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Retirement marks the culmination of years of dedication and hard work. It's a time to reflect on career accomplishments, cherish professional and personal memories and embark on new adventures. Hosting a retirement party for a valued coworker, friend, parent or spouse is a wonderful way to honor their contributions, celebrate their achievements and send them off into a new, exciting chapter of their life with well-wishes and lots of happy memories.
While planning a retirement party can involve weeks to months of preparation, you can make things easy for yourself by following our comprehensive guide to retirement parties! From what to write on a retirement party invitation to etiquette to gifting to party activities, here’s everything you need to know about planning an unforgettable retirement celebration.
What to write on a retirement party invitation?
When writing a retirement party invitation, be sure to include key details about the event while conveying a celebratory tone. Depending on the type of party and the retiree you’re celebrating, your wording can range from reverential to funny.
Here's what to include in a retirement party invitation:
Essential retirement party details:
- Date
- Time
- Venue
Optional retirement party information:
- Dress code
- Special instructions (ex. bringing a dish for a potluck, contributions to a group gift, directions, etc.)
The guest of honor's name and reason for the party
You're essentially announcing the retiree's farewell party, so this is where you can have some fun (or keep things formal and straightforward). More than anything else, this will set the tone of the retirement party, so you'll want to put some thought into it. Here are a few examples to get you started!
Casual, funny retirement party invitation messages:
- The Legend (AKA, Dan) is retiring!
- No more 9–5 for Amy!
- The time has come to wish Scott a Happy Retirement!
- Steve's entered the No Work Zone
- Eat, drink & be retired (Sam's going to do all 3)
- Sip, sip, hooray, it's time to celebrate Christina's last day!
Formal retirement party invitation messages:
- You're cordially invited to Brian Anderson's retirement party
- Please join us for Taylor Kim's retirement luncheon
- The pleasure of your company is requested at Maggie Johnson's retirement dinner party
Short and simple retirement party invitation messages:
- Jonathan's retirement party
- Carrie's farewell party
- Chris' going away party
Once you’re ready to send invitations for the retirement party, Evite’s collection of retirement party invitations is ready to help you make party planning a breeze (we even track the RSVPs for you so you can focus on more important things, like who keeps microwaving fish in the office kitchen).
When should you send retirement party invitations?
For most retirement parties, you should send the invitations at least 2–3 weeks before the party. If you’re hosting a more formal retirement party, you may want to consider sending invitations a month before the event to ensure everyone can make it.
How long should a retirement party last?
How long a retirement party really depends on the retiree's wishes, type of party and venue. If you're throwing a farewell brunch, lunch or happy hour, 2–3 hours is perfect. If you're hosting a dinner at a restaurant or banquet hall, at least 4 hours is recommended. If you're hosting a more intimate evening party with close friends at someone's home, it could go on all night!
Who should you invite to a retirement party?
Deciding who to invite to a retirement party depends on a variety of factors. First and foremost, consider the retiree's preferences. Do they want a colleagues-only lunch, a dinner with their coworkers and family or more of a celebration with their family and friends? The location, scale of the event and the overall atmosphere you want to create are all important elements to consider. Here are some general guidelines to help you determine who to invite:
Immediate family: Start with the retiree's immediate family members, including their spouse, children, parents and siblings.
Close friends and colleagues: This may include longtime friends, mentors and colleagues with whom the retiree has built strong relationships and been a source of positive guidance in their career and life.
Current and former coworkers: If the retirement party is being held during office hours, or hosted by the company, inviting their coworkers is an obvious must. If it's outside of office hours though, consider inviting both past and current coworkers if they're close to the guest of honor.
Professional network: If the retiree has a professional network outside of their workplace, such as business partners, clients or industry contacts, you may want to invite them as well depending on your guest of honor's wishes.
Community and social groups: If the retiree you're honoring is actively involved in a community group, social club, hobby group or volunteering organization, consider inviting members of those groups as well (chances are, they'll be seeing even more of the guest of honor soon!).
Ultimately, it's the retiree's preferences and desires for the event that matter the most. Some retirees may prefer a small, intimate gathering with close family and friends, while others may enjoy a larger celebration with a broader network of acquaintances. Tailor the guest list to reflect their wishes, and everyone is bound to have a wonderful time toasting the guest of honor!
