can text to anyone in the family and say: "Everything you need to know about the reunion is right here."

A reunion website solves the communication problem that plagues every organizer. Instead of answering the same questions fifty times ("When is it?" "Where is it?" "How much?" "Did I RSVP?"), you point people to one place. The website becomes the single source of truth.

The good news: creating a reunion website in 2026 is easier than ever. You do not need to know code. You do not need to hire a designer. You need about two hours and a clear idea of what your family needs to know.

Option 1: A Reunion Platform (Easiest and Most Functional)

Before we talk about building a traditional website, consider whether a reunion platform might be the better choice. Platforms like Grove create an event page for your reunion that functions as a website, with the added benefit of built-in RSVP tracking, payment collection, and communication tools.

Pros:

Event page doubles as a website with a shareable link

RSVP, payment, and communication are integrated

No design or technical skills required

Updates are instant and reach all members

Works on any device

Cons:

Less design customization than a standalone website

The page lives on the platform's domain (though custom links like grove.com/r/your-reunion are clean and shareable)

For most families, a reunion platform is the right choice because it handles both the "information display" function of a website and the "action" functions (RSVP, pay, communicate) in one place.

Option 2: Free Website Builders

If you want a standalone website with more design control, free website builders make it accessible.

Google Sites

Best for: Maximum simplicity, zero cost

Completely free with a Google account

Drag-and-drop editor

Clean, simple templates

Easy to share via link

Integrates with Google Forms for RSVPs

No custom domain (your URL will be sites.google.com/your-reunion)

Limitations: Limited design options, basic layouts, no e-commerce for payments.

Wix

Best for: Attractive design without coding

Free plan available (with Wix branding)

Hundreds of templates, some designed for events

Drag-and-drop visual editor

Can add forms, galleries, and interactive elements

Paid plans ($17+/month) remove branding and add custom domain

Limitations: Free tier has ads. Can feel overwhelming with too many options.

Squarespace

Best for: Premium, polished look

Beautiful templates

Intuitive editor

Built-in forms and galleries

Starts at $16/month (no free plan, but free 14-day trial)

Professional results with minimal effort

Limitations: No free plan. Overkill for a simple reunion page.

WordPress.com

Best for: Flexibility and scalability

Free plan available

Thousands of themes

Extensive customization

Blogging features if you want to post updates

Free URL: yourreunion.wordpress.com

Limitations: Steeper learning curve than other options. Free plan is limited.

Carrd

Best for: A single-page site, fast

Creates beautiful single-page websites

Free plan covers basic needs

Templates designed for events

Extremely fast to set up (30 minutes or less)

Pro plan is only $19/year

Limitations: Single page only (which is often enough for a reunion).

What to Include on Your Reunion Website

The Essentials (Must-Have)

1. Event Details

Date and time (day of week and date)

Location with full address

A map or link to Google Maps

Parking information

2. RSVP

A clear RSVP button or form

Deadline for RSVPs

What information you need (number of guests, dietary restrictions, etc.)

3. Schedule

Timeline of events

Meal times

Activity times

Check-in and check-out times for overnight events

4. Cost Information

Per-person or per-family cost

What is included

Payment methods accepted

Payment deadline

5. Contact Information

Organizer's name and phone number or email

Best way to reach the planning committee with questions

The Nice-to-Haves

6. Accommodation Information

Hotel recommendations with addresses and phone numbers

Group rate codes and booking links

Airbnb or rental house suggestions

Check-in and check-out times

7. Travel Information

Nearest airports

Driving directions from major cities

Ground transportation options

Rideshare availability

8. What to Bring

Suggested packing list

Dress code (if any)

Items to bring for activities (swimsuit, comfortable shoes, etc.)

Items NOT to bring (some venues have restrictions)

9. Photo Gallery

Photos from past reunions

Historical family photos

A space for current reunion photos (updated after the event)

10. Family Tree

Interactive or static family tree display

Invitation for family members to submit corrections or additions

11. FAQ

Common questions with clear answers

This reduces the number of direct questions the organizer receives

Design Tips for Non-Designers

Keep It Simple

Use one or two colors (match the reunion theme or t-shirt colors)

Choose a clean, readable font

Use plenty of white space

Limit the number of pages (one scrolling page is often enough)

Use Real Photos

A family photo from a past reunion as the header image

Photos of the venue

Photos of the destination area

Make It Mobile-First

Most family members will view the site on their phones. Test your site on a phone before sharing it. Make sure:

Text is readable without zooming

Buttons are large enough to tap

The RSVP form works on mobile

Images load quickly

Use Clear Headings

People scan, they do not read. Use bold headings that let someone find the information they need in seconds:

When: July 18-20, 2026

Where: Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, GA

Cost: $85 per adult, $40 per child

RSVP by: June 1, 2026

Step-by-Step: Building Your Site in 2 Hours

Hour 1: Content

Before you touch any website builder, write out your content in a simple document: 1. Write the event details (date, time, location, cost) 2. Write the schedule 3. Write the accommodation information 4. Write the FAQ 5. Gather 3-5 photos to use

Hour 2: Build

1. Choose your platform (Google Sites for free/simple, Carrd for beautiful/fast, Wix for full-featured) 2. Pick a template 3. Replace template content with your reunion information 4. Add your photos 5. Set up the RSVP form (Google Form embedded, or built-in form) 6. Preview on mobile 7. Publish and share the link

Sharing the Website

Once your site is live, share the link everywhere:

Family group chat

Facebook Group

Individual texts to key family members

Email to the full family list

On the printed invitation or save-the-date card

Shorten the URL if it is long. Use bit.ly or a similar URL shortener to create something memorable: bit.ly/smithreunion2026.

Keeping It Updated

A reunion website is only useful if the information is current. Assign one person (ideally the organizer or a tech-comfortable committee member) to update the site as details change.

Key update moments:

Venue confirmed

Schedule finalized

Payment deadline approaching

New information (parking changes, weather updates, schedule modifications)

After the reunion: add photos and a thank-you message

The Post-Reunion Website

After the reunion, update the site with:

Photo gallery from the event

Thank-you message

Save-the-date for next year (if known)

Survey link for feedback

The website becomes a digital memory book that family members can revisit anytime.

Which Option Is Right for You?

If you want the easiest possible setup: Use a reunion platform like Grove. Create an event, fill in the details, share the link. Done.

If you want a simple free website: Google Sites or Carrd. Minimal learning curve, quick setup.

If you want a polished, designed website: Wix or Squarespace. More options, slightly more time investment.

If you want maximum control: WordPress. Most flexible, steepest learning curve.

For most families, the simplest option that gets the information out quickly is the best option. A basic page with clear information, published today, is infinitely more valuable than a beautiful website published two weeks before the reunion.

Grove offers shareable event pages that serve as your reunion's digital home, with built-in tools for RSVPs, payments, and communication that a static website cannot provide. For families who want both a beautiful web presence and functional planning tools, it is the most complete solution.