21 Fun Virtual Retirement Party Ideas
Mary-Anne Desai
Contributor
Your time has finally arrived, so get ready to share a virtual toast with your (now) ex-colleagues, closest friends, and loved ones. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we found ways to celebrate all of life’s special moments virtually. With remote work more popular than ever, these virtual retirement party ideas will help you celebrate this milestone.
Between the delicious food and hilarious pictures, you and your special guests won't need to step out the door to have a great time. Thanks to online options and delivery services, there are now more virtual events than ever before.
Checkout these virtual retirement party ideas:
Choose a Virtual Venue
Zoom
In today's day and age, using Zoom has become second nature to most people in the business world, and let's not forget about those savvy tech experts. Zoom is not only used to connect colleagues with one another; it’s also used for people wanting to enjoy a long chat with friends and family from all over the world. To access Zoom, you and your loved ones can download the app on your phone or use the link on your laptop at home.
Google Meets
Everyone knows about Google, but do you know about their app called Google Meets? This application is super easy to use and can be downloaded on all smartphones, from Samsung to iPhone. The cool thing about this app is that you can add captions, so you'll never miss a word that your friends say. You can also cancel any unnecessary noise in your background, so your guests will hear you and your entertainer clearly and easily.
Creative Ideas
Dress-Up
Have your colleagues and loved ones dress up for the day you've been waiting for. To make your virtual retirement party a hit, choose a theme and pick out the best dressed with a costume contest. If you're feeling a little sentimental, you can get your guests to dress up in their favorite "you" outfit. This get-up could be how you look on a regular day out or your professional work attire outfit. Either way, your guests can have fun dressing up like you!
Party Hats
Do you want to add a fun, physical element to your event? Party hats are a great virtual retirement party idea. These hats can match your retirement theme with all your favorite colors. For example, if you're going to throw a black tie event, a gold pom-pom on the top will have your guests smiling from ear to ear.
Backdrops
Since you won't be hiring a regular backdrop for your big event, you can still add the aesthetic with virtual backgrounds. Not only are virtual backdrops fun to add, but they help remove you from a home's setting, so you can transport yourself directly into the party's atmosphere without moving a muscle. Send your friends a link to your themed background if you'd like everyone's backdrops to be the same.
Bring Your Pet
A perk to having your event at home is that you can bring your pets along for the celebration. Your cat, dog, mouse, lizard, and other fuzzy friends are welcome to join the call for the retirement celebration. You can set up your camera where your pet feels most comfortable, whether it's on your couch or on your fluffy rug, as long as you're both happy!
Drinks
Long Island Iced Tea
You’ve worked long enough for your retirement, so why not celebrate with a refreshing beverage? Though it won't transport you to that tropical-chic retreat in the Bahamas, it's a tasty beverage you and your friends can enjoy. The ingredients include spirits, such as vodka, tequila, rum, and gin, and it is beautifully paired with lemon juice and a splash of Cola.
Tom Collins
The name Tom Collins may ring a bell, but it's most likely not the colleague you met in the hallway. Tom Collins is a timeless alcoholic beverage from the late 1800s. Mixed with sparkling water, gin, and juice, this American drink can be the new staple for all the gin lovers at your retirement party. They're also easy to make at home, so your guests will have no trouble mixing this tasty drink.
Champagne
Your retirement calls for a bottle of sparkling champagne! Pop the cork and don’t forget to share a toast with your friends, family, and former colleagues. Champagne is not only sophisticated and classy, but the drink itself has been used for decades to celebrate significant milestones. If you or one of your guests aren't a fan of alcohol, you may want to find a non-alcoholic substitute like sparkling cider or lemonade.
Food
Kebabs
Send your taste buds on a culinary adventure right from the comfort of your home during the virtual retirement party. Indulge in the sizzling flavors of perfectly grilled kebabs with your choice of fresh meat, fish, and vibrant vegetables. So fire up your grills, gather around the screen, and savor each succulent skewer, adding a touch of culinary delight to the virtual farewell festivity.
Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
These bite-sized pockets of cheesy goodness are sure to make your taste buds dance with joy. Picture golden, crispy exteriors giving way to creamy, velvety mac and cheese on the inside—a delightful combination that will leave you craving more. Whether you pop them in your mouth while reminiscing about your incredible career or savor each cheesy morsel between heartfelt toasts, mac and cheese bites are the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Wrap (Up the Old)
As you're slowly wrapping up your career and time behind the desk, you might like the sound and symbolism of a delicious wrap. Build your own wrap with your favorite ingredients, from chicken and tomato, to salmon and spinach. The possibilities are endless for this simple, yet delicious, party food.
Charcuterie Board
Nowadays, almost every party you attend has some sort of grazing board, and for good reason! This appetizer is the perfect finger food that can accommodate tastes, preferences, and dietary restrictions. Guests can easily build their own snack plates prior to the party including meat, cheese, veggies, and dips.
Entertainment
Virtual Escape Room
Virtual escape rooms are one of the best games for families, friends, and teams. A perk to this game being virtual is that you won't feel claustrophobic, and you can still make loads of memories along the way.
The aim of an escape room is to answer questions and riddles to find a key that will unlock you and your friends to safety. You can create your own escape room using presentation software like PowerPoint, or you can access online escape rooms like Modern Genius Escape Game and the Redemption Games.
Decorate Your Cake
You might miss the feeling of cutting into your retirement cake with your coworkers, but you can still have a moment to share with your loved ones with a cake parcel. If you're struggling to find a plain cake to send to your friends, you can send over a box filled with delicious cake ingredients. Once your cake is made, you can have fun decorating your cake with sprinkles, sweet frosting, and more.
Bingo
Bingo is a party classic that works perfectly for a virtual setting. Just like regular bingo, the aim of the game is to tick off as many words, numbers, or objects on your single card. Customize the cards using an online generator, send them to the guest list prior to the get-together, and get ready for a fun and competitive party game.
Trivia
Do your nearest and dearest know every detail about you? Well, now’s the time to find out by testing them all with a fun game of trivia. Curate a number of questions, maybe including what year you started at your company, your first ever job title, and more to stay with the retirement theme. Your friends can get into groups of two or three, and will only have only a few seconds to answer each question.
Virtual Vendors
Fortune Teller
Are you wondering what your next chapter after retirement might look like? A fortune teller can help with that by making a virtual appearance. These experts can bring along their tarot cards, crystal ball, or can read your astrology chart to answer your burning questions. Not only do they reveal spectacular truths, but they can also entertain each guest with their personal charm and wonder.
Comedian
Who said retiring is going to be boring? These hilarious entertainers can hop online to your virtual celebration, easily match your humor, and get your guests laughing their socks off. On The Bash, you can find a variety of comedians who specialize in stand-up, slapstick comedy, situational comedy, and much more. Some of these artists can act as an emcee to help keep guests engaged, transition between activities, and more.
Band
There's nothing like a good soundtrack to get your party going. With the help of a showstopping band, you can enjoy a live, virtual performance on your big day. These musicians can vary from guitarists and pianists, to cellists and violinists. Together, they can cover your favorite songs or play music to match the party theme.
Magician
People of all ages enjoy the tricks and treats from a magician. Start your search on The Bash for a virtual magician to ‘wow’ guests right before their very eyes. These professionals are experts in sleight of hand to bring the magical touch to the online celebration.
Find more party ideas and inspiration here on The Bash.
