Retirement parties are the rare gathering where the guest of honour usually isn't the host. They're organised by colleagues, family or close friends, and the invitation should sound unmistakably like the people behind it — sincere, warm and just a little bit proud. Below are wording samples for workplace farewells and family retirement dinners, plus the etiquette around the ‘card and contributions' line that quietly does so much work.
Wording samples
After 40 years on the tools, Mark is hanging them up. Join us for an afternoon to celebrate his career. Friday 18 April, from 4pm. The Workshop, 21 Robinson Road. Drinks and canapés provided. A short speech around 5.30pm. Card and contributions via the link. RSVP by 11 April.
Best for: Workplace farewells organised by colleagues and management.
Three decades, one career, infinite stories. Please join us as we celebrate Dad's retirement. Saturday 7 June, 7pm. The Boathouse, Watsons Bay. Cocktail attire. RSVP by 31 May. Hosted with love by the Bennett family.
Best for: Family-led retirement dinners with friends and colleagues mixed.
Forty years done. Now the long lunches begin. Drop in for Sunday lunch to celebrate Margaret. Sunday 16 March, from 12.30pm. 14 Sycamore Street. No gifts please — bring a memory or a favourite work-story instead. RSVP by 9 March.
Best for: Daytime retirement gatherings centred on family and stories.
‘Card and contributions': the modern farewell tradition
Most workplaces collect for a shared card and a meaningful gift — often a contribution towards travel, a high-quality bottle, or something the retiree mentioned in passing. The invitation is the right place to flag it, gently: ‘card and contributions via the link' tells colleagues exactly where to go without putting anyone on the spot.
Family-led retirement parties usually skip the contribution line entirely — ‘no gifts please, your company is enough' is the standard, with an option to bring a written memory if guests want something to contribute.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting to mention if a speech is planned — speech-givers appreciate a heads-up to prepare.
- Mixing colleagues and family without thinking about the room dynamic.
- Listing the years of service inaccurately — double-check before printing.
- Sending too late. Four weeks is the minimum for a workplace farewell.
Custom RSVP question: ask for a memory
Availi's custom RSVP questions let you ask each guest for one short memory or favourite story. Print a handful into a bound book and present it during the speech — it lands harder than any wrapped gift.