If the company doesn't pay, you ask guest list for contributions to cover food and decor. If the party is at a third party location, and the company isn't paying, everyone buys their own drinks/pays for their own meal, and contributes a little extra to cover the retiree. Generally speaking, the retiree picks the guest list and can certainly exclude others. If the company is paying, then everyone the company wants to include should be invited.

Government, with co-workers…but am considering inviting those I feel close to, not the whole department . Leaning towards happy hour time of day.

Whoever is throwing the event pays — it’s pretty much never going to be the celebrant. Is this a work party with coworkers or a family/friends party?

Anonymous wrote:Who pays? If it is the celebrant, can you limit the guest list to those you actually like? Would a cash bar be tacky?

Sorry, but my colleague has asked me, and I am not sure how to advise him.

well, how is it to be set up? Usually it is not the celebrant because you are cheering them off.

Probably need more information. Military, government, corporate? During the workday, personal event?

Who pays? If it is the celebrant, can you limit the guest list to those you actually like? Would a cash bar be tacky?

Sorry, but my colleague has asked me, and I am not sure how to advise him.