Anyone who wants to....but most often it's the employer on the last day of work....but often there is a bigger bash thrown by the retiree...and/or the spouse.
Linda C

poolowner: it's a good question. My husband is eligible for retirement next year, and I want to throw him a party. My question is, who do I invite so it doesn't get out of hand?

What a great question! I've been pondering this for a couple of years. I'm a teacher, retiring in June '09. Typically, at our school, good friends of the retiree plan a party, send out flyers and those who choose to come pay $25 a head for dinner. The entertainment is either testimonials or comedy skits. I LOATHE this and certainly want nothing of it when I retire. I am thinking of having the staff and a few other friends in education come to my house after school one day for an open house/happy hour kind of thing. I've been there too long to just sneak away without notice (my first choice), so I think I'll set it up myself and thus do what I want. I think those retiring in business have a myriad of possibilities. Someone "important" to the firm may get a big bash. In a small company, often the retiree is just taken out for dinner by close associates. I think it's all over the map. This sounds like a good topic for discussion.

I always thought it was something that your spouse would do since he/she would know all the people to invite, especially if it were a suprise to the retiree. It could be a joint venture with other family members of the retiree, but mainly the spouse would start the party planning. As for the office/work party, that would be a smaller version, usually during the day or right after work and would only include work associates, not family & friends of the retiree.
Any comments?

No comments, as normally I haven't seen or done any retirement party for family members.I thought it would be for the people who go for work for their good service.

Our CEO is retiring at the end of this year, after 40 years of service. Our BOD is hosting a party for all employees and retirees. I don't think it matters who hosts the party, as long as the guest of honor is involved in the planning.

My Aunt is retiring after 40+ years as a highly-respected lawyer. She has her own firm with one partner, & a few associates & staff. She knows everyone is the legal community. Given that she is not married & does not have kids, I’m her closest next-of-kin as her niece. Her career has been her entire life so I know this warrants a major celebration/send-off. My question is, who should be hosting such an elaborate affair? I cannot manage planning a big event by myself nor can I afford paying for food & drink for a huge group. When I asked her partner at her firm about possible plans she said she’d been too busy to plan anything & asked if I wanted to take the lead. I’m very overwhelmed. it sort of feels like this should be on her firm & lawyer colleagues/friends, & maybe I plan a smaller family affair? Suggestions?

The firm should pay for the party.....and certainly you are capable of sending invitations to her associates and clients and hiring a caterer.