When it comes to the end of an era, there is reason for a celebration. Are you graduating from high school or college, retiring, or moving to a new state? Here are all of the tips and tricks you need to plan the perfect party to celebrate the end of one era and the start of your next chapter.
The End of an Era
Casual vs. Formal
Your party can be casual, formal, or somewhere in between. It is important for you to decide this early, as it will help you determine the other details for the celebration later on.
If you lean more toward a casual party, you can consider a cocktail-style party with heavy appetizers and an open bar. For a more formal setting, a sit-down dinner might be a better choice. Or, you can land somewhere in the middle with a buffet-style dinner and open seating. There is no right or wrong answer here, just whatever feels right to you! The formality of your event will determine the atmosphere, attire, and setting of your event.
Setting a Budget
It is very important to set a budget when planning any type of event. Once you have determined what you are comfortable spending, you can begin to look at venues, menus, and other additions – such as a DJ, photo booth, or other entertainment options. Andre’s offers many great packages to fit into any budget! Make sure you factor in how many guests you will be inviting. This will give you a better idea about the amount you can spend per person. With a higher guest count, you will have less per person to spend overall.
Create a Theme
When celebrating the end of an era, this allows for so much creativity with the theme and décor. A party’s theme can reflect your personality and interests. This is also a great way to tie in the era that is ending. Say you are graduating from college or high school; your décor can match the alma mater’s colors. For a retirement party, consider tying in the profession as a focal point of the party theme.
For example, if your dad was a construction worker for 50 years, try adding some caution tape or have guests dress in construction vests! Or, if their retirement plan is to move to Florida, make the party Miami Vice-themed! There are no limitations on the theme of a party, you can get as creative as you want!
Selecting a Menu
One of the best parts of any party is the food, so make sure your guests leave full and happy. Andre’s has many great menus and catering options to choose from depending on your preferences. As the premier catering company in St. Louis, Andre’s has catering options ranging from classic Italian to a full taco bar.
Depending on your decision on the formality of the event, this can affect the type of food you will serve to your guests. You can also tie in the theme to your food selection! Consider the era you are celebrating and think about what type of food would have been served during that time.
Entertainment
Good entertainment is key to any fun party! Your job as the party planner is to decide what type of entertainment would be best for your group. A disk jockey or a band is a great way to get the party started. In different circumstances, it can be better to have light background music, and at other times it is best to do full-party music. You could also consider a karaoke machine if you have a musical group. Other ideas include a photo booth, decked out with props and décor. This is a wonderful way for people to have a memento to take home from the party.
Toasts and Speeches
When throwing a party to celebrate the end of an era, people are inevitably going to want to say a few words. It is important to set aside some time during your party for people to congratulate you on your next chapter. You can choose to open the floor to everyone or keep it limited to a select few. Either way, it is nice to allow your loved ones a moment to celebrate you and your achievements! Based on the size of your group and how large the room is, you may want to have a microphone on hand for these speeches.
Andre’s Banquet & Catering | St. Louis, MO
At Andre’s, we are a full-service catering company. We provide the meal, 4-hour open bar, china dinnerware, linen tablecloths, chair covers, the personnel, as well as an onsite coordinator. We are a one-stop-shop facility that can offer guidance in planning and organizing your day. Andre’s coordinates with several different vendors to make your planning process painless!
Contact us today for any questions or reservations.