Celebrating loyal employees who have served a company for many years shows how much a business values dedication. A well-written invitation email for a long service award ceremony makes recipients feel special and honored. These emails need the right tone to show appreciation while clearly giving all the important details about the upcoming celebration.
The samples below will help you craft the perfect invitation email that recognizes your employees’ contributions. Each template can be customized to match your company culture and the specific milestone being celebrated.
Long Service Award Invitation Email Samples
These email templates cover different situations and tones. Feel free to adapt them to your needs.
1. Formal Long Service Award Ceremony Invitation
Subject: Invitation: Your 10-Year Service Award Ceremony – June 15, 2025
Dear [Employee Name],
On behalf of [Company Name], we are pleased to invite you to your 10-Year Long Service Award Ceremony on June 15, 2025, at 3:00 PM in the Main Conference Hall.
Your decade of dedication has greatly contributed to our success. To honor your commitment, our CEO, [CEO Name], will present you with a special award during this ceremony.
Event Details: – Date: June 15, 2025 – Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Location: Main Conference Hall, 4th Floor – Dress Code: Business Casual – Guests: You may bring one guest
Please RSVP by June 1 by replying to this email or calling [Phone Number].
We look forward to celebrating this important milestone with you.
Warm regards,
[Sender’s Name] [Sender’s Position] [Company Name] [Contact Information]
2. Casual Team Celebration Invitation
Subject: Let’s Celebrate Your 5 Amazing Years With Us!
Hi [Employee Name],
Wow – 5 years already? Time sure flies when you’re working with awesome people like you!
We’d love to celebrate your 5-year work anniversary with a team lunch at Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant on Friday, April 25, at 12:30 PM.
Your hard work and positive attitude have made such a difference to our team. This lunch is just a small way to say thanks for everything you do.
No need to bring anything except your stories and appetite! The team has arranged a special surprise that we know you’ll love.
Can you make it? Just hit reply to let me know by Monday so we can finalize the reservation.
Looking forward to celebrating you!
Cheers,
[Sender’s Name] [Sender’s Position, Department Name] [Company Name] [Direct Line and Email Address]
3. Executive Recognition Invitation
Subject: CEO Invitation: Your 20-Year Service Award Luncheon
Dear [Employee Name],
It gives me great personal pleasure to invite you to a special luncheon honoring your 20 years of service with [Company Name].
As CEO, I highly value loyalty and commitment. Your two decades of dedication have helped shape our company into what it is today. For this, the entire executive team and I would like to express our deepest gratitude.
The luncheon will be held on: – Date: May 10, 2025 – Time: 12:00 PM – Location: The Executive Dining Room – Dress: Business Professional
During this event, you will receive a special 20-year service award and gift. We have also arranged for professional photography to capture this milestone.
Please confirm your attendance by April 25 with my executive assistant at [Email/Phone].
Thank you again for your years of loyalty and outstanding service.
Sincerely,
[CEO Name] Chief Executive Officer [Company Name] [CEO’s Direct Contact Information]
4. Departmental Recognition Email
Subject: Your 15-Year Service Award – Departmental Celebration
Hello [Employee Name],
Fifteen years in one department is quite an achievement! The entire [Department Name] team wants to celebrate your service milestone.
Please join us for a special breakfast on: – Thursday, March 20, 2025 – 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM – Break Room, 2nd Floor
As the longest-serving member of our department, your knowledge and experience have been priceless. So many team members have grown thanks to your guidance.
Our department head will present your service award, and yes, there will be cake!
Let us know if you can attend by replying to this email by March 15.
Thanks for all your contributions over the years.
Best wishes,
[Manager’s Name] [Manager’s Title] [Department Name] [Contact Details]
5. Virtual Award Ceremony Invitation
Subject: Virtual Celebration – Your 10-Year Service Award
Dear [Employee Name],
Some milestones deserve special attention, even when we can’t all be in the same room. Your 10 years with [Company Name] is definitely one of those milestones!
We’re hosting a virtual award ceremony to celebrate your dedication: – Date: July 8, 2025 – Time: 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM – Platform: [Video Platform Name] – Link: [Meeting Link] – Password: [Password if needed]
The entire team will join to recognize your contributions. Your award has been shipped to your home address and should arrive before the ceremony so you can open it during our celebration.
Please confirm you received your package by July 5, and let us know if you can attend the virtual event.
Looking forward to celebrating with you online!
