Now that our little ones are about a month into the new school year, it’s time to say good bye to the older kids—the ones embarking on a new adult journey in college. We’ve attended a few farewell parties in the past couple of weeks and there are a couple more left on the schedule. These bright adults are getting prepared to move across the nation to pursue their dreams. So far, we’ve said farewell to a new students at Stanford University, Chapman University, and a new graduate student at University of Pennsylvania. I can’t wait to see them grow into responsible adults or grow in their chosen career path.
Planning a farewell party doesn’t need to be overwhelming. I prefer more intimate gatherings, especially if it’s a goodbye them. By intimate, I mean that the guest list should consist of friends and family that are close to the student – those that have had a direct influence and effect on the student’s life and education. These events, although fun, can get emotional. So definitely include pocket tissues in the goody bags.
I am very much aware of our fast-changing technology and of the fact that disposable cameras are most certainly not the latest invention. I do, however, feel very strongly about having a camera handy at important parties. I may not be the best at e-mailing digital pictures to friends right after said event, but I have a lovely collection of pictures and collages saved. That said, I highly recommend placing a couple disposable cameras at the guest tables so they can take pictures together. Make sure and include a note next to the cameras asking the guests to please leave the cameras on the table at the end of the evening. It’ll be such a fun surprise to see everyone’s experience of the party once you’ve had the cameras developed.
The theme of the décor doesn’t need to be too elaborate. A while back, we shared a party tip on our Facebook page:
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The idea is to print several pictures of the guest of honor—anything from baby pictures to milestones that lead up to the current moment—and attach them to balloons. It’s as much fun for the guests to see the pictures, as it is for the student. [Cue the nostalgia here.]
Seriously, the most important party of farewell soirees is to let your guest of honor feel how proud you are of them and how much you and your friends/family support them in their upcoming endeavors.
Good Luck, everyone!
