Losing a colleague is never easy, but a well-planned farewell can ease the transition and show appreciation for their contributions. A crucial part of this is extending a proper invitation. This essay will guide you through the creation of a compelling Farewell Lunch Invitation Email Sample, offering various templates for different scenarios to ensure you send the right message.
Why a Farewell Lunch Invitation Matters
A farewell lunch isn’t just about saying goodbye; it’s a chance to celebrate a colleague’s time at the company and wish them well. It’s a gesture of respect and appreciation that can boost morale and leave a positive lasting impression. Consider it as an opportunity to:
- Express Gratitude: Thank the departing employee for their hard work and dedication.
- Foster Connection: Provide a final opportunity for team members to connect and share memories.
- Show Support: Let the departing employee know they are valued and that the team wishes them well in their future endeavors.
Sending a well-crafted invitation is essential because it sets the tone for the entire event and ensures everyone feels included and informed. There are different types of information that an invitation should consist of, such as:
- Who: The name of the person being honored.
- What: The nature of the event (a farewell lunch).
- When: Date and time of the lunch.
- Where: Location of the lunch.
- RSVP: Instructions on how to RSVP.
This invitation is a reflection of the company’s culture and its regard for its employees. A thoughtful and clear invitation will make the departing colleague feel appreciated and valued. It’s also a good way to keep a professional relationship with the departing colleague for the future.
Farewell Lunch Invitation Email for a Team Member
Subject: Farewell Lunch for [Employee Name]
Hi Team,
We’re sad to announce that [Employee Name] will be leaving us on [Departure Date]. We’ll miss [him/her/them] and wanted to celebrate [his/her/their] contributions with a farewell lunch.
Please join us for lunch on:
- Date: [Date of Lunch]
- Time: [Time of Lunch]
- Location: [Restaurant Name and Address]
We would love for you to come and wish [Employee Name] all the best in [his/her/their] future endeavors.
Please RSVP to [Your Email Address] by [RSVP Date] so we can get a headcount.
Best regards,
[Your Name/HR Department]
Farewell Lunch Invitation Email for a Manager
Subject: Farewell Lunch for [Manager Name]
Dear Team,
As many of you know, our manager, [Manager Name], will be leaving [Company Name] on [Departure Date]. We want to give [him/her/them] a proper send-off and express our gratitude for [his/her/their] leadership and guidance.
We’re hosting a farewell lunch to honor [Manager Name]:
- Date: [Date of Lunch]
- Time: [Time of Lunch]
- Location: [Restaurant Name and Address]
Let’s come together to share our appreciation and wish [Manager Name] well in [his/her/their] next chapter.
Kindly RSVP to [Your Email Address] by [RSVP Date].
Sincerely,
[Your Name/HR Department]
Farewell Lunch Invitation Email with a Specific Theme
Subject: A Fond Farewell & [Theme] for [Employee Name]!
Hi Everyone,
Let’s say goodbye to [Employee Name] with a fun and memorable farewell lunch before [his/her/their] last day on [Departure Date]! We’re planning a [Theme – e.g., “Potluck,” “Casual Lunch,” “Sports Themed”] to celebrate [his/her/their] time with us.
Join us for:
- Date: [Date of Lunch]
- Time: [Time of Lunch]
- Location: [Restaurant Name and Address or Office Location for Potluck]
- Theme: [Theme Description – e.g., “Bring your favorite dish to share!”, “Wear your favorite team jersey!”]
Please RSVP to [Your Email Address] by [RSVP Date] so we can get a headcount (and for potluck, what you plan to bring).
We hope to see you there!
Best regards,
[Your Name/HR Department]
