Retirement can be either the end of one’s career or the start of a new one. Like with all major life changes, exiting the workforce deserves a great and memorable party.
However, planning retirement parties can be a daunting task. If you have been given the task to plan a send-off party, we have a number of good tips for you to keep in mind. Here are some ideas to make sure the event is a surefire hit.
The first thing that you should decide on is the theme for the party. This is important because you will be building all your other party ideas around the chosen theme–from the décor to food and everything in between.
For picking the theme, it’s best that you base it on the specific interests, hobbies, and/or the life of the retiree. After all, the celebration is for him or her. Here are a couple of theme ideas for you to consider:
The event venue is where the element of surprise comes in. You should decide on a location that will totally catch the recipient off guard.
The choice of the event venue will depend on the level of formality of the company and the vibe that the person of honor is looking for. However, for a memorable retirement party and a lasting impression from the retiree, go for the most elegant and upscale location possible.
The locations will have all-inclusive features and amenities that are designed to cater to the retiree’s needs. Of course, this will all depend on the establishment. If you can’t book a large retirement venue, consider booking an outdoor pavilion or a private dining area in a restaurant.
This is where you can really let loose your imagination.
As mentioned, the décor will depend on the chosen theme. In addition to the usual decorations like banners, putting together photos and videos of the retiree is a great way to put a personal touch to the celebration. Have a video presentation that highlights the retiree’s years with the company.
If you are going to include photos from the retiree’s personal life, make sure that they are not embarrassing and don’t infringe the celebrant’s privacy.
A retirement party is not the best time to just wing it. You need to create a program to keep the event moving. For planning the program, you can ask your coworkers to give some input. In fact, it’s not a bad idea to ask for their assistance in planning the party as a whole.
In some cases, the event venue can work with you to plan the celebration. Just make sure that you add fun, lighthearted stuff for everyone to enjoy.
Sure, a cake would be nice for the party, but it hardly counts as a “job well done” gift to a retiring colleague.
Get a retirement gift that relates to the interest of the celebrant, like a new fishing rod and reel combo or perhaps a weekend vacation to a local spa resort for the retiree and the family.
A retirement party should be a fun, memorable experience not just for the retiree but everyone in the workplace as well. Try to keep the sad, emotional moments to a minimum.
Have fun!