How to Conduct an Installation Service for Garden Club Officers

Planning an installation for garden club officers offers an opportunity for using color, creativity and fun, while generally following a protocol used by most organization' ceremonies. Create a framework to move along the ceremony. Most people feel more comfortable using a script they develop to make the installation easier and to keep the event within a time limit. Conduct the ceremony at a regular business meeting of the club or hold it at night at a nice restaurant to make the occasion extra special.

Personalize the installation ceremony to reflect the club while inspiring new members with the importance of their jobs. The personalization may include a theme, which can act as a glue to hold the ceremony together. Make the installation dignified, honoring those leaving their positions and welcoming in the new officers.

Send Invitations appropriate to gardening and select a special speaker. Consider giving small gifts to outgoing officers such as plants, flowers or vases. Decorate tables with garden greenery and gardening tools. Choose a restaurant with a garden setting or theme to host the ceremony. A garden club installation offers a unique opportunity because gardening is about theme, order, color and beauty.

Make a brief presentation about the club before you present the outgoing officers, who should be honored for their contributions and accomplishments. Call the new officers forward one at a time to face the audience while you read their duties and responsibilities as set forth in the club bylaws.

Take a hint from some clubs, who offer a token at this point, such as a particular colored scarf or flower to represent the job. For instance, offer a blue hydrangea or scarf to the new historian to preserve the "true blue" history of the club or a green plant or scarf to the treasurer, who will be handling the green money for the group.

Read a list of the responsibilities of each new incoming officer as he is sworn in as a reminder of his various duties and their importance. Add a little humor to a serious ceremony.

Ask the new officers to pledge to do their best to carry out their new responsibilities, and declare them duly installed elected officers. Celebrate the outgoing and incoming officers.