Go for this option if you’ve got a smaller guest list (10 or fewer attendees). If you’ve got a backyard, set up some food and drinks outside as well. A sunny backyard setting is perfect for a retirement party. If your office or home isn’t an option, try throwing the party at a park instead. Call beforehand to make sure you don’t need a reservation. Then, get there ahead of time to make sure no one’s taken your desired spot and set up decorations.
Perhaps the retiree was a teacher. You might try arranging books, rulers, and pencils as table decorations. Make things more festive with a whiteboard or a mini chalkboard that says something like, “Happy retirement Mrs. Peters!” Maybe the person retiring really enjoys fishing in their spare time. Decorate the tabletops with fishing nets and paper cutouts of fish (you can print these at the office or at home). You might also add a handmade sign that says “Gone Fishing” on the wall. You might try getting in contact with the spouse or close friends of the retiree to see if you can borrow any items to use as decorations. As an alternative to arranging physical photos, make a digital slideshow and set it up to play on a TV or computer throughout the party. Ask guests to send over any photos they have with the retiree to prepare it in advance.
Classic retirement gifts include watches, plaques, and nice champagne. [4] X Expert Source Natasha MillerProfessional Event Planner Expert Interview. 29 January 2020. It’s possible this will still be too expensive. Try a low-budget retirement gift that will still make the retiree smile, like a photo album or an assortment of chocolates. If you go for the photo album, encourage all the guests to write a kind inscription inside. If this option isn’t feasible, buy or make a card that everyone can sign for the retiree. [5] X Research source
You might try making a charcuterie board out of some inexpensive crackers, olives, and cheese. As an alternative, try a variety of chips, vegetables, and crackers with an array of dipping sauces. Be sure to include some sweet celebratory treats, like cupcakes, donuts, and fruit, as well.
Include options like plates, utensils, and drinks as well. You might try taking responsibility for the cake or main dessert since you’re throwing the party. Bake it yourself or purchase one at the bakery of your local grocery store.
As a non-alcoholic alternative, offer a few different flavors of sparkling water. This can be purchased in bulk on a very tight budget.
Send out a text or email with details about the party to give them more information. Try, “Hello everyone! Marcy is retiring and I would love to throw her a party to celebrate. Would anyone be interested in planning one with me? We can lower the cost if we all plan it together. " Draft up a budget with all the fellow party planners that includes things like food, drinks, and decorations. You might try splitting the cost of everything equally so that you’re all contributing a fair share.
To keep things small, invite 10 guests. Keep your venue in mind when you’re planning the guest list. Make sure all your guests can reasonably fit in the space before you send out your invitations.
You can also use social media sites like Facebook to invite guests. Just make sure all of your guests are on the site so you don’t miss anyone. In addition to helping you save money, e-vites are also more environmentally-friendly.
If you’re not sure what to include, make the playlist collaborative and share the link with your coworkers and other guests. Ask them to contribute 2-3 songs to the playlist each.
Trivia is a fun way to put the guests to the test about how well they really know the retiree. Write up a few trivia questions and announce who got the most right later on in the party. Set up some board games for guests to entertain themselves. Only go for a roast if you think the retiree would honestly find that funny. If you’re not sure or think they’ll get offended, encourage guests to toast to them instead. No matter what you choose, give everyone a few minutes to share their feelings about the retiree.
