A retirement party is not that tough to plan. Though it may seem like a Herculean task, once you decide on a theme and budget, everything else follows. You may want to have a surprise party for the retiree, which is a very good idea. But for this, you need to know the person very well. You must know all his/her likes and dislikes so as to include everything that is pleasant to make the party a pleasant surprise. So in case you are thinking how to plan a retirement party, check out our retirement party planning ideas.

* Choose the date carefully. It should be around the date when the retirement is announced and preferably on a weekend. This way all guests can easily make it to the party without having to worry about work the next day.
* Set a budget for yourself. If it is a surprise party for the retiree, make sure everyone contributes a certain amount so that the pressure is not on one person. This budget should cover all costs of decorations, invitations, food, favors etc.
* Select a theme around which the decoration can be focused. You can also focus your invitation cards, favors and dress code according to the theme. If you really can't think of a theme, you can choose a particular color that is the retiree's favorite.
* Make sure you send out invitation cards atleast 2 weeks before the party is scheduled. This will be helpful for everyone to decide beforehand how to wind off their work and attend the party.
* Appoint different duties to different people and co-ordinate accordingly. This will help in organizing the party in a much smooth way. Do not try to take everything upon yourself and end up with confusion and chaos.
* Finish all decorations atleast a day before the party. Arrange the furniture and make sure the caterer remembers to bring food for the party the next day.
* Arrange for some music and have a back up for an outdoor party just in case the weather plays truant. Arrange some space inside so that everyone can be accommodated inside without much difficulty.