They are supposed to be memorable and a chance to reconnect with your loved ones, but family reunions need careful planning to pull off successfully, according to Jeanne Pena, the family reunions manager at Mohonk Mountain House, a resort in New Paltz, N.Y., that hosts more than 150 family reunions a year.

“There are a lot of little pieces involved in making sure that this important occasion goes smoothly,” she said.

Here, Ms. Pena’s advice for having a family reunion you’ll remember for all the right reasons.