Hi Didessa,
We typically do fees by itemization (No. 2). Example..let's say for the Friday night event, the hotel or facility is charging us $15.00 per person and half for children, we typcially set our own fees for Friday at $20.00 per person and half for children. Let's say for Saturday, we are having a banquet at a hotel, and they are charging us $30.00 per person and half for children. Our rates would be set around $35.00 per person. On the registration form, family members check off what event(s) they are attending and pay accordingly. T- shirts or polo shirts are always separate. The family reunion books are included in the costs, so every family gets one. The extra amount we set in the reunion fees are to handle the other miscellaneous items (gifts, postage, decorations, etc.).

My family members typically favor this procedure versus paying one set amount because a lot of family members complain that they shouldn't pay the full amount if they are not attending everything. So, this procedure works out, but it does call for more meticulous record-keeping. If you e-mail me your e-mail address, I can e-mail you one of our registration forms so you can have an example of how family members are able to pay for the events they are attending. My address is MelvinJCollier@gmail.com.

Melvin