Fun Retirement Party Ideas

If you are the party planner, your goal is to make the retirement party fun festivity, not only for guests, but more importantly, for the guest of honor. Therefore, plan your party to highlight the retiree's achievements. One unique way of doing it is writing and singing a song about the retiree. The lyrics are best written in a humorous tone and should center on the retiree's activities, accomplishments, even a well-known motto or quote he is known for or something humorous he has said in the past, plus some thoughts about what he plans to do in his retirement.

Another idea is to arrange a small skit. The actors don't have to be Hollwood celebrities, just co-workers, close friends or family members. The skit can portray what the retiree is like in the office or at the plant. It could highlight for what the co-workers will best remember him or her. It's OK to be sentimental, but overall make it as light and fun as possible. So doing you are reminding people at the job of the good times they have had working with the retiree.

A fun idea for a retirement party is to make it a surprise. If that's what you want to do, it's very important that you emphasize to all guests not to let the cat out of the bag. This requires careful planning and typically some form of ruse to keep your honoree off guard. Long-time employees may expect some sort of good-bye party on the last day of work, so to surprise him or her you may schedule the party a little earlier. Close family members could invite him out to a restaurant after work. However, when he gets to the restaurant he is ushered to a special party room filled with dozens of his co-workers and friends, all of whom are hollering "surprise"! Now this doesn't mean you can't throw the party at the jobsite. It can still be a surprise, even if it is the last day of work. What will make it special and a surprise is that right there at the company's cafeteria or meeting room, where the party will be held, his family and close friends (one's who have never been to his place of work) are included in the group of co-workers yelling "surprise!"

An organized retirement party is not a bad idea either. While it takes away the spontaneity of a surprise party, an organized party gives you more time to plan the event. If you decide on this route, one fun idea is to ask the retiree to prepare a few words to express in connection with his years of work, appreciation for fellow workers, plus retirement plans he may have. Why not also invite a representative from the family to say a view words as well. Also, don't forget to have someone from the company, perhaps the owner or manager, express appreciation for their year's of service and wish them well in future endeavors.

To add to the fun include some streamers and colorful balloons. A banner wishing the retiree a successful retirement is a good idea. Also, you could make a video with the retiree's pictures in it. Highlight the years the retiree has worked for the company. Print pictures of the retiree and put in quotes some meaningful and funny messages. You can also pass around a guest book where people can sign and leave their messages with best wishes for the retiree.