Like invitations for other parties and occasions, there is a certain etiquette you need to follow while you decide the invitation wording for a retirement party. Though these invitations are usually simple and apt, there are a few that come across as complete shockers! We give you a couple of options for each.
There’s never enough time to do all the nothing you want. – Bill Watterson, Calvin and Hobbes
A retirement party is either planned by the person who has just retired (or is retiring in the near future), or by the person’s family, as a surprise. Depending on each case, the wording will change a lot. A few things you must keep in mind, are as follows:-
~ Keep the word count low.
~ Prepare the invitations and send them out at least a month before the party.
~ Mention the type of party, if it has a theme/dress code or not.
~ Mention if dinner will be served, or if the menu is limited only to finger foods and a few cocktails.
~ Avoid talking about gifts.
~ R.S.V.P. if required.
Samples
You are cordially invited
to join us, as we celebrate
the retirement of Mr. John Patterson
at (Venue) on (date) from (Time).
The Simpsons
request the pleasure of your company
at a retirement dinner
in honor of Mr. John Patterson
at (Venue) on (date) from (time).
After thirty-five years of dedicated service
to the Simpson’s,
Mr. John Patterson is retiring on (Date).
Please be our guest of honor
as we celebrate his retirement.
Something Different
Forget the black tie,
it’s no formal affair.
Just come as you are,
for that casual flair.
We’ll drink and laugh,
as we all reminisce,
It’s a gathering for a friend
that will surely be missed.
We invite you to bid a farewell
to our dear employee
John Patterson
on (Date and Time) at (Venue)
The clock’s been punched for
the last time
The daily grind has been left
behind
No more meetings or pages to
fax
It’s time to kick back and relax!
You’re invited
to a Retirement Party for
John Patterson
on (Date and Time)
at (Venue)
Office walls are now his past
He’s retiring to the sunny
shores at last!
You’re invited to a
Retirement Party for
John Patterson
on (Date)
at (Venue)
from (time).
Lizzie McDonald is retiring; she’s put in her time,
she leaves us now with warmer plans in mind.
Just “R & R” and taking life slow,
at home, in the garden, or perhaps Mexico!
Please join us for a final farewell
from (Time)
on (Date)
at (Venue)
Too quickly the time has passed us by,
now it’s time for us to say good-bye,
Please join us to wish him the very best,
as he starts his long and well deserved rest.
Please join us for lunch
in honor of
John Patterson
on (Date) from (Time)
at (Venue).
After 37 years of service,
Lizzie McDonald is retiring from Mainland Forgings Unlimited.
We request the pleasure of your company
tomorrow evening at a reception in his honor
hosted in the company’s seminar room, at 8pm.
While the format of the invitation depends solely on who creates it, it is advised you keep the format a little professional and not make it too colorful. Since guests will also involve people from the host’s professional life over the years, this decision will be preferred.
