How to Organize a Farewell Party

Farewell parties are held on various occasions. This is a great way to say goodbye to your friends, colleagues, and loved ones and leave them with good memories. You can throw a farewell party when someone leaves work, goes abroad, or begins a new journey in life. Organizing a party requires a bit of work. From planning and inviting guests to preparing and honoring the main character, there is much to do. Fortunately, you can mobilize friends, colleagues, etc. to lend a hand. With a little planning and teamwork, you will have a memorable party for your precious guest.

Table of Contents

Plan the party

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/7/7c/Hpd-a-Farewell-Party-Step-1-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Hpd-a- Farewell-Party-Step-1-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/7c/Hpd-a-Farewell-Party-Step-1- Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Hpd-a-Farewell-Party-Step-1-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Choose a topic. The most successful parties often revolve around a specific theme to honor the main character. Themes often highlight the next step in the person’s journey and recall memories shared by everyone. ^{[1] X Research Source}

If your friend is going away, think about certain topics that are relevant. You can organize a party “have a good road” with the theme of travel and discovery. The party should focus on local specialties that your friend loves. In addition, you can introduce a little about the culture and cuisine of the land they are going to.
If the main character of the party is about to leave the company and move to a new job. You can organize a party to highlight the great achievements of that person in the company.
Include themes in your invitations, dishes, decorations, etc. For example, if a friend is going abroad, you can make cupcakes with colors that represent that country. You can even decorate hats with a map of where they’re going, and a map of where they’re going to leave on the other. ^{[2] X Research Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/0e/Hpd-a-Farewell-Party-Step-2-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Hpd-a- Farewell-Party-Step-2-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/0e/Hpd-a-Farewell-Party-Step-2- Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Hpd-a-Farewell-Party-Step-2-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Find a party venue that matches the theme. Find a suitable place to hold the party. It could be your office, restaurant or even your home. You need to combine a place that can easily host a party and also a place where the main character will enjoy.

If a member of your family is going abroad for a while, your home is a good option. If your coworker is about to retire or change jobs, the office or a favorite restaurant is the place to be.
Think about the person’s preferences. Remember that you are throwing a party for your friend. That should be where the main character enjoys. For example, if they’re going away, you can throw a party at a familiar bar or restaurant. See if you can rent the place for a few hours.
The party venue should be a special and intimate place. You need to have a good time without distractions or distractions.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/2/24/Hpd-a-Farewell-Party-Step-3-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Hpd-a- Farewell-Party-Step-3-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/2/24/Hpd-a-Farewell-Party-Step-3- Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Hpd-a-Farewell-Party-Step-3-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Send invitations. Send cards early so everyone has enough time to arrange the party. When sending out invitations, you need to know who the main character of the party wants to be present. Invite close friends and family first. Consider your budget and limit your guest list if your budget doesn’t allow it, or you know the main character doesn’t like big parties. Unless you want to organize a surprise party, don’t forget to invite the main character. You can even send a special invitation with a personal touch. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

Sending out paper cards is a great way to encourage people to attend. Decorate so that the invitation card reflects the theme of the party.
If you are going away soon, you can design the card like a plane ticket. Print on the card where to go and where to go. Add to the card details such as the time and location of the party. Ask guests to respond two or three weeks in advance of the planned party date so that you have time to prepare the food.
You can also create an event on Facebook. Social media is a great way to invite people to discuss party details. Create a social media event with an invitation card.
People won’t always follow up on invitations if you’re just inviting on social media. Plus, paper invitations make a great keepsake and can be used as part of a parting gift or keepsake board. But if you don’t want to make paper invitations, you can design lively electronic invitations.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/a/a4/Hpd-a-Farewell-Party-Step-4-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Hpd-a- Farewell-Party-Step-4-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/a/a4/Hpd-a-Farewell-Party-Step-4- Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Hpd-a-Farewell-Party-Step-4-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Ask everyone to contribute to the gift. You should give your special guest something to remember the moment. A sentimental gift is a great way to see off your friends or colleagues with good memories. Ask partygoers to contribute in some way.