All the best,
[Sender’s Name] [Position] [Department] [Contact Information with Email and Phone]
6. Surprise Recognition Event
Subject: Team Meeting: Strategic Planning Session – June 5
Hi [Employee Name],
We’re scheduling a team strategic planning session for June 5 at 2:00 PM in the Main Conference Room.
Your input will be valuable as we discuss upcoming projects and goals for the next quarter. Please bring your laptop and any notes on current projects.
The meeting should last about 90 minutes. Light refreshments will be provided.
Please confirm your attendance by replying to this email.
Thank you,
[Manager’s Name] [Title] [Department] [Contact Information including Phone Number and Email]
(Note: This is actually a surprise long service award ceremony for the employee’s 15-year anniversary, but the real purpose is hidden to maintain the surprise)
7. Company-Wide Recognition Ceremony
Subject: Annual Service Awards Ceremony – You’re Being Honored!
Dear [Employee Name],
The annual [Company Name] Service Awards Ceremony is approaching, and you’re among our honored guests! We’re thrilled to recognize your 25 years of service to our company.
Event Details: – Date: September 15, 2025 – Time: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM – Location: Grand Ballroom, City Hotel – Dress Code: Semi-formal – Guests: You and one guest – Parking: Complimentary valet service available
The evening will include dinner, awards presentation, and entertainment. Our company president will personally present your 25-year service award.
Please RSVP by August 20 using the link below: [RSVP Link]
If you have any dietary restrictions or special needs, please note them in your RSVP.
We look forward to celebrating this significant milestone with you!
Warm regards,
[HR Director’s Name] Human Resources Director [Company Name] [Contact Information with Email and Direct Line]
8. Breakfast Award Presentation
Subject: Breakfast Invitation – Your 5-Year Service Award
Good morning [Employee Name],
How about starting a day with breakfast and recognition?
To celebrate your 5 years with [Company Name], we’d like to invite you to a special breakfast: – Date: April 17, 2025 – Time: 8:00 AM – Location: Sunrise Cafe (company cafeteria)
Your team and supervisor will join to thank you for your dedication. We’ll present your service award during this casual gathering.
The breakfast menu includes your favorites (we checked with your teammates). We’ve set aside one hour, so you can enjoy the celebration without rushing back to work.
Can you join us? Please let me know by April 10.
Thanks for your 5 years of great work!
Best,
[HR Representative Name] [Title] [Department] [Contact Information with Phone Extension]
9. Small Business Personal Invitation
Subject: A Thank You for Your 10 Years With Our Small Business Family
Dear [Employee Name],
Ten years ago, you joined our small business when we were just starting out. Today, I want to thank you for growing with us all this time.
As a token of my appreciation, I’d like to invite you to lunch at Harbor View Restaurant on Friday, May 12, at 1:00 PM. Just the two of us, to celebrate your service and catch up without the usual work pressures.
Your loyalty and hard work have helped build this business. The company wouldn’t be what it is today without your contributions.
After lunch, we have a small ceremony planned back at the office where the team will present you with your 10-year service award.
Please let me know if May 12 works for your schedule.
With gratitude,
[Owner’s Name] Owner/Founder [Company Name] [Personal Cell Phone and Email]
10. Remote Employee Recognition
Subject: Your 7-Year Service Award – Special Delivery & Virtual Toast
Hi [Employee Name],
Working remotely doesn’t mean your 7 years with us should go unnoticed! We value your contributions just as much as those who we see in the office daily.
A special package containing your service award and a few surprises has been shipped to your home address. Expected delivery: May 5-7. Please keep an eye out for it!
We’d also like to raise a virtual toast to you on May 10 at 3:00 PM (your local time) via [Video Platform]. The whole team will be there to celebrate your milestone.
No preparation needed from your side – just bring your package (don’t open it yet!), your favorite beverage, and be ready for some team appreciation.
Could you confirm you can join the virtual toast? And please let us know when your package arrives.
Thanks for 7 amazing years of remote collaboration!
Cheers,
[Manager’s Name] [Title] [Team Name] [Contact Information with Video Call Username]
11. Milestone Anniversary Gala Invitation
Subject: Invitation to the Annual Service Milestone Gala – You’re Our VIP!
Dear [Employee Name],
This year marks your 20th anniversary with [Company Name], and we’re rolling out the red carpet for you at our Annual Service Milestone Gala!
Gala Details: – Date: October 18, 2025 – Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM – Location: Crystal Ballroom, Grand Hotel – Attire: Formal – Plus One: Yes, please bring a guest
The evening will feature a gourmet dinner, live music, dancing, and a special awards ceremony where you and other long-serving employees will be honored. Our CEO will personally present your 20-year service award and gift.