What to write on a retirement card?
Where there’s a retirement party, there’s a retirement card! Whether you’ve shared years of lunch breaks with the retiree, benefited from their wisdom or admire their dedication to their work, telling them how much they’re appreciated and how you’ll miss them will make their send-off even more meaningful and special to them.
Here are some retirement card messages to consider including in your note:
Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement! Wishing you endless days of relaxation (golf), fun (golf) and time with your family (time to get them into golf!).
Your hard work and dedication are an inspiration to us all. May your retirement be filled with new adventures, good health and happy memories.
Cheers to a new chapter in your life! Enjoy the freedom and embrace every moment of it.
Thank you for your years of service and commitment. Your dedication will always be remembered and cherished—you truly helped to make this company what it is today!
Just want to say best wishes on your retirement! May the next phase of your life be as fulfilling and rewarding as your career has been.
If anyone deserves a retirement filled with laughter, love and relaxation, it's you! Happy retirement!
Congratulations on leaving the 9–5 behind! May your retirement be everything you've dreamed of and more.
It may be goodbye to deadlines and meetings, but not to our friendship. Can't wait to catch up on the weekends!
Thank you for imparting your knowledge to me and helping me to further my own career. Your wisdom and guidance have been invaluable, and I hope to be half the mentor you are someday!
Your years of hard work and achievements have made a difference in so many lives. Enjoy your retirement to the fullest!
Now that you have an idea of what to write in a retirement card, check out Evite’s collection of retirement eCards. Not only can you personalize your favorite one with a thoughtful message to the retiree, but you can send or schedule them via text or email (and even include an eGift card if you wish!).
Are you supposed to bring a gift to a retirement party?
As with any celebration that marks a major milestone in someone’s life, the answer to this varies. In general, it’s considerate though not required to give the guest of honor a gift to commemorate their years of hard work and celebrate the next chapter of their lives.
Remember—it isn’t the amount spent that matters with a retirement gift, it’s the thought. If you’re giving a retiring coworker a group gift, a $5–20 contribution per person is considered to be an appropriate amount. If you’re giving a solo gift to a coworker, a gift valued at $10–20 is perfect.
When choosing a retirement gift, find something that aligns with the retiree’s interests (or something they can use while pursuing new interests in their retirement!). Golf, mixology, hiking equipment, travel accessories, books and gardening tools are all popular options. Need more ideas? Check out our editor-curated retirement gift ideas Amazon shop!
What should you wear to a retirement party?
What to wear to a retirement party really depends on the location and tone of the party. Often, the host of the retirement party will include any dress code information with the party invitation. Otherwise, if you’re attending a formal dinner party for the retiree, opt for formalwear. If it’s a retirement lunch with coworkers, business casual or your usual office wear is appropriate. And of course, if there’s a theme like a luau or decade throwback, dress to match!
What are some good ways to celebrate someone's retirement?
When deciding upon what kind of retirement party to have, first, ask the retiree themselves! It’s a party for them, after all, and likely the only retirement party they’ll ever have unless they’re a famous musician. After that, consider the budget, time of year and who will be in attendance.
Some top retirement party ideas include:
Lunch party: This is perfect for a casual office-organized going away party.
Dinner party: A classic option that can be formal or casual, hosted by the company or by the retiree’s family, and the guest list can include colleagues, family, friends or all of the above.
Beach getaway: This is more for a smaller group of family and friends, but what a delightful way to kick off a relaxing retirement.
Backyard party BBQ: Casual and suitable for family, friends and colleagues to attend, this is a wonderful summer retirement party option.
Wine tasting: If the retiree lives near a vineyard, treating them to a beautiful, intimate wine tasting and dinner might be just what they desire.
Karaoke: If you’re looking to throw a more energetic, all-night party, hitting up a karaoke bar (preferably one with private rooms) is always a fun option, especially since the guest of honor won’t have to show up next Monday to face the music after a rousing-but-off-key performance.
Potluck: Another great casual in-office party option (though it can also be a great in-home party), if what the retiree will miss most about the office is the tech guy’s homemade chili, this is a winner.
