Retirement Dinner vs. Retirement Party?

If you are planning a retirement celebration, you might use the above terms interchangeably throughout the process, however, there is a BIG difference. And your choice to have one over the other may not be based on the guest of honor at all but rather on the guest list! Why do we celebrate Retirements? …So that friends; co-workers and family have the opportunity to gather to celebrate the start of a new chapter in one’s life and to honor the accomplishments of a past one (that is… a past work life). And sometimes, no matter how much preparation and thought one puts into this event it may not turn out to be the event expected. Think about your guest of honor AND the guest list; then determine what type of crowd you will be entertaining for the evening. Is this a crowd who prefers intimate conversation over drinks or one likes to rock out to a good DJ or Band? Does the crowd appreciate the value added décor and personalization or do they prefer a good dinner and even better laugh? Is this a crowd of active participants or reserved observers? All of these questions and many others should be taken into consideration when planning to have a retirement party vs. a retirement dinner. It is important to note that there is no one master plan that ensures a great celebration, be it a milestone birthday or Retirement. Understanding your guest of honor AND the guest list as well as enlisting the help of an event planner will get closer to the prize. Read more in our blog, “What is the Importance of Happy Guests?” Enjoy!