You’ve done it – you’ve worked your socks off your entire life, and now you’re finally ready to hang up your suit for the last time and wave goodbye to the workplace, and hello to retirement. Unless you’re a real glutton for punishment, you’ll only retire once, so why not make the most of it with a retirement party?

Start your party planning with your guest list. Do you want to invite your former boss and colleagues, or will this be a family only event? If you’re having a friends and family only party, consider whether any children will be coming, as this will make a difference to the time of the party, the food and drink you need, and the sort of entertainment you’ll require for your guests.

Once you know how many people you’re planning to invite, it’s time to think about party invitations. Everyone’s career is different, so why not go for some personalised invitations like those available from Putty Print? With our range of special retirement party invitations to choose from, all you need to worry about is what you’re going to include as part of your personalised text.

You may already have a venue in mind. A small party can easily be held at home, if you’ve got the space (and understanding neighbours!) to allow it. This allows you a bit more flexibility than hiring a venue, where you may find yourself limited in terms of decorations, food and drink options, and the equipment available, especially for less mobile guests.

Of course, hiring a venue can make things a lot easier. Catering and staff can be provided to take care of the guests, and to tidy up afterwards. A lot of pubs have function rooms which you can use free of charge, as long as your guests buy food and drink from the bar.

A more formal party may require some guests to give speeches, so if you’re planning to include those, let your guests know. Alternatively, go to the other end of the spectrum and have a themed party to wave goodbye to your working days. It’s entirely up to you to choose how to celebrate your retirement. However you choose to party, remember that Putty Print are on hand to make sure that your party invitations are just as memorable as your big send-off.