Apollo's Templates
Classic · formal reception

Formal Retirement Reception Invitations

Two formal invitations for a retirement reception: Engraved Reception, an engraved border with a laurel crest and ribbon scroll, worded the traditional way (The pleasure of your company is requested at a reception honoring Judge Helen Ashworth on the occasion of her retirement) and badged Reception at Six; and Oval Portrait Reception, a portrait photo window in an oval gilded frame with a laurel drape, worded Please join us in honoring. Engraved Reception opens in Emerald & Silver and Oval Portrait in Burgundy & Gold.

3 · Pick a design · 2 designs

Pick one and customize it

Engraved Reception — Formal Ceremony & Reception retirement invitation

Engraved Reception

No photo needed · 3 palettes · Pinyon Script
Select & Customize
Oval Portrait Reception — Formal Ceremony & Reception retirement invitation with a photo window

Oval Portrait Reception

Photo window · 3 palettes · Cormorant Garamond
Select & Customize
Planning tip
Formal wording follows a set order: the request, the occasion, then the honoree. Keep that order when you swap the names, and put the refreshments on the back (Hors d'oeuvres and a champagne toast, Light refreshments will be served) so guests know whether to eat first.
How it works

Details, wording, colors, download

Open any design above in the maker. One of these designs has a photo window: drop in a picture and drag it until it sits where you want it. Type the honoree's name, the years of service in the badge and the date and place; the details sit on the back with one line for the dress code, the toast or what will be served. A smooth ivory or cream card stock shows the fine lines best.

Pick one of the three palettes drawn for the design, then download a 5 x 7 PDF (front and back), a two-per-sheet letter PDF for home printing, print-shop PNGs with bleed, 4 x 6 PNGs for a photo counter, a phone-sized PNG to text or email, or a Word file. For more lines to put on the card, see the retirement invitation wording ideas and the retirement party etiquette guide.

More Classic & Elegant

More classic & elegant retirement invitations

Happy Retirement — Classic Happy Retirement retirement invitationCheers to Retirement — Classic Happy Retirement retirement invitationRetirement Celebration — Classic Happy Retirement retirement invitation with a photo window

Classic Happy Retirement

3 designs · Happy Retirement, Cheers to Retirement, Retirement Celebration
Deco Sunburst — Black & Gold retirement invitationGold Laurel — Black & Gold retirement invitationMarquee Lights — Black & Gold retirement invitation

Black & Gold

3 designs · Deco Sunburst, Gold Laurel, Marquee Lights
Bright Days Ahead — Floral & Sunflower retirement invitationBotanical Wreath — Floral & Sunflower retirement invitation

Floral & Sunflower

2 designs · Bright Days Ahead, Botanical Wreath

All elegant retirement invitations

Frequently asked questions

How do you word a formal retirement invitation?
Engraved Reception shows it: The pleasure of your company is requested at a reception honoring [name] on the occasion of her (or his) retirement. The wording page has more formal lines.
Is a reception the same as a party?
A reception is usually shorter and quieter: drinks and light food, a few remarks, then guests go. Say Reception at Six or Light refreshments will be served so nobody expects dinner.
Which formal design has a photo?
Oval Portrait Reception: a portrait window in an oval gilded frame.
Updated October 2026