If you’re afraid to ask people to contribute, that’s okay. You can let your party guests know that you are planning to find something for that special guest. Say that you would greatly appreciate any contributions.
Suggest other ways to get people involved. If you don’t want to ask people for money, you can ask people to help you decorate, arrange, cook or bring food, etc. Any donation will help.

Arrange the details of the party

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/c/cc/Hpd-a-Farewell-Party-Step-5-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Hpd-a- Farewell-Party-Step-5-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/c/cc/Hpd-a-Farewell-Party-Step-5- Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Hpd-a-Farewell-Party-Step-5-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Assign tasks to everyone. Organizing an impressive farewell party will be difficult if you are doing it alone. But surely you will not have to do it alone because there will be many people in the group enthusiastically joining hands to contribute.

Delegating tasks to people makes it easier to get the job done. You can give a friend the job of buying decorations. Put someone in charge of the food portion. Perhaps a crafty friend is willing to help you make a scrapbook or a gift.
The division of duties will ensure the best party. And when the party arrives, you can focus on that special guest.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/7/7e/Hpd-a-Farewell-Party-Step-6-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Hpd-a- Farewell-Party-Step-6-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/7e/Hpd-a-Farewell-Party-Step-6- Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Hpd-a-Farewell-Party-Step-6-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Decoration for the party. Decorate the party venue to match its theme. You can decorate a combination of the past and the future. For example:

Make small ships or planes for people who are going abroad. Use the colors that represent the country your friend is going to and where he or she is going to say goodbye. You can divide the party room into two parts. Decorate one side with colors and things they love about this country, and the other half with colors and details that represent the culture of the new land.
Decorate with small clocks, calendars or the like for the person who is about to retire. Plus, think about things your co-workers have mentioned with gusto. Maybe that person once wished to sit on the porch reading a book. Then why not decorate a corner of the room like a porch? Add a comfortable chair and a small table with some books. This area can also be the “throne” for the main character of the party.
Banners are always an effective decoration. Find ribbons in the person’s favorite color, or carry a symbol related to the breakup. You can even make ribbons with maps of where the main character is coming and going.
Arrange a special place where you can put a notebook or card for people to sign and take notes. You can also design this by theme. If they are going abroad, you can leave a bottle and small rolls of paper. People can write on paper and roll it up into bottles.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/08/Hpd-a-Farewell-Party-Step-7.jpg/v4-460px-Hpd-a-Farewell-Party- Step-7.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/08/Hpd-a-Farewell-Party-Step-7.jpg/v4-728px-Hpd- a-Farewell-Party-Step-7.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Prepare food. Unless you’re planning a table-serve party, the “hands-on” dishes will also be enjoyable. Try to choose dishes that you know the main character of the party likes best.

Snacks, sandwiches and desserts are great for people getting around and socializing.
On the other hand, a meal sitting at the table might mean more to the protagonist.
Use plates and spoons that match the theme.
Prepare local favorites and/or foods that depict the cuisine of the new land your friend is going to. Or, if you’re hosting a farewell party for a coworker, consider ordering food at that person’s favorite restaurant near the office.
Find a local specialty beer or wine that your special guests will love if everyone is old enough to drink. Sometimes a cold beer from a familiar place is also very memorable. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/8b/Hpd-a-Farewell-Party-Step-8.jpg/v4-460px-Hpd-a-Farewell-Party- Step-8.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/8b/Hpd-a-Farewell-Party-Step-8.jpg/v4-728px-Hpd- a-Farewell-Party-Step-8.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Prepare speech. Arrange who wants to speak.

