Throwing a Retirement Party

Once you have reached that certain age in the workplace, you will be offered retirement, which many employees see as a form of freedom, or a subtle version of being fired.  No matter how you look at it, retirement should be celebrated with family, friends, and co-workers.  Here are a few good ideas if you are planning a retirement party.

Have a festive atmosphere

Aside from the usual balloons, streamers, and other party assortments, a retirement party should have some special touches.  You can produce large copies of the retiree's photos throughout the years, frame them on slightly larger sheets of brightly-colored construction paper, and then post them throughout the room.  You can also print a few quotes about aging gracefully on a nice piece of paper, then frame them on construction paper as you did with the photographs.

Introduce the retiree with accomplishments

Upon starting the party, introduce the celebrator with a pre-made speech highlighting his or her accomplishments.  Tell something about the person's career path leading to where he or she is now.  Make sure to include the guest of honor's many endeavors, then shifting your topic into upcoming opportunities.  Consider retirement not as an ending, but as a new beginning.

You can also introduce the retiree using assorted clips from their work and personal life.  Set the video with appropriate music and play it in front of the guests.  You can have it professionally edited, but many home computers are now equipped with editing software.

Have your guests sign a dedication book

Ask guests in advance if they would like to write something about their experiences with the celebrator.  Supply them with a dedication book, a hardbound book of blank pages, and let them record their thoughts onto paper.  With each author's permission read some small passages from some of the entries, making sure you are quoting something funny or inspirational.

Let the retiree make a speech

Some people love to give speeches, but others are not comfortable speaking in front of a lot of people.  If the retiree is willing to give a speech, ask them in advance.  Do not put anyone on the spot by asking at the party itself.

Give appropriate gifts

Giving gifts to a retiree should be appropriate, more about setting on new adventures.  Examples of these include luggage, travel certificates, and golf clubs.