Getting from a job to having a career is a goal for which most people strive. And once you have this career, sticking to it can be difficult. When someone reaches certain milestones on this career path, it is always worth celebrating. And the best milestone anyone can reach is retirement.
Once someone has retired (whether for age or tenure), they deserve recognition for their hard work. Celebrating this incredible feat with a party is the perfect way to honor the retiree. And this party will take planning! Here are some easy party suggestions to use to ensure that any retirement party goes off without a hitch.
So, let’s get that retirement party planned!
The first thing to remember is that this party is for one person: the retiree. So make sure it is planned according to their tastes. From the party’s theme (which every event planner you ask will say is a must) to serving drinks and refreshments, everything must be something the retiree will enjoy.
And the best way to accomplish this is to ask the retiree what they want. Don’t guess at what they would find enjoyable, even if you have known them for a while. Make sure they want a party, and that they want to be there. Ask them who they want to attend and where they want to have the party hosted. After all, it is their retirement.
This party is a great way to express your gratitude toward the retiree. It will help those in attendance reflect on all of the things this person accomplished during their chosen career. So, the next thing to remember is to make sure everyone in attendance understands what part they need to play in showing this gratitude. The more memorable you can make the party, the more the retiree will feel how much they impacted your life during their career.
Pieces of the Party (Don’t forget the ribbons!)
You already have the theme and the guest list, now what does your party look like?
- Speeches: Whether it is a toast given by the boss or short remembrances shared by everyone in attendance, the retiree is sure to feel the love with speeches prepared about them. Once the speech has been presented to the retiree, give them a printed copy of it tied up with a ribbon.
- Music: Use comical songs like “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen for sending off your cherished co-worker. A timeless tune to have playing in the background at your party is “Happy Trails” by Roy Rogers. And spice up your decorations around the DJ’s table with ribbon rolls with some song lyrics imprinted in a bright color.
- Refreshments: Cake, drinks and finger sandwiches are only a start to the list of yummy foods you can have at your retirement party. From sweet to salty, pick your retiree’s favorite foods and make sure they are on the menu. Don’t forget that ribbons are now your best friend especially for decorations for the snack tables and room centerpieces. You can put them everywhere!
- Games: Does your retiree love Scrabble? Or is there another game that fits their personality to a t? No matter which games are chosen, get everyone involved in making new memories with their old friend. Use badge ribbons or rosettes and create a game specifically for the party.
- Recognition: You’re going to miss the retiree. So, why not celebrate them with an award! From an extravagant rosette ribbon to an award plaque, create something that reflects the importance that for which the retiree has worked so hard.
- Favors: Make all the attendees something to take home that will always remind them of the fun and wonderful times they had with the retiree. You can even ask the retiree for help on this. Then wrap it up and tie a ribbon around it with the retiree’s name imprinted in their favorite color.
After the Retirement Party
Your final planning task is to make sure that both your retiree and attendees have a way to stay in contact with each other. Use a memory book that people can post a picture in and then sign with contact details. Or encourage the use of social media. But, no matter what you choose, make sure both the attendee and retiree are happy to participate.
Using this information to plan a retirement party accordingly, will make it not seem like a huge task, and your party will be the best ever.
Have we forgotten something? What would you add to this list of retirement party suggestions?
Nice thoughts. We all work hard for our companies and it is nice to see someone acknowledged for their efforts. Being kind and thoughtful is the way to go.
Thank you, Charles, for your thoughts. Recognition for a job well done is always appreciated, and using custom ribbons can make it even more memorable.