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Retirements mark an end of an era in a person's life, whether the retiree has been with a particular company for 30 years or 3, a proper sendoff is not only appreciated, but expected. You are lucky to plan such a milestone event in Long Island, where hundreds of glorious spaces are available to help you honor and thank your company's retiree. Just answer the questions below to help you find that perfect location.
- Is there a specific geographic area you would like to restrict your search to?
Knowing what region you do or don't want your retirement party to be located in can easily help rule out several hundred catering halls. Of course the more specific your desired geographic area, the fewer options you have to work with. This fact may be very welcome to some overwhelmed party planners, but may seem frustrating to others who look forward to being given a variety of catering hall options. A good compromise is to first limit your geographic area to a very specific area. If you are not pleased with the choices of catering halls in that region, then slowly expand your search to the surrounding areas until you are happy with the number of choices being offered, as well as with the distance. Of course, in order to attract the most number of corporate guests, it might be a good idea to choose a location close to homebase.
- Is there a specific type of catering hall (i.e. hotel, vineyard, restaurant, etc.) you would like to restrict your search to?
Limiting your catering hall search to the type of catering hall is another way to quickly narrow down your top choices. Knowing exactly the type of catering hall you would like to use can help organize your event quickly and efficiently. However, being flexible with the type of catering hall you choose can often result in a unique event that impresses all of your colleagues! Depending on the corporate climate of your particular company, hosting a retirement party at a location that befits the retiree more than the company might be just what the doctor ordered. For example, if the retiree is well known for their interest in wine, then perhaps a retirement party at a winery would be ideal.
- What is the date of your retirement party?
This may be an obvious "to do", but it is nevertheless an important factor in selecting the perfect catering hall for your family reunion. Just like selecting airline tickets, the more flexible you are the more likely it is to get better rates, options and availability. To keep the momentum, you should probably select a date close to the actual date of retirement. This is especially true for a corporate-sponsored retirement party.
- How formal an affair do you want your retirement party to be?
The level of formality of your retirement party doesn't necessarily equate to the level of pricing of the catering hall. Instead, it can help you to select an appropriate type of hall if given the choice. For a corporate sponsored retirement party, the level of formality of the retirement party should not only reflect the actual retiree, but the company itself.
- Is there a specific theme you would like to portray?
Selecting a theme for your retirement party could really enhance the overall experience for the guests of honor as well as for everyone else. For example, perhaps the retiree was credited for a special project regarding charity work for the arts. Then perhaps it would be appropriate to host the retirement party at a nearby art museum or gallery.
- How many people will you be hosting at the retirement party?
The number of anticipated guests will undoubtedly help limit your catering hall choices, especially if it's a large number. This is true in terms amount of space and the pricing per plate of food. Depending on your budget, this could be the determining factor of where your event should be located at. If you are expecting a large turnout, then perhaps you should set your sights on larger hotel types of catering halls or maybe even an outdoor location, depending on the weather. Be sure to invite the retiree's close family to the party as well.
- Will you be requiring onsite food catering?
Most of the catering halls we showcase on our website include food catering. However, some do not and will require additional cost and planning in order to provide quality food for your guests. Additionally, if the catering hall of your wishes allows onsite food catering, but not the type of food that you wish to feature, then you may be able to work out a deal with the catering hall's management in order to bring in your choice of food.
- How much do you expect to spend per plate?
As mentioned earlier, where your retirement party is located will largely - if not completely - depend upon how much you are able and/or willing to spend per plate. If you are especially interested in a specific catering hall, but the cost per plate is higher than you were expecting, you may need to rethink that catering hall. This may hold especially true for corporate sponsored retirement parties in which you will be unable to restrict the number of people you invite! One way to cut down on the cost per plate is to offer buffet services rather than table service. You may also wish to consider offering drinks and hors d'oeuvres exclusively. If this option appeals to you, consider the timing of your event, and make sure that it does not clash with mealtimes.
- Will you be requiring a Kosher, Vegetarian or Vegan menus?
Many catering halls do offer Kosher, Vegetarian or Vegan menus. Be sure to survey your guests well in advance in order to make sure there aren't any dietary restrictions. If there are, then make sure your catering hall choice has this option.
- Will you be requiring a full service bar or food stations/carving stations for a cocktail hour?
Most catering halls (especially hotels and large halls) will offer this service in a customized party package. If the catering hall of your choice does not offer this service in a package be sure to inquire about the additional costs and how it may or may not affect the overall scheduling of your event.
- Would you prefer a location with attached or nearby accommodations for out of town guests?
If your answer to this question is yes, then you should highly consider hotels as your choice of catering hall. However, pay special attention to non hotel catering halls that are in close proximity to other hotel accommodations. Most halls should have this information ready at hand. Another option you may want to consider is hiring services that can help transport colleagues and/or the retiree's close family from wherever they are staying to your desired retirement party site.
- Will you be requiring a party planner?
If you book your party at a catering hall, chances are you will be provided with an in-house party planner that can help ensure that your event goes smoothly. If you are not provided with one, but you are still interested in having a party planner, keep in mind that Long Island party planners have a wide range of rates, involvement and expertise. The catering hall of your choice could also assist you in finding a party planner who has been involved with past events at that location.
- Would simultaneous events at your location be acceptable?
This is an important, yet often overlooked, factor to keep in mind when booking your dinner function. Neighboring events could distract from a calm business-oriented celebration. On the other hand, catering halls that offer simultaneous events could help keep your costs low and could even fuel the party spirit. In any case, as the party planner, you should be aware as to what types of events may be going on simultaneously to ensure that your retirement party guests are comfortable.
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