How To Throw a Great Retirement Party

Most of us look forward to the day when we will be able to retire. No more alarm clocks, no more overtime, and no more answering to the boss. Retirement is freedom -- and a wonderful reason to have a party! If you are planning a retirement party, here are a few good ideas:

1. Create a festive atmosphere. Balloons, streamers and a nice assortment of party foods are a given, but for a retirement party, you might want to add a few special touches. Gather some photographs of the retiree throughout the years and make some large copies. Copies can be made inexpensively at many "quick print" locations. "Frame" the pictures by pasting them onto slightly larger sheets of brightly colored construction paper, and post them throughout the party room.

2. In addition to the photos, you can print a few quotes (either from the guest of honor or choose famous quotes that you find especially meaningful) on nice paper, then frame and post them as you did the photographs. Here are a few to consider:
• "Aging is not 'lost youth,' but a new stage of opportunity and strength." -- Betty Friedan

• "People forget how fast you did a job, but they remember how well you did it." -- Howard Newton
• "The things that one wants most to do are the things that are probably most worth doing." -- Winifred Holtby
• "To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon the verdure is the most perfect refreshment." -- Jane Austen
• "It's not the hours you put in your work that counts, it's the work you put in the hours." -- Sam Ewing
3. Welcome guests with a pre-written speech highlighting the accomplishments of the retiree. Tell a little about the person's career path, beginning with their very first teenage job. Be sure to include first the guest of honor's many endeavors, and then let your focus shift to the upcoming opportunities. Retirement is not only an ending, but also a new beginning!
4. Ask guests in advance if they would write something about their experiences with the guest of honor. Supply each with quality writing paper on which they should record their thoughts, and then assemble all of the pages into a keepsake book to present to the retiree. With each author's permission, read a few small passages from the pages at the party. Be sure to choose bits that are especially funny or inspirational.
5. Ask guests in advance if they would like to say a few words about their experiences with the guest of honor. Invite the spouse, children, and grandchildren to share stories, and see if fellow employees could tell a little about what they have learned from the guest of honor.
6. If you would like the retiree to make a speech or give a toast, be sure to ask in advance. Some people love to do this, but others are not comfortable speaking in front of a group. Either way, do not put anyone on the spot by asking at the party.
7. Create a short video using assorted clips from the retiree's work and personal life. Set the video to appropriate music (the guest of honor's favorite song would be perfect) and play the video for party guests. Many home computers are not equipped with the software to produce such a film. If your computer lacks the software, check with a local videographer.
8. Most people enjoy receiving gifts. Some particularly appropriate gifts for a retirement party include luggage, travel certificates, golf clubs or books. The focus is on new adventures, so let your imagination be your guide!
9. Consider throwing a surprise retirement party. If you decide to surprise the retiree, carefully plan the time and place of the event. With an employer's permission, a person's last day on the job could serve as the perfect time and location for a surprise retirement send-off. It can be an "employees only" event or one that includes at least the retiree's closest family members. If you'd like the party to be informal and would love to catch the guest of honor off-guard, this would be a good solution. Just make arrangements for a catered meal to be delivered (or show up with easily transportable foods, such as trays of party sandwiches and sweets) and then gather everyone together for a little reminiscing and well-wishes.