What are the most popular and unique retirement party themes?
Are themes required for a retirement party? Nope. But are they fun? Oh, yes! If the retiree loves a good themed party, consider going in that direction for their retirement party.
Some top retirement party themes include:
Nostalgia/throwback: ’70s, ’80s and ’90s themes are always popular, but choosing the decade the retiree was born in or started working during is a good way to personalize it.
Gatsby (AKA The Roaring Twenties): If you’re going ALL out for their retirement party, you can’t go wrong with a Gatsby party.
Golf: If they’re into golf, this is a no-brainer, of course.
Luau: If it’s a summer retirement party, a luau theme is sure to please everyone (who wouldn’t like to toast to the retiree with a delicious piña colada?).
The Office / Office Space: Yes, we’re finally in an era when folks who love and relate to both The Office and Office Space are starting to retire. If they love either of these icons, create a fun retirement party around it!
Bon voyage: Is “Travel more” on their retirement to-do list? Encourage them to make it happen with a travel-themed party featuring international appetizers and decor from their favorite destinations.
Taco-bout a great employee: Throw a retirement fiesta complete with a taco bar and fun southwestern decor!
Where should you host a retirement party?
When choosing a venue for a retirement party, it’s important to consider guest list size and what the tone of the party will be.
Some popular retirement party venues include:
- The office
- A restaurant (try to find one with a private dining area)
- The retiree’s home
- Someone's backyard
- A banquet hall
- A non-local destination (if celebrating with a small group)
What activities should you have at a retirement party?
Last, but not least, plan on offering some entertainment and interactive activities at the retirement party. It can be something as simple and meaningful as a display of the retiree’s achievements and photos or as epic as a live band. At the end of the event when the retiree is leaving behind not just a party, but a major part of their life, you’ll want them to leave happy, appreciated, fulfilled and enthused for the next chapter.
Some popular retirement party activities include:
- Memory sharing (table of achievements, slideshow, guest book, photos of the retiree, etc.)
- Photo booth
- Retiree trivia
- Live music or DJ
- Dancing
- Speeches and toasts
- Cake cutting
Now that you’re ready to plan the best retirement party ever, check out Evite’s range of retirement party invitations! For retirement parties, we recommend sending one of our Premium invitations—they come with envelopes, backgrounds, liners and stamps, all expertly curated by our designers to save you time and make you look like an absolute party-planning pro! Here’s wishing the retiree in your life a very happy retirement!
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What makes Evite SignUp Sheets different from other signup tools?
Developed hand-in-hand with community organizers, PTA presidents, parents and teachers, Evite's signup sheets are designed to make organizing volunteers a breeze. Here are a few ways SignUp Sheets are different than other signup tools:
- 100% free: SignUp Sheets are free to use.
- Ad-free: No popup ads ever! Our signup sheets remain clutter-free, keeping your volunteers focused on signing up.
- No extra login required: Seamlessly use your Evite account to create and manage your signup sheets, keeping all your events in one convenient location.
- Automatic reminders and notifications: Stay on top of your event with automated reminders and notifications for you and your participants. Perfect for busy parents, teachers and anyone juggling multiple commitments.
- Customization options: Tailor your signup sheets to your specific event, whether it's a school fundraiser, potluck, volunteer opportunity or team activity. Add custom tasks, time slots and requirements for smooth coordination.
- User-friendly experience: Our intuitive interface makes creating and sharing signup sheets simple for everyone, regardless of tech experience.
- Real-time updates: Get instant notifications whenever someone signs up or makes a change, so you always know where things stand.
Choose Evite SignUp Sheets for the easiest, most streamlined way to get volunteers and signups for your next event!
What is a SignUp Sheet?
Signup sheets are the perfect way to streamline scheduling, volunteer recruitment, class parties, snack duty, potluck organization, parent-teacher conferences and more! You can think of them as your digital assistant for coordinating events and tasks and ensuring that your event is a success.
Evite SignUp Sheets offers parents, teachers and event planners customizable online forms that organizers and volunteers can access and update effortlessly. Volunteers can choose their preferred time slots, sign up for tasks or indicate what they'll bring to the event. It only takes organizers a few minutes to create a signup sheet and send it out with a shareable link, so they can get the word out via text, email or social media—whichever way they prefer!
