Planning a Retirement Party

Planning a party for someone who is turning in his time card and looking forward to a life of leisure? Here are some helpful guidelines:

1. Invitations. Create an invitation that speaks of what the party is for. An imitation paycheck, fake resume containing funny descriptions of odd jobs she/he had for the past years or a newspaper headline declaring the day of the party as a holiday can be very appealing.

You can also include in the invitation gifts that the guest can bring for the retiree. Notify them of the retiree’s hobby and wishes so they know what to bring.

2. Guest Attire. Include in the invitation your guests’ attire. Ask them to come dressed in stereotypical retirees outfit such as housecoats, tourist outfits, golf cloths or beach floral polo with white shorts.

3. Consider your budget. Calculate the costs for food, drinks, venue and entertainment. It is through proper budgeting that you can then determine the when, where, how and what of the occasion.

4. Formulate a roast. Gather all co-workers together and come up with ideas, comments and jokes. Select a good host for this part.

5. The venue. When choosing the location for which to hold the retirement party, keep in mind the retiree’s likes and dislikes. Does she/he like it better to have a large or small gathering? In the evening or during the day? Luncheon, cocktails or dinner?

5. Have a guestbook. Make it more personal wherein the guest can sign as well as recall the good times and convey messages of luck in the future.

6. Make a toast and ask each co-worker to say something about the “honoree”, thanking him/her for all the good times shared as well as what he/she did that inspired them. This can truly be inspiring as well as touching.

7. Decorations. Your decorations should emphasize the retiree’s job accomplishments. You can exhibit trophies, photos and awards. Table centerpieces, should emphasize the retiree’s interests or hobby such as gardening, golf, cooking, football, etc.

8. Hire either a photographer or a videographer or both if your budget permits.

9. Invite the retiree’s first boss or previous co-worker to say something about the retiree.

10. Hire a couple of dance instructors to take your guests and especially the retiree to the dance floor and show some “moves”. Dance instructors can certainly add life to your celabration.

11. Watch the retiree enjoy the party you organized and you will enjoy it more!