Finally retiring after decades of hard work is a momentous occasion that should be celebrated with a retirement party!
With most retirement dates planned in advance you will have the luxury of planning ahead. If you’re reading this, you are either coming up on retirement, or the loved one of a soon to be retiree!
The tasks of securing the location, planning the menu, deciding on a theme and sending invitations should all be completed at least one month ahead. Give yourself plenty of time! Rule of thumb states that it is best to plan a party to fall on a date ranging from the actual day of retirement until after the retirees last day of work.
Choosing your Retirement Party Theme
Themes for retirement parties vary! You can choose to celebrate with a theme representing the work the retiree has done, hobbies they enjoy doing, or future plans they may have! For example, check out this awesome display we recently set up for a beloved teacher that was retiring:
Celebrating with a retirement yard sign is a versatile and fully customizable way to honor the retiree and the theme that was chosen for their party. Yard signs can be used both inside and outside and their versatile nature is a beautiful and cost-effective way to make your party theme look complete. Additionally, your guests (and you) can pose and take pics next to the beautiful display to capture the moment for years to come.
In addition to an awesome yard sign, Balloons have also become more popular recently due to their versatile nature. Balloons can be used to make a photo backdrop and can be made to match the theme of the event. Pairing balloons with a yard card inside on a base will make a cool and unique photo spot for any party and is sure to create some picture perfect moments.
After deciding the date, location and theme it’s time to send the invitations! One of the first things to do when planning a party is to comprise a guest list. Generally the most important people to invite are the immediate family of the retiree, their current and former bosses who they have kept in touch with, current and former co-workers, close friends and extended family members.
Dig deep and try to think about who they would really want to be present on their special day!
Retirement Party Invitations
Plan to send your invitations out at least a month in advance so that all of your guests can plan in advance to attend. The most important details to include on the invitation are:
- Date and time
- Location
- Formality of the event
- If applicable, whether or not you are keeping the party a surprise!
The stationary you use is truly up to you, but we recommend getting some cards that match the theme of your party, and if not, at least try your best to keep the invites consistent across the board.
Food & Entertainment
No party is complete without food! You may choose to have a cocktail party, backyard barbecue, or a formal event with a catered 3-course meal. The amount and kind of food you choose to serve really depends upon the retirement party itself.
Every party meal should conclude with a festive cake to celebrate the retiree! Cake design options will vary from an elegant, but simple design to a themed cake made to match the theme of the event. The beauty of a themed party is that you can really get as creative as you want with the decorations, snacks, food and more.
Toasting at a retirement party is a traditional form of entertainment. As the party host, be prepared to toast the retiree! If applicable, be sure to ask those you wish to toast in advance as to give them time to prepare a short speech for the guest of honor.
What’s next?
Give us a call or fill out a free quote request! Our team would love to work with you and bring your retirement party dream to reality. Looking for more party ideas? Check us out on social!