Long story short, SignUp Sheets save everyone involved tons of time, avoid scheduling headaches and ensure everything runs smoothly before and during the event.
How do I create a SignUp Sheet?
Creating a signup sheet has never been easier than with Evite! Here’s how to create a sheet that’s sure to make your event an absolute success:
- Go to Evite SignUp Sheets and choose the template that best fits your needs. Evite offers multiple signup sheet templates perfect for every occasion, including:
- Signup sheets for one day events (without different time slots), perfect for when you’re organizing a class party, potluck or end-of-season party.
- Signup sheets for single or multiple day events (with time slots), perfect for when you’re organizing concession stand volunteers, fundraisers, parent-teacher conferences, meal train, post-game snack duty or during appreciation week.
- After selecting your sheet template, create a title for your signup sheet and add the date, the location, the time (if applicable), who the organizer is, the organizer’s phone number or email and an optional note describing the event to your volunteers. You can also change your signup sheet background and title image if you wish!
- Next, create slots for your signup sheet. If you aren’t logged into your account, you will need to do so at this point, but luckily, you can use your existing Evite account (no need to create yet another login!). What you’ll include here will depend on what your event needs, but you can include a list of what’s needed (along with optional descriptions), how many volunteers are needed, and dates and times.
- After creating your slots, you can then add a wish list from any retailer or include supply suggestions from Evite’s retailer partners. These are to help your volunteers find and purchase supplies quickly and easily.
- Finally, review your sheet, copy your shareable link and send it out to everyone on your list! Every time a volunteer signs up for a slot on your signup sheet, Evite will email you. We will also send reminders to you and your volunteers before your event so no one will forget about it, and we’ll even let volunteers know if you remove their slot or cancel your event sheet so you don’t have to!
What information should be included on a SignUp Sheet?
When it comes to signup sheet information, there are some essentials to include regardless of what you’re organizing:
- A title for your signup sheet. Tip: Aim to keep your signup sheet title concise but clear. You want volunteers to read it and have a general understanding of what your event is about, and also make it easy for them to look for later if they need to reference your sheet again. You have the option to include a more descriptive note in a different field about your event, so save the more in-depth details for that!
- When and where the event is taking place.
- The organizer’s name and phone number.
- Slots for volunteers to choose from. Once you choose the SignUp Sheets template that fits the occasion, the slots you’ll need for your sheet will be right there and ready for you to add the relevant info, such as dates, times, items to bring and tasks to complete.
When adding your slot information, clearly define what people are signing up for, especially for a what-to-bring list or role assignments. If you want someone to bring healthy snacks for kids to enjoy after a game, specify that. You want your volunteers to feel confident in what they’re bringing and to make it easy for them to know what’s expected of them. It will save them time and stress (and you, too!). That being said, if you make your ask too specific (for example, asking for a hard-to-source item or something expensive), you may not end up with a volunteer for it. So be clear about what you expect, but also be reasonable!
Aside from providing the basic signup information, you can also add optional descriptions to both your entire signup sheet and individual slots. While not required, they can help guide your volunteers further and provide more information. You can add information about allergies, preferences and general info about the event. You can also add a wish list to make it easier for your volunteers to bring exactly what you need!
What are the benefits of using a SignUp Sheet template?
Signup sheet templates offer a ton of advantages for both organizers and volunteers and with Evite SignUp Sheets, you'll enjoy even more benefits than other digital and paper signup sheets! Some benefits our signup sheet templates offer include:
- A 100% free experience (no subscriptions required!).
- Shareable links for quick and easy sharing.
- No need to create another login—you can use your existing Evite account.
- The option to add a wish list to help your volunteers out.
- Automatic reminders—we’ll remind everyone on your behalf.
- An easy-to-use experience with eye-catching guided templates.
- Clean, modern designs with no pop-up ads.
With Evite SignUp Sheets, you can enjoy organizing and coordinating all your events with ease. Signup sheets streamline the signup process for everyone involved, ensuring that everything will go to plan on the day of your event while saving you precious time in the process.
