How to Plan a Retirement Party for Co-workers

A retirement party celebrates the years of work the retiree gave to a company.

When it is time to retire, there is a great deal to celebrate. The retirement party lets the company or organization demonstrate appreciation for the time that the individual dedicated to the organization and it lets the retiree celebrate the beginning of a new chapter of his life. When throwing a retirement party, there are some simple guidelines to follow that will help you make sure that the honoree and the guests enjoy the party.

Instructions

1. Determine the location, date and time of the event. Determine whether or not gifts will be appropriate at the party.

2. Ask the retiree for a list of guests he would like you to invite. Send the invitations at least four weeks before the party. If no gifts are expected, be sure to write "no gifts please" somewhere on the invitations. Ask for RSVPs if you are going to be serving refreshments.

3. Ask three or four people if they would be willing to give speeches about the retiree at the party. In a less formal environment you can simply ask guests who would like to say something. Ask the retirees boss, co-workers or employees to say something about them.

4. Order refreshments based on the number of people who have confirmed that they will attend the party.

5. Decide on a retirement gift for the retiree, if appropriate. If the organization is not providing money to purchase a gift, consider collecting money from co-workers to purchase one group gift.

Tips & Warnings

• The type of party you plan and how you plan for it will depend in part on the culture of your work place, the level in the company that the employee reached and what budget is available for the party.

References

• Party 411: Retirement Party Planning Guide
• "Good Housekeeping": Retirement Party Etiquette for Gifts and Invites