25 Retirement Party Planning Ideas

Celebrate the retiree in your life with a terrific sendoff they won't forget. Whether you are a family member, friend, or co-worker, these tips and ideas for planning a retirement party are a great way to get started.

Before the Party

• Set the Budget - Knowing how much money you have to work with will guide the other party planning decisions. If the company is pitching in, sit down with the accountant and determine how much they will contribute or if they can offer space free of charge. If family is celebrating the big day, ask each person to give what they can or request a specific dollar amount. If you don't want to limit the guest list, consider hosting the party at a bar or restaurant where each person can be responsible for their tab.
• Make the Guest List - Unless the party is a surprise, ask the guest of honor who he or she would like to attend. If you need to limit the guest list, let them know so they can decide who to invite.