Transportation has been arranged for you and your guest. A car will pick you up at your home at 6:30 PM and return you after the event.
Please RSVP by September 20 using the attached card or by calling [Phone Number].
We’re excited to celebrate this special milestone with you!
With appreciation,
[Event Coordinator’s Name] [Title] [Department] [Contact Information with Mobile Number for Day-of Questions]
12. Lunch and Learn Combined with Recognition
Subject: Lunch & Learn + Your 5-Year Service Recognition – April 22
Hello [Employee Name],
How about combining learning with celebration?
We’re hosting a special Lunch & Learn session on April 22 from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM in Training Room B. The topic is [Relevant Industry Trend], which we know you’re interested in.
What makes this Lunch & Learn extra special? We’ll take the first 15 minutes to recognize your 5 years with [Company Name] and present your service award!
Lunch will be catered from [Restaurant Name], and yes, we’ll have those sandwiches you like.
After the recognition, our guest speaker will share insights on [Topic Details], followed by Q&A.
Can you join us? Please reply by April 17 so we can order the right amount of food.
Looking forward to celebrating your work anniversary!
Best,
[Learning & Development Manager’s Name] [Title] [Department] [Contact Details with Extension Number]
13. Family-Inclusive Celebration
Subject: Family Invitation: [Employee Name]’s 15-Year Service Celebration
Dear [Employee Name] and Family,
Fifteen years of service deserves a celebration that includes those who have supported you along the way!
[Company Name] would like to invite you and your family to a special picnic honoring your 15 years with us: – Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025 – Time: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM – Location: Riverside Park, Main Pavilion – Dress: Casual and comfortable
The day will include: – BBQ lunch with options for all ages and dietary needs – Games and activities for children – A short award presentation at 1:00 PM – Family photo opportunities with our professional photographer
This is our way of thanking not just you, but your family as well, for their support during your 15 years with us.
Please RSVP by June 10 with the number of adults and children attending, along with any dietary restrictions.
We can’t wait to meet your family and celebrate with all of you!
Warmly,
[HR Manager’s Name] [Title] [Department] [Contact Information with Mobile Number]
14. Retirement and Long Service Combined Recognition
Subject: Celebrating Your 30 Years of Service & Retirement
Dear [Employee Name],
Three decades with one company is a remarkable achievement, and as you prepare to retire, we want to honor both your long service and your retirement.
Please join us for a special celebration: – Date: Friday, May 30, 2025 – Time: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM – Location: Company Lounge, 5th Floor – Dress: Business Casual
The event will include: – Presentation of your 30-year service award – Retirement gift presentation – Light dinner and refreshments – Time for you to share some of your favorite memories – Photo slideshow of your years with us
Many of your past and present colleagues will attend to wish you well as you begin this new chapter.
Please let us know by May 15 if you can attend, and if you’d like to invite any family members to join the celebration.
With deep appreciation for your years of service,
[Senior Executive’s Name] [Title] [Department] [Contact Information with Personal and Work Numbers]
15. Quarterly Recognition Event Invitation
Subject: Q2 Service Awards Ceremony – You’re Being Recognized!
Dear [Employee Name],
Our quarterly Service Awards Ceremony is next month, and you’re one of our honorees! We’ll be recognizing your 10 years with [Company Name].
Ceremony Details: – Date: Friday, July 11, 2025 – Time: 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM – Location: Town Hall Meeting Room – Dress: Business Casual
The ceremony will last about 90 minutes and include refreshments. Department heads will present awards to their team members, and our CEO will say a few words of thanks.
We’ll also take professional photos of all award recipients for our company newsletter and social media (with your permission).
Please confirm your attendance by July 1 by replying to this email.
Thank you for your decade of service to our company!
Kind regards,
[HR Team Member’s Name] [Title] [Department] [Contact Information with Email and Extension]
Wrapping Up: Service Award Emails
Creating the perfect long service award invitation email shows employees how much you value their loyalty and hard work. A thoughtful invitation sets the right tone for the celebration that will follow.
When writing your own invitation, pick elements from these samples that match your company culture and the specific employee you’re honoring. The key is making the recipient feel truly appreciated while clearly sharing all the practical details they need.
Remember that recognition should always feel personal and genuine. Your long-serving employees have given years to your company – make sure your invitation reflects the importance of their contribution.