Good Lifestyle

For most of us, retirement is a prospect we look forward to. It provides time for relax and enjoy your days after years in the workforce - perhaps spending time with your grandchildren or just going to work pickleball court more often. But when you're about to retire, it's also essential to recognize that this is a major transition worth celebrating. This is why retirement parties are so important.

“Life is made up of all these moments that serve to mark time, and it is important to celebrate these great moments,” Genevieve Dreizen , Chief Operating Officer of New Departures Registry and expert in modern etiquette, tells Better life . “A retirement is an important event and should be commemorated appropriately. You deserve to be celebrated and your community will want to honor this milestone with you! »

So if you're planning to throw a retirement party for a loved one (or even yourself), you need to make sure it's an event that everyone will remember fondly. Read on for five expert tips for throwing the ultimate retirement party.

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When planning a retirement party, you should start by considering the likes and dislikes of the retiree you are celebrating in order to make it a true celebration for them. ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb

“‘True celebration’ is a very individual term: what it means from person to person can vary greatly,” says Dreizen.

She adds that you should keep in mind what the guest of honor prefers when it comes to parties and whether they are more introverted or extroverted.

“Most importantly, tap into what your significant other likes: Don’t overwhelm an introvert with a big surprise party,” says Dreizen. “For them, a small dinner might be more like the celebration they want.”

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You want people to have fun at your party, so you'll want the vibe to be upbeat, lively, and inviting. It's sometimes a challenge to overcome, but a good playlist is essential to create a positive atmosphere.

“Music often helps create a party atmosphere and fill in the gaps of social awkwardness that plagues events,” says Dreizen. “You want your guests and honorees to feel welcomed, comfortable and at ease.”

Consider asking the guest of honor what their favorite party music is and use that as inspiration for your playlist. If the party is a surprise and you're on your own music-wise, retirement calculator and planning website NewRetirement suggests creating a " fun retirement-themed playlist " with songs like "9 to 5", "My Generation" and anything from Jimmy Buffett .

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Any good party obviously needs food, so make sure you think carefully about the type of food and drinks you'll need, as well as how much to prepare.

“I think any celebration needs something delicious to eat, and most of the menu should fit the dietary needs of the person being honored,” says Dreizen. “We want them to be able to relax and enjoy!”

She adds that there should be "a comfortable place to mingle" while sipping your champagne or nibbling hors d'oeuvres.

In terms of drinks, she recommends keeping them fluid, “even if it’s just juice and soda!”

Retirement parties are also a great opportunity to introduce a theme, as long as you think about what the retiree would be drawn to.

"You want to make sure you celebrate the particular honoree," Dreizen shares. "If they liked the company they are retiring from, use it as a base for simple decoration (tablecloths, streamers, balloons). If the mood is more 'Thank God it's over', focus on you about the retiree's hobbies or future."

She adds, "If they like quilting, get some nice, fun towels and mix and match the colors. If they're spending their retirement days traveling, maybe go for an international theme."

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Your invitation list should contain a good mix of people, including the retiree's family, friends and future former colleagues. From this list, you'll want to make sure there are a few people who will be ready to give a speech (a traditional part of any retirement party).

As the host, you should say a few words, but NewRetirement also suggests asking a former boss or close friend to talk about your retiree's accomplishments, especially throughout their career.

If your guest list is small enough, you might want everyone to say something brief about the guest of honor. If you decide to go this route, include a note on the invitation so everyone can prepare.