Make the retirement party a jubilant hello rather than a depressing goodbye.
A retirement party should be a jubilant celebration of the reward of free time given to an employee in honor of all the hard work that was done. The party you are planning for this celebration should focus on the personality of the guest of honor rather than on your own desires. Get to know the preferences and personality of the retiree if you do not already, and arm yourself with this knowledge during the planning stages.
Theme and Budget
Start by planning on the type of party it will be. If only a few people are to be invited, then you can get by with the standard cake and gift party. Consider a roast if you are absolutely certain the guest of honor has the sense of humor to appreciate being the object of fun-loving putdowns. Create a theme around whatever plans the retiree has spoken about when he finally has free time. Regardless of the theme or style you decide on, create a budget that you know you can stick to.
Venue
Choose an appropriate venue, and make sure you can use it during the hours and day that you have planned for. Retirement parties often take place at the work site, so make sure the room where parties are usually held will be available when you need it.
Invitations
Create invitations if they are to be sent out, or keep a checklist of the names of those you plan to invite if the party will be less formal. Be sure to include a phone number for RSVPs on the invitation, or make sure everyone on your list personally agrees to be there.
Toasts
If you have decided against a roast, go the other way and inform each guest that they will be called upon to raise a toast in honor of the guest or just say a few words about memorable occasions involving the guest. If applicable, you might also consider showing a video montage of the retiree's time at his job. This type of activity will proceed much more smoothly if you assign one person to act as the Master of Ceremonies.
Decorations
Decorations should reflect upon the retiree's accomplishments. Consult with the person's family about being allowed to display awards, trophies, commendations and anything else that highlights their time as an employee.
Cake
Try to find a cake design that is suggestive of what the guest of honor enjoys outside the work environment. If the retiree is famous for telling stories about his fishing expeditions, shape the cake like a fish. If the retiree is enjoys golfing, shape the cake like the greens of a golf course.
Photos and Video
Hire a photographer or videographer to capture the party on film forever. Make sure that all the toasters or roasters take time to provide a personal statement directly to the camera about how they feel about the guest of honor.
Gift
Some companies offer a rote gift to retiring workers, but if your guest's company does not, consider what would be an appropriate gift. Ask each guest to put in a few dollars to cover the cost. Talk with the guest's peers, friends and family members to find out what would be the most appropriate retirement gift.
Tags: guest honor, cake like, each guest, free time, make sure, party will