How Do I Repair My Class Ring? (And Other FAQs About Attending a School Reunion)

A school reunion can stir up a mix of emotions, from excitement about seeing old friends to anxiety about reconnecting after many years have passed. If you're debating whether or not to attend your upcoming reunion, this article is for you. We’ll offer tips on how to make the most of the experience, from reconnecting with old friends to repairing your class ring. With some thoughtful planning and the right mindset, your school reunion can be an enjoyable walk down memory lane. 

Should I Attend My School Reunion?

When you think about attending your school reunion, how do you feel? You might feel anxious, excited, nostalgic, nervous, overwhelmed, or just overall unsure about whether or not to attend. Making a list of pros and cons can help you figure out how you feel and map out the decision. 

Pros

This is an opportunity to see old friends with whom you may have lost touch over the years. It’s often pleasant to catch up with classmates that you enjoyed spending time with but haven’t seen in years. You can relive some of your favorite memories and share jokes about old times. It’s also an opportunity to reflect and take stock of your life — revisiting those moments will help you appreciate how far you’ve come and all that you’ve accomplished. 

Cons

On the other hand, going to a reunion might make you feel more anxious than eager. If you have social anxiety, this can be a particularly stressful event; there will be many people gathered in one place and the pressure to engage in conversation can be overwhelming. You might also have some bad memories from school (we all had our ups and downs), and going to a reunion might bring those bad feelings back up for you. You might also hesitate to go if you aren’t sure how it will feel to see those old friends after losing touch.

If you can’t wait for your reunion, great! Pack a bag and get in the school spirit. If you’re unsure, try bringing a friend with you — it can make you feel more confident to have a buddy by your side, even if they weren’t at school with you. And remember that you can always leave if you’re uncomfortable. Ultimately, going to a school reunion is totally optional. Weigh your pros and cons, and make the decision that feels best for you. 

What Should I Wear to My Reunion?

When considering what to wear to a school reunion, check the invitation, event page, or website for dress code information. If there isn’t a clearly defined dress code, look up the event venue to get a better idea of what will be appropriate. If it’s in a hotel ballroom, for example, you might want to lean toward business casual instead of jeans and a t-shirt. Or if it’s an outdoor summer gathering, consider comfortable cocktail attire and plan to wear appropriate shoes for the terrain (stilettos don’t work well on grass — we’ve tried). 

No matter what the dress code is, make sure to dress comfortably. If you’re anxious about attending or nervous about seeing old friends, you’ll want to be sure you’re not adding to the discomfort by fidgeting with your outfit. Dress in what makes you feel the most like yourself, and express who you are today. Don’t think about the way you used to dress in school or what you think other people might expect — stay true to your current style and comfort level. 

Should I Bring My Partner?

Some school reunions require RSVPs and have strict capacity limits, others are more focused on ticket sales. Either way, most reunion organizers expect attendees to bring their partners; it’s unlikely that there are rules about only person attending per invitation. A reunion is a good opportunity to introduce your partner to the people from your past and show them a side of you they might not know about. You can learn a lot about a person from their history!

If you’re dating someone and are unsure if it’s the right time to bring them to such a big event, you might want to have a discussion about expectations. You’ll likely spend a lot of time at the reunion introducing your partner to old friends and their partners, so you’ll want to be sure you’re on the same page about your relationship status. Be sure to have a conversation about it in advance so you have time to make the best decision for you and your partner.  

How Do I Connect With Old Classmates Beforehand?

There are all kinds of ways to touch base with your old classmates before you meet up with them at the reunion. Check the reunion website or Facebook event page for a list of RSVPs — some event organizers provide this information so you can look up who will be there and plan ahead to reconnect. You can use social media to get in touch before the actual event, too; a quick search might help you reach out through Facebook, Instagram, or even TikTok. Use these platforms to open up a conversation, share your excitement, and make a plan to catch up at the reunion (or before). 

What If I Don't Have Anything in Common With Old Friends?

Most people change a lot after school, which can be a good thing. It’s a sign of growth and maturity to see the world differently than you did when you were younger. Sometimes when people develop new ideas, perspectives, and opinions, they no longer align with the things that onced bonded them to their friends in school. This is totally normal — but it can be difficult to feel the same level of connection. If you’re nervous that you won’t have anything to talk about at your reunion, be prepared to ask lots of questions. This way, you can learn more about your friends’ lives right now without worrying about sharing the same common ground you once did. Take an interest in where they live, what they do for work, their families and relationships, and the hobbies that keep them busy. 

Or, if that feels overwhelming, stick to reliving your favorite memories. Come prepared with anecdotes that you can reminisce about, and get ready to retell old stories that your friends’ partners have never heard before. Reminiscing about old times can be a great way to rekindle a friendship, even if you have nothing in common now. 

How Do I Repair My Class Ring?

A school reunion is the perfect time to wear your class ring, but it might not fit as well or look the same as it did when you first got it. Aging, weight changes, and temperature can change the size of our fingers — if your class ring is too big or too small, it’s easy to get it resized by a professional jeweler so that it fits perfectly. If the stone has fallen out, the enamel is cracked, or the metal is worn, you can easily have your class ring repaired so it’s in top-notch condition when your reunion rolls around. At the very least, professional cleaning and polishing will ensure your class ring sparkles for the big occasion. The expert team at Quick Jewelry Repairs is here to help you get ready for your school reunion; send us your class ring and we’ll have it back to you in perfect shape in no time so you can make the most of your reunion.