Although it’s an incredibly exciting time, retirement also brings a lot of questions! After years of working, you’ll need to adjust to a whole new schedule and way of life—and that’s not easy.
If you’re planning a party for the retiree, the first step is usually to invite those who are likely to be able to attend. With retirement, the guest list is likely to include family, friends, co-workers and business associates, depending on how long the retiree has been with a particular company.
Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can celebrate your retirement and make the transition into your golden years a little easier. Here are a few tips for planning a retirement celebration.
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1. Make a guest list
We know you likely didn’t look forward to making a guest list. We know that you’re a busy person. But, in order to plan the perfect party, you need to have a good idea of how many people you want to invite. Make a list of everyone you know that you want to invite and then give some serious thought to how many of each invited category you want to include.
The guest list should include the following: the guest of honor, the person throwing the event, the person organizing the event, and all of the guests. There are many different ways to make a guest list, but the easiest way is to use a spreadsheet. Thereafter, you can start planning the party!
2. Decide on the location
Deciding on a location for your retirement party is often the first and most important step in the whole process. Here are a few things to think about when you are choosing where to hold the party: Will the location be a central spot that everyone can get to easily? Will it be large enough to accommodate everyone comfortably? Will it be able to handle the food and drink you want to serve? Will the location provide the type of atmosphere you want to create? Will it be comfortable for you and your guests?
3. Theme of your party
The next thing to consider is the theme of your party. Most parties are themed in some way, whether it is the color scheme, food, or entertainment. You can choose from one of the more popular themes, like a beach party, drive-by party, fiesta mexican themed party, or golf theme party and if possible let the theme reflect in decorations.
4. Plan the menu
Planning a menu for a special event can be a tough task, especially when you have to consider food preferences, dietary needs, and allergies. But, before you get overwhelmed, start simple. By making a list of 5 must haves, and 5 nice to haves, you can tailor the menu to your guests while still having options for you.
5. Invitation cards
While you can easily pick up retirement party invitations at a local office supply store, you won’t be able to find a more personal gift than one that you design yourself. There are a tonne of custom retirement invitations to choose from, and you can start by checking out Zazzle for some ideas. Your friends and family will appreciate your efforts, and they’ll love the fact that you took the time to send out a one-of-a-kind invitation that matches the theme of their party.
Retirement Party Invitation Ideas
1. Modern Gold Glitter Sparkles Retirement Party Invitation
2. Rustic Retirement Party Invitation Card
3. Class is Dismissed Teacher Retirement Invitation
4. Retirement Party Invitation Vintage Cheers & Beer
5. Beach Themed Retirement Lounge Chair Invitation
6. Retirement Party Invitation – Elegant Silver, Navy
7. Pink Blush Gold Watercolor Floral Retirement Party Invitation
8. Mexican Fiesta Retirement Party Invitation
9. Golf Cart and Course Retirement Party Invitation
10. Retired Gone Fishing Rustic Wood Retirement Invitation
11. Surprise Retirement Party Invitation Gold Balloons
12. Retirement Party Taco Bout Retirement Invitation
13. Black Gold Pineapple Surprise Retirement Party Invitation
14. Vintage Airplane Retirement Party Invitation
15. Bokeh Doctor Stethoscope EKG Retirement Party Invitation
16. Official Summons Retirement Party Invitations
17. Elegant Rose Gold Glitter Drips Retirement Invitation
18. Retirement Invitation-NewspaperPHOTO/ Personalize Invitation
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Retirement Party Supplies
1. Retirement Black Gold Stars Years of Service Name Paper Plate
2. Retirement Party Gold Glitter Confetti Guest Book
3. Firefighter Retirement Red Line Flag Fireman Paper Plate
4. Happy Retirement Banner, Purple Color Bunting Flags
5. Retirement Backdrop, Photobooth Backdrop, Gold
6. Happy Retirement Rustic Burgundy Pink Fall Floral Bunting Flags
7. Happy Retirement Faux Glitter Confetti Hand Sanitizer
8. Retirement Gift with Years Served Balloon
9. Rat Race Funny Retirement Party Hat
10. Gold Glitter Stars Happy Retirement New Adventures Confetti
11. Retirement Celebration Party Gold Glitter Photo Banner
12. Black and Gold Glitter Happy Retirement Balloon
13. Black and Gold Retirement Banner
14. Blue Gold Confetti Happy Retirement Napkins
15. Retirement Celebration Party Vintage Floral Stripe Banner
16. Retirement Gifts for Men or Women Can Cooler
17. Custom Southwestern Mexican Theme Retirement Party Hand Fan
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Retirement Party Baked Goods
1. Happy Retirement Chocolate Covered Oreo
2. Retired Cake Pops
3. Retired and Loving it Retirement Cookies
4. Thin Blue Line Retirement Party Dessert Chocolate Covered Oreo
5. American Thin Blue Line | Custom Thank You Brownie
6. Retirement Confetti Edible Frosting Rounds
7. Retired Chocolate Covered Oreo
8. Silver and Black Retirement Party Brownies
9. Fun Gold Glitter Stars Retirement New Adventures Chocolate Covered Oreo
10. Custom Name, Retirement Congratulations Black Chocolate Covered Oreo
11. Retirement I am retired Funny Gift Idea Brownie
12. Funny Pirate Retirement Party Chocolate Covered Or Chocolate Covered Oreo
13. Vintage-style Bowling Sugar Cookie
14. Happy Retirement Chocolate Dipped Chocolate Covered Oreo
15. Postal Worker Retirement Cookies Letters
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