NWR: Retirement Party Etiquette?

renatari

I was invited to a close friend's retirement party that is being thrown by her daughter. The invite states the cost of the party is $65. I'm a little shocked that I'm being invited to a party I have to pay for? Am I missing something? Is this the norm for retirement parties? If I attend, do I have to bring a gift?

kcscejal

No, it's not normal.  It's quite rude.  I would not bring a gift if I went.  The $65 I had to pay just to be there is enough of a gift IMO.

achiduck

Yikes! That's NOT normal. So really the party isn't being thrown by the daughter, but rather the poor suckers that actually cough up the $65.

I wouldn't pay and gifts are optional.

The Mel and Todd Show

No joke, this happened to me a month ago.  The invite stated the cost of the meal (per person), that there would be a cash bar, and that monetary gifts would be appreciated (and monetary was spelled incorrectly).  Oh, favorite part- the guest of honor threw the party in her own honor.  To avoid appearing rude (I guess?) she listed several other people as the hosts without their prior knowledge.  I did not go. 

jerseydevil

Ok, seriously... Some one has got to put a stop to this trend! My parents were invited to a retirement party where they had to pay to go. WTF, people?!?!?!

On what planet is that ok?!?

If I went, I would in no way bring a gift! Just a card.

cassandrae913

All of the work retirement parties I have seen have required costs-this may be due to the fact that it was hosted by co-workers and for co-workers. If it is purely social, that is weird.

nzchick88

I'm in the minority here, but I only find it weird that it was on the invite, not word of mouth. I have never been to a party where I haven't been expected to pay something, my own meal, drinks etc. I'm not saying its right, I'm just saying its different!