What to Consider When Planning an Outdoor Retirement Party
When you think of retirement parties, what usually comes to mind is a hotel venue space, a bar, a banquet hall, or maybe some extra space that a company has for events like this. But do you actually enjoy those spaces? Well, to a degree, they feel generic, and sometimes the decor (like in a lot of hotels) can be pretty dated, too, which doesn’t help. So why not go for something a little different? Maybe something that people could potentially get more hyped about?
Instead, why not plan the retirement party outside, like a garden party, but for this milestone? For the most part, it’s kind of unheard of. Sure, maybe in NYC, like Central Park, this is common, but that might be as far as it goes. This can make the retirement party and the send-off feel very special. But like all parties, there are some things that you have to keep in mind though. So, with that said, here’s what you should know!
Consider the Honoree’s Preference
Before diving into the details, take some time to consider the retiree’s personality, interests, and preferences. Are they outgoing and sociable, or do they prefer more intimate gatherings? Do they have any favorite outdoor activities or hobbies? What’s the weather? Will the sun be blocked out (like a party tent)? In general, it’s their party, and tailoring the party to reflect their tastes will make the celebration feel personal and special.
The Right Outdoor Venue Says It All
So, the venue actually has a lot of control over what your party can have. For example, some venues might not allow for music, and some might control the decor, whether it be balloons or the event furniture that can be used. Even for catering, sometimes a venue will only allow catering from a partnering catering company. So, in general, there are going to be some choices you have to consider. But if you find a venue that lets you do what you want and lets you plan how you want, then great!
But overall, selecting the right venue is key to setting the tone for the retirement party. Sometimes, there are a lot of choices, but sometimes, not so much. For example, an outdoor venue would be a scenic park, a charming garden, a botanical garden (as some do have party spaces), or a lakeside pavilion.
Of course, other things to consider, such as accessibility, seating options, and amenities like restrooms and parking, must also be considered to ensure the venue meets the needs of all guests. Honestly, choosing the right venue will by far be the hardest part of all of this.
Bad Weather Might Always Hit
It’s really hard to say if the weather will be good. Besides, it can be pretty unpredictable. So, you need to have a backup plan because outdoor events will always have the risk of bad weather ruining them. For this, the best thing you can do is rent a tent or marquee so there’s some shelter from harsh sunlight, wind, or rain. For the most part, the celebration doesn’t have to be interrupted if it’s in a tent (as long as there isn’t a storm).