Planning a reunion dinner can be a daunting task, especially if you’re aiming for everything to go smoothly. If you’re in Singapore, here’s what you need to keep in mind to ensure your event is memorable and enjoyable.
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So why is planning a reunion dinner becoming harder?
First off, if you have a particular venue in mind, it’s wise to get started early. The best places fill up quickly.
The average household size in Singapore is now around 2.96 people. That means traditional family dinners often involve 15 to 25 guests. This mismatch leads to a problem: many HDBs and condos just can’t accommodate larger family gatherings comfortably. As a result, more families are turning to restaurants or event spaces each year.
Let’s break down how to tackle this planning step by step.
Step 1: Confirm Your Guest Count and Budget
Before you even think about venues or menus, you need to know how many people are coming and what you’re willing to spend. Here’s a simple checklist you can follow:
- Create a list of all households that will attend, including children and elderly family members.
- Make sure everyone confirms their attendance by early January, as the dates for CNY change each year.
- Determine a budget per person. Restaurant menus for reunion dinners in Singapore typically cost between $68 and $138 each.
- It’s a good idea to set aside an additional 10% for any last-minute guests or additional dishes that might be needed.
Having a firm guest count helps you avoid situations where you book a venue that’s too small or order too little food for your actual attendance.
Step 2: Choose the Right Type of Venue
The venue you pick will largely depend on how many guests you’re expecting, their mobility needs, and how much control you want over the food and setting.
Here’s a quick guide:
| Home | Great for intimate gatherings with fewer than 10 guests. |
| Restaurant | Ideal for larger groups. (15 or more) if you want minimal setup. |
| Private Event Space | Best suited for larger groups. You have more freedom in terms of décor and menu options, plus it tends to be quieter for conversations. |
Restaurants can be a good fit for families who want no cleanup, while private spaces provide seclusion, allowing you to bring in your own food and set things up the way you like.
Step 3: Plan a Menu That Works for Everyone
The menu needs to cater to both the tastes of the grandparents and the preferences of younger family members. A solid plan might include three main components: a yu sheng for the traditional “prosperity toss,” a hotpot or steamboat as a shared dish, and two kid-friendly options like fried rice or chicken.
Some common dishes you might include are:
- Steamboat or BBQ as the main shared dish
- A whole fish, representing abundance
- A platter of assorted roast meats
- Some rice or noodles for the kids
- Traditional desserts or glutinous rice cake to finish off the meal
When ordering food, be sure to do it seven days in advance, especially if your reunion is during busy seasons; caterers can fill up fast.
Step 4: Follow a Booking Timeline
Keeping a timeline is important too. Missing the booking window can mean ending up with second or third choice venues. Here’s a quick schedule you can follow:
- 8 weeks before: Finalize your headcount and budget.
- 6 weeks before: Shortlist and visit potential venues.
- 4 weeks before: Book your venue and pay the deposit.
- 2 to 3 weeks before: Confirm your catering order.
- 1 week before: Send out final reminders to guests.
Step 5: Sort Seating and Keep Kids Entertained
Think about the flow of the dinner and where people will sit. Place elderly relatives near the entrance and washroom for easy access. Group kids together so they can play while the adults engage in longer conversations. If your venue has games like foosball or board games, these can help keep children entertained nearby without interrupting the adult talks. A well-thought-out seating arrangement can significantly improve the event atmosphere.
Why Choose The Happi Loft for Your Reunion Dinner
At The Happi Loft, we often hear families expressing regrets after choosing a restaurant for their reunion dinner. Restaurants can feel cramped and noisy for the grandparents and can be challenging for kids.
Our spacious 2,000-square-foot private venue near Rocher MRT allows families to have more control than a restaurant setting provides. You can bring in your caterer, create a menu that your family truly enjoys, and keep the little ones entertained without interrupting the adults’ conversations.
Reunion dinner slots fill up quickly, so book early to plan your event with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aim for at least four weeks in advance, especially during busy seasons.
Absolutely. Most private spaces allow outside catering, giving you flexibility and often reducing costs for larger groups.
Expect to spend between $68 to $138 per person for restaurant set menus, but going with a private venue and self-catering can save you money.
Consider options like board games and activity areas to keep them busy without interrupting adult conversations.
Yes, for groups of 15 or more. A private setting provides quieter surroundings, more control over food, and space for activities that a restaurant simply can’t offer.
San Htar is the SEO Specialist at The Happi Loft, where she manages SEO and content strategy for the brand’s online presence in Singapore. With several years of experience in digital marketing across Southeast Asia, she has worked across SEO, paid media, and content marketing for businesses in multiple industries. At The Happi Loft, she focuses on creating meaningful and search friendly content that helps parents and families discover engaging indoor playground experiences, enrichment activities, and family friendly spaces in Singapore. The Happi Loft is a growing family lifestyle and indoor playground brand known for providing safe, fun, and interactive experiences for children and parents.
