Work etiquette question

I'm Googling, but not getting much help for this workplace etiquette question (lots of suggestions when it's a personal party/lunch), so thought I'd toss it out to anyone who might read this:

I have to send an invitation to a number of people, mid-level management level, "inviting" them to join us for a farewell lunch for a coworker in two weeks, to be held at a local restaurant. The catch is that we're not paying for it, it's a buy-your-own lunch deal.

I can't think how to word this positively and tactfully!

Any suggestions?

Bonus: Weekend pics of the boys. 

Derry and the dead hosta stalk
Bet you think there's a cat on the other side of the fence. I certainly did. But nope, it turned out that Nicki found that dead stalk offensive, and after a few minutes of staring at it like this, he killed it. 
Peace.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Wow, um, we're pretty tact impaired here so sorry, can't help. As for the dead hosta stalk though, we TOTALLY unnerstand! It had to go. Good luck with the invite!
October 20, 2014 at 4:23 PM
Angel Simba said…
How would this be: "We will all be paying for ourselves and sharing the cost of "John's" lunch."
Simba's Mom
October 20, 2014 at 5:19 PM
Janet NZ said…
Kim, I hope you get the info I just sent you re invitation wording...?
I hope it helps.
XO
October 20, 2014 at 5:30 PM
wildcatwoods said…
From what I gathered online, sending invites to a party where you have to pay your own way is not appropriate - so no etiquette is available. You could just say "Dutch treat" or "meal costs not included", or say it is a informal get together to honor....meal prices range from...

Good luck!
October 20, 2014 at 7:26 PM
Saku said…
I was going to suggest "Dutch treat" but we have a few less than bright managers who wouldn't understand what that means....I'm guessing they exist in your organization as well. :)

Since our events are never paid by the office, telling participants they have to pay is never an issue.

However you say it, I do like the suggestion to let the participants know what the price range is for meals.

Good luck!
October 20, 2014 at 7:39 PM
Katnip Lounge said…
Could you include a copy of (or link to) the restaurant's menu as a lead in that lunch will not be "catered"?
October 20, 2014 at 7:52 PM
Alastriona, The Cats and Dogs said…
Please join us at (name of restaurant) for a chance to say farewell to _______. The attached menu shows the lunch options available for you to purchase.
October 20, 2014 at 8:56 PM
John Bellen said…
Yes, giving the menu prices is a good implication of having to pay. Or you could suggest a certain amount each participant would be likely to pay, rather like giving the amount that the boss would like each employee to contribute toward his Christmas and birthday gifts. I can't think where I got that idea.
October 21, 2014 at 9:07 AM
noodlecat said…
We are glad to see you are getting lots of ideas from others...sorry we are not up to par when it comes to the social graces...

Noodle and crew
October 21, 2014 at 12:24 PM
meowmeowmans said…
We agree -- Alasandra hit the nail on the head!

Way to take care of that hosta stalk, Nicki and Derry. :)
October 22, 2014 at 9:52 PM
Marty the Manx said…
Wonderful seeing the boys! I would probably word the invites as "cake provided" or "cake only". Is that to tacky? Usually where I come from it is only assumed what is presented when people arrive are the "free" items.
October 22, 2014 at 11:15 PM
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