Retirement party suggestions

[Karista]

Does anyone have any suggestions on throwing a retirement party? I'm having one in August for my dad, but I don't know where to begin. What would be better - appetizers and light drinks on a Friday evening or a luncheon/dinner on Saturday or Sunday afternoon? I'm torn about renting a hall or renting a tent and having it at our house. The guest list will probably be around 120. I have never been to a retirement party, but I know I need to get started planning this one soon.

 

[powellrj]

I think you might get a better response if you had it afterwork on a Friday. Maybe light snack and finger foods. Good luck!

 

[monkeyboy]

I was at a party once...they invited the retiree's 1st boss

 

[monkeyboy]

I was at a party once...they invited the retiree's 1st boss

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

I had one for my mom 3 years ago. I think it all depends on how much money you want to spend. I had my moms at a Golf Club with a luncheon. We had about 40 people, just friends and family and some close people my mom worked with. But her coworkers had a party for her also at her workplace on her last day, (lunch and cake) so most of the coworkers just attended that party. My moms was in Dec. so we had no choice for it to be inside. Both of your suggestions are nice though. Any questions, just PM me.

 

[mommytotwo]

Yup, it does depend on how much money you want to spend. If you have it after work, people may be hungry cause it will be dinnertime, but also tired. If it is on a Saturday, people may bring their families and your guest count may rise. Will you be making the food, or will it be catered? What sort of job did your dad have that he is retiring from?

 

[Karista]

Well, after consulting with my brother (who has decided I can do all of the work and he will just chip in half the money - fine with me) we are going to have it on a Sunday afternoon. My mom wants it to be more of a family "open house" type event and right now the guest list is up around 120.

Still not sure on what to serve. The caterer's price for appetizers and a meal are the same - so it's more about what would be appropriate rather than cost. I did end up renting a hall. The weather in Michigan is so unpredictable that I didn't want to have that worry.

If you were going to a retirement party would you expect "adult" beverages? I really do not want to serve them, mostly because of liability issues. Do I need to word the invitation so there's no doubt it will be punch and coffee only?

I guess I'm agonizing over this because my dad is a) just a super guy who deserves a special day and b) they sold their house, retired and moved to Florida within a 3 week time span this past March. No time for any family or friends to say goodbye. They just bought plane tickets to come home for a two week visit in August, so that's why I'm here at the last minute trying to throw a nice party together for him/them.

 

[Kimberle]

I have been to a few. And, really, "anything goes". They've all been different. Anywhere from a formal black-tie dinner and dance (like a wedding) to a casual luncheon, to an open-house.

I think if I were throwing a Sunday afternoon (didn't start till after 1 and ended before 6), I'd have a large variety of appetizers and not a "meal". Punch, coffee, soft drinks are fine. I don't think you need to feel you have to serve drinks, especially on a Sunday afternoon. I think drinks would be expected more on a Fri or Sat night, adult only party.

I'd try to get as much information about his working life, and as many pictures as I could find. Then set up a sort of "this is your working life, table" with everything displayed. See if you can track down old co-workers who'd be willing to share memories. You can type them up and display them. After the party, you can assemble everything in a scrapbook.

Relax! You're going to have a wondeful party!!!