Bon voyage! Tips for hosting the perfect work retirement party.
The retirement of an employee or colleague is a major milestone and it deserves to be celebrated. Are you in charge of planning a work retirement party? Not sure where to start? We can help!
A retirement party is a great way for a company to show their appreciation for the retiree’s hard work and dedication over their years of service. Big or small, it should be a reflection of the retiree’s character, career, and interests. It should be a party to remember for all the right reasons.
Top tips for hosting the perfect work retirement party
1. Invite the right people
Your guest list is your starting point for the party. If the party is being hosted at your office, make sure that all relevant staff are properly notified and in time to make any necessary arrangements. In certain cases, it might be appropriate to invite guests of honour outside of your work team such as the retiree’s partner, family, or clients.
2. Decide on the type of event
Think about what would best work for your company and for the guest of honour when it comes to location, time, and theme. Should you throw a boardroom lunch, an after-work drinks event, or a catered dinner? While there are no rules to what kind of party you can use to celebrate someone’s retirement, it should align with the retiree’s interests and lifestyle.
3. Special moments
A retirement party is a chance to honour the retiree, celebrating their accomplishments and anticipating a happy future. The party should reflect this spirit with special, memorable elements. Ideas include a formal farewell speech (or two), toasts from colleagues, a book in which colleagues can write well wishes for the retiree, or a PowerPoint presentation of the retiree’s key moments within the company. And don’t forget a retirement gift!
4. Don’t forget the food!
No party is complete without food and a delicious corporate menu is a must for any corporate event, including a retirement party. The amount, theme, and way the food is served will depend on the number of guests, the party theme, and your company’s needs. Regardless of the style, it is important to make sure the food is suitable and satisfying – and that goes for the drinks menu as well. Over and above the meal served, a customised cake is always a good idea and a fitting end to a celebratory menu.
All corporate events, retirement parties included, require expert planning and experienced execution. Don’t have the time or the skills to throw the perfect corporate party? Call Food Matters! As professional caterers, we can create a delicious feast for your next big event. Leave it to us and we will make sure your guest of honour (and all other attendees) enjoys a party to remember.