GOOD ETIQUETTE FOR RETIREMENT PARTIES

It is exciting to plan for a retirement party. If you're the one who will be celebrating, it is a good idea to give the invitations to your guests early. Usually, it's enough time to give the invitations to your guests four weeks before the event to give them time to decide. While you are planning for the event, consider if you would like your guests to bring you gifts. If you wish not to, you must place a note on the invitation. However, if you don't mind getting them, you need not write anything more apart from the details of the party, so that guests will know that they are welcome to bring gifts.

The dress style for the occasion must be indicated in the invitation too. You need to state whether you will be holding a formal occasion, an informal or just a casual one. By doing this, it will help your guests get a picture of what's going to happen at your party. To be included in the party planning is the comfort of your guests as well as the way the retiree will be honored. Never plan on putting any of the party guests on the spot by handing them a microphone for accolades. This can only be done if you are pretty sure that every guest is willing to put himself in the spotlight. If you are not sure about this, go through the guest list and pick about 2 or 3 of them to do a speech and to offer a toast. Of course let them know beforehand. The floor must be opened to give other guests a chance to say something.

As for those who are sure to attend the party, you can give a group gift. Colleagues and friends can give each of their contributions to one person in charge of buying the retiree's gift. It should be done much earlier. On-time arrivals and prompt replies to RSVP requests are signs of good manners. Don't ever think of taking someone else with you to the party if the invitation only has your name on it. When you pick a gift for the retiree, base the gift on the proximity of your relationship with the celebrant. It may be stated that the retiree opts not to receive gifts, but show good etiquette by giving a card with good wishes.

Collecting funds, any act of solicitation and a money tree at the retirement party shows bad etiquette. It could be uncomfortable to some guests who came with their own thought-out gift and to those who attended without any plan of giving one. It would be good manners to accept any offered gift and be grateful, whatever it is.

Try to remember that the retirement party is for the retiree. You should not attempt to steal the limelight. The party must not be used to air out job grievances. Planning retirement parties is not easy. Every little thing no matter how many flaws there are should still be appreciated by guests. It should be a happy occasion for the celebrant.
Doc No:1117-LF-ULT5-dc06