A retirement party marks the end of a working life and the start of something new. It's part celebration, part thank you, and sometimes a little emotional. The best retirement parties reflect the person: their career, their personality and the people who've shared it with them.
Here are ideas for planning a retirement party, with a focus on entertainment that suits the occasion.
Who is it for?
Before you think about venues or acts, think about the guest of honour.
- Do they love a big party, or would they prefer something low-key?
- Is it mainly colleagues, or family and friends too?
- What music do they love?
The answers will shape every other decision.
Choosing a venue
- A function room at a local club, hotel or golf club suits a mixed crowd and gives space for entertainment.
- The workplace can work for a daytime gathering, but is rarely ideal for an evening party.
- A restaurant suits a smaller, more intimate celebration.
- A marquee at home is lovely in summer for family-focused parties.
Timing
Many workplace retirement parties are held on a weekday evening, which can be easier for colleagues to attend. Weekday dates are also often easier to book entertainment for. If the party includes family travelling from further away, a weekend may suit better.
Speeches and presentations
Speeches are usually a central part of a retirement party. Plan them early in the evening, before the music starts, so people can listen properly. Keep them short and personal.
Entertainment ideas
Music from their era
Someone retiring now may have grown up with music from the 60s, 70s and 80s. Acts that suit:
- Motown and soul: Angelettes or a swing and Motown vocalist like Alex Slater
- 60s and 70s classics: Retro Jetz, or tributes such as Tom Jones, Karen Carpenter and the Four Seasons tribute Big Men In Town
- Swing and crooners: a Rat Pack tribute brings Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr.
See our 60s and 70s tribute acts.
A vocal entertainer
A versatile singer can cover several decades and adjust to the room. Many of our male vocalists and female vocalists, like Carrie Michaels, work regularly at functions like this.
Comedy
A comedian can add a lot of fun, particularly if the guest of honour has a good sense of humour. Brief them on the audience.
Personal touches
- A slideshow of photos from their career
- A memory book for colleagues to sign
- A song dedicated to them by the act
- A themed cake or decorations reflecting their job or hobbies
Surprises
A surprise performance by their favourite artist's tribute can be a wonderful moment. See our guide to planning a surprise party act.
A sample running order
- Guests arrive, with background music
- Food
- Speeches and presentation
- Entertainment: one or two sets
- Dancing to a DJ or the act's own playlist
Retirement party themes
A theme can make a retirement party feel more personal.
- Their career: decorations and a cake that nod to their job, or a "this is your life" style presentation.
- Their next adventure: if they're planning travel, decorate with maps and destinations; for gardeners, flowers and seed packets as favours.
- Their favourite decade: a 60s, 70s or 80s party with matching music and a tribute act.
- Their favourite artist: a full tribute night built around the star they love.
Workplace or family?
Many people end up with two retirement celebrations: a workplace gathering for colleagues and a family party later. The workplace event is often shorter and earlier in the evening, sometimes with a vocalist or background music. The family party can be a bigger celebration with a tribute act and dancing. If you're organising one, find out whether the other is happening so you don't double up.
Keeping it inclusive
Retirement parties often bring together people who don't know each other: colleagues, former colleagues, friends and family. Entertainment that everyone can enjoy helps break the ice. A versatile vocalist who reads the room is a safe choice, and a quiz or "guess the year" music round can get tables mixing.
Practical tips
- Book the venue and entertainment as soon as the retirement date is confirmed
- Weekday evenings may be easier to book and suit colleagues
- Check venue accessibility for older guests and former colleagues
- Arrange transport or taxis for the guest of honour
- Ask someone to take photos throughout the evening
Gifts and keepsakes
Colleagues often club together for a leaving gift. Present it during the speeches, before the entertainment starts, so everyone can see. A personalised keepsake, such as a framed photo montage or a book of messages, often means more than an expensive gift.
Quick answers
What's the best night for a workplace retirement party?
Thursday and Friday evenings are popular with colleagues, and weeknights are often easier for booking acts.
How long should the entertainment be?
One or two sets after the speeches is usually right.
Are there any hidden booking fees?
No Hidden Booking Fees. The price we quote is the price you pay. No additional agency booking fees or unexpected charges. We usually ask for a deposit to secure the date, and everything is confirmed in writing before your event.
Can I check if an act is free before I enquire?
Yes. Most act profiles have a live date checker, and Check your date shows who is available across our roster. Diaries change quickly in busy periods, so we always confirm availability when you enquire.
Final thoughts
The best retirement parties are about the person being celebrated. Choose entertainment that reflects their taste and lets everyone relax and enjoy the night.
If you'd like help choosing an act, send us the date, venue and a little about the guest of honour, and we'll suggest options.
Ready to find your act?
Flair Entertainments has been booking entertainers for clients across the UK since 1984. Send us your date, venue and the kind of night you want and we’ll come back with acts that suit.