Statements can emphasize the main character’s good qualities, revolve around what that person means to you, and what you have learned from that person. Ask everyone to keep their speeches short to avoid lengthy delays.
Statements can highlight a number of topics from funny stories to heartfelt memories and well wishes.
Make sure to give the protagonist a chance to respond. However, you should not invite them to speak. The farewell party will be fun but it can also be emotional, and your friend may not be ready to speak in public.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/5/52/Hpd-a-Farewell-Party-Step-9.jpg/v4-460px-Hpd-a-Farewell-Party- Step-9.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/52/Hpd-a-Farewell-Party-Step-9.jpg/v4-728px-Hpd- a-Farewell-Party-Step-9.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Prepare a parting gift. Those who are about to leave will be given gifts at farewell parties. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

Think about the main character of the party and their circumstances. Your friend may prefer a souvenir plaque or book to a store-bought gift. In addition, you should also think about where the person is going. If they are going abroad, give them a small or useful gift for the trip.
During the retirement party, usually the person who is about to retire will be presented with traditional company gifts. However, you should also give your special guest a gift that can preserve the memory of the time and relationships in the company.
For someone who is going away, look for a gift that can help with the trip. Maybe you know they’re packing, but haven’t found the right travel backpack yet. Then everyone can buy a great backpack together to give to the main character of the party. If you’re more thoughtful, pack your backpack with essentials like a water bottle, toiletries, and favorite snacks.
Think about why your guests are leaving and where they are going. Try to find one or more practical gifts for your friend. Don’t give things that are hard to take or don’t need.
Maybe your friend moved to another province. Instead of giving the person extra things to pack and move, why not give them boxes, or even hire a cleaning service to help them pack? Or you and your friends make a scrapbook together and give away other practical items like travel backpacks and personal items.
If your coworker moves to another company, think of something that will remind the person you’re about to leave with great memories but will be helpful to that person’s new job. Maybe it’s a unique design notebook or laptop bag. Or you can also give that person a decoration to put on the desk.

Honoring the main character of the party

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/1/12/Hpd-a-Farewell-Party-Step-10.jpg/v4-460px-Hpd-a-Farewell-Party- Step-10.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/1/12/Hpd-a-Farewell-Party-Step-10.jpg/v4-728px-Hpd- a-Farewell-Party-Step-10.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Take a lot of photos. You can email your photos or even print your best photos on canvas and send them to the person who is about to leave to keep a record of the event and all those in attendance.

You can also make a sticker book of pictures of a group of friends or colleagues sharing happy moments as an added gift.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/3/38/Hpd-a-Farewell-Party-Step-11.jpg/v4-460px-Hpd-a-Farewell-Party- Step-11.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/38/Hpd-a-Farewell-Party-Step-11.jpg/v4-728px-Hpd- a-Farewell-Party-Step-11.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Play games that highlight the main character of the party. Organize games that your special guest loves, or games that revolve around the main character.

You can transform a classic game like “Two Truths and One Lie”. The guests would go around and tell three short anecdotes about the main character of the party, two of which were true and one made up. The main character won’t join until the others start guessing. In the end whoever identifies the most lies will be the winner. ^{[6] X Research Source}
You can also tease the main character. But make sure the jokes aren’t offensive and have a positive ending. Jokes can be hilarious, but you have to be careful to keep the context light-hearted.
You can play any game you like. For a more distinctive touch, you can customize the game according to the theme of the party. For example, if your friend is going abroad and everyone is old enough to drink, you can play a modified version of “beer pong” (a game with beer and ping pong). One side represents the country you are in, the other side is the country your friend is going to.
Show a map of the land the protagonist is going to and let everyone choose an interesting place to go or something to do in the destination.

Advice

In most cases, you should let the protagonist know that you want to throw a farewell party. Some people may not be comfortable with partying. However, if it is a very close friend, a surprise party will be very interesting.
Ask co-workers if they’d like a farewell party. Sometimes your co-workers don’t want to be noisy.
Choose themes and gifts related to the past and future of the protagonist’s journey.
Go to the same price store to pick up cheap souvenirs for the party.
Buy or create meaningful and useful gifts for your special guest.
Farewell parties can be emotional. It’s best to prepare in advance. Keep tissues handy and try to create a fun atmosphere. Play cheerful music and play fun games.
Maybe you need to ask the protagonist when you should have the party. For colleagues, the end of the day may be better, but sometimes they prefer to organize at noon.

Steps

Plan the party

Arrange the details of the party

Honoring the main character of the party

Advice

Related Posts