How To
Plan A Retirement Dinner
If you’re wondering how to plan a retirement
dinner, you’ve come to the right place. Planning a dinner for
someone who is about to retire, isn’t much different from planning a
dinner party or a birthday party, except maybe minus the games!
|
|
There are some things that you must get in order first before moving on
the the small details of the party. Number one, create a guest list so
you are able to find out how many people will be attending. With that
information you will want to book the hall or a restaurant, where ever
you decide you want to host this party.
In order to book a place though you will have to make a decision of what
type of retirement party you wish to have. Is it going to be for a small
intimate group or a larger group of co-workers, friends and family. Once
you have decided on the type of party you want to through you can then
move on to choosing a place to have the party. A restaurant is a nice
place for a smaller group. Try and get a spot in the restaurant that is
secluded from the rest of the restaurant guests as people may want to
say a speech or toast to the newly retired person.
If you are planning a larger event, you may think about renting a hall
or press club. Or if your work has the space, why not use one of their
large board rooms, lunch hall, etc. If money is tight and no one seems
to mind, having the party in the office can work too. It may just be a
little cramped.
Once you have chosen your venue and you have your guest list done, next
will be to pick a date and time and then to make the invitations.
Dinner Invitations should be sent out at least 3
weeks before the event if sending by snail mail. If sending over the
internet or handing them out, 2 weeks should be sufficient.
Okay, you now have everything done that needs to be done right away. Now
its time to plan the party. Food, cake, entertainment, and decorations
is next on your list. Lets start with food. Depending on the amount of
people coming and the time you choose to have this party will determine
the amount and the type of food you will be serving. We are of course
assuming that the party will not be held at a restaurant. The easiest
way to serve food to a lot of people is not to have a sit down meal. Of
course a sit down meal can be very intimate and gives time for speeches
and toasts, but it is also quite expensive due to the amount of meals
needing to be purchased and the staff required to serve. Finger foods
like vegetables, fruits, cheese and crackers or have a fancier selection
which all are a easier choice and guests can serve themselves. If you
want to do a sit down meal a cheaper way would be to make it a buffet
style so guests will serve themselves. This saves on hiring serving
staff.
You will want to have some sort of desert, and what better way to serve
desert than by having a retirement cake to congratulate the retiree! A
cake can go two ways, purchase a giant cake large enough to serve
everyone or purchase a smaller cake and offer guests cupcakes instead of
cutting the cake. This is just a convenience thing.
Hiring entertainment may or may not be on your list of things to do.
This will depend on the style of the party. You may want to hire a band
for music or just a D.J. Or, you may find it easier to just make a CD on
your own and play it using a CD player!
The only other thing that you may want to include in your party planning
is if you want to have
Party Favors?
These are not a necessary option but it is a nice surprise for the
guests. And it could be a great way for the guest of honour to say
his or her thanks.
|
|
|
Now that everything else is
decided and planned you will have to choose decorations. Decorations
will consist of streamers, balloons saying ‘Happy Retirement’, and
banners that send congratulations. Also don’t forget to pick up
plates, napkins and utensils for the cake and/or meal. Good luck and
have fun!
|