Going Away Party Ideas – 10 ideas for the best Leaving Party
The thought of running out of party ideas can be daunting. These are sentimental activities because it’s hard to say goodbye to people you care about. But it’s also an opportunity to make your loved ones feel special. Spend some unforgettable time together that you will cherish for a lifetime. Check out the ideas we’ve put together below and throw the most fun going away party ever!
Departing from Party Etiquette
Do you need to give a gift to the person who is leaving? Absolutely! Before the launch, you’ll be running out of party ideas, keep these factors in mind when deciding what to give.
- Don’t bring something your loved one doesn’t need. Usually the person leaving is packing and removing a lot of stuff.
- Ask questions. They may be something they need for the trip or the new place they are moving to. Give them something they can use.
- Give them something to remember you by. Something compact and easy to store that they can easily take with them wherever they go.
Top Tips on Going Away Party Ideas
1. Make a guest list.
This is a top priority as it will determine many other factors such as venue, theme, and food. Find out how many people will be attending the party. Categorize them by friends, family, schoolmates, and coworkers.
2. Decide on a theme.
A theme will help your party feel organized and fun. This will help you solidify the idea of leaving the party that you have in mind. The decor, costumes, and even the food will all be based on your theme. Choose something close to your guest of honor’s heart. If you’re sending your child off to college, host a school-themed party. If someone is moving to Miami, host a beach theme party. Check out our ultimate list of party theme ideas here.
3. Decide on food.
Whether it’s a potluck, catered, cooked, or ordered food, the main goal is to feed everyone. Serve your food buffet style so you don’t need servers. Make sure there is plenty of food for second and third helpings. If it’s a full day’s work, then the food should be more!
4. Plan activities for your guests.
Depending on your theme, make a list of things your guests can do to keep them entertained. Prepare games, and a program to follow. A photo booth is a failsafe option for any type of party. You can rent a photo booth or just create your own with a backdrop and some props.
5. Elect roles
Like any other party, it will be very stressful if it is held by only one person. Talk to everyone involved and have separate people in charge of the food, guest list, decor, music, etc. Making the party a collaborative effort will make your guest of honor feel more loved.
Going Away Party Ideas – Our Favorite Going Away Party Themes
Color-Themed Going Away Party
Can’t think of a unique going away party idea yet? This is one of the easiest and last-minute options even for a rushed party. And it’s also great if your guests aren’t into theme-based parties. Plus, it also saves preparation time and effort while still giving the party an organized feel.
Check out these color coordination suggestions you can try:
- Flag Colors (of the country your honored guest is visiting)
- School Colors (of the school you send your child to)
- Classic Black and Gold
- Simple White and Black
- Earth Toned Cream and Neutral
Packing Party
This is the most practical and low-key type of party. Go to your friend’s place and help them pack their things. Relieving the stress of getting everything ready before moving in for the day is sometimes the best gift you can give a friend. Make packing time memorable by popping a bottle of champagne and ordering a pizza afterwards.
Going Away Picnic Party
Picnic parties are simple and cozy, but memorable. It’s versatile because you can set it up anywhere – at a winery, a nearby park, or even in your backyard. Champagne, sandwiches or cold beer, and pizza are great foods to bring to a picnic party. Prepare everything in advance such as picnic mats, plates, cups, and tissue paper. And if the weather isn’t on your side, an indoor picnic can work just as well.
Luau Party
Throw a luau-themed party if the person leaving is outgoing and charismatic and loves a fabulous party. It’s perfect for big crowds, with the venue being beach or poolside. The food is also overflowing with mouth-watering delicacies like roast pork, summer salad, and a tiki bar! Check out these fun luau ideas here.
College-Themed Going Away Party
If your child is going to college, this is the perfect theme to let them know how much you support their choice. It’s also a great way to get them excited (and less sad) to leave and start a new phase in their lives. Invite friends, family, and former and future classmates! Decorate with a college logo, sports jersey, and even a mascot!
Military Send-Off
This theme is only for a loved one who is leaving for military service. Let them know how proud you are of them by inviting your closest friends and family to this unique party. Decorate with military emblems and colors, and give military gifts. Also, the best gift you can give at this event are care packages that your loved ones can use as they begin training.
Sailing Away Party
Throw a sailboat-themed party if your loved one is leaving for his job on the ocean. (Cast Guard, Navy, etc.). Serve a seafood menu, sing sailing songs, and decorate anchors, captains’ wheels, and all dress up as sailors! “Pin the rudder on the boat” is a fun game you can play to keep everyone entertained.
Bon Voyage Party
For a loved one who leaves for a long vacation, it is a party to greet them with joy and happiness. You can also use this theme even if the person is just going away and not on vacation. Bon Voyage parties are unique, especially in decor. Travel signs, globe lanterns, world maps, and banners are a must.
Future Destination Party
‘Out with the old and in with the new’. Make your loved one happy about what awaits them in the place or country they are moving to. Decorate your venue accordingly, including popular food from the future venue, famous landmarks, and music. This will allow you and your loved one to enjoy a part of the area together even for a short while. Who knows, maybe one day you can visit them to experience the country for real?
Virtual Going Away Party
Many companies today operate online and rarely see each other in person. If a co-worker leaves the company to pursue another career, you can still throw them a party – almost! Coming up with party ideas doesn’t always have to be personal. It’s like your standard zoom meetings but grander and more fun! This way you can also show your appreciation for what the person has contributed to the group and your support for their future endeavors.
Film a video tribute
Have others create a group of individual video messages and combine them into a touching video clip. Use Windows Movie Maker or iMovie to add background music and fun transitions. This is something you can send as a gift from the whole team and your co-worker can always watch it whenever they miss your group.
Show Personalized Zoom Backgrounds
During the virtual party, ask your teammates to make their backgrounds a tribute to your departing co-worker. Use pictures you have of them, or use their favorite movie, character, or color. This will be a fun ice breaker as you get the party started and will likely get a conversation going.
Play Virtual Farewell Party Bingo
This is a fun customized Bingo card specially created for a farewell party. It is interactive and everyone will surely have the time of their life. Give it to each teammate link with a card generator from teambuilding.com. Encourage everyone to listen to the conversational cues and mark their cards until a winner is declared.
Final Note of Leaving Party Ideas
With these leaving party ideas in mind, no matter who shows up, and even if a minor accident happens, your party will be one for the books. You took the time and effort and it will be appreciated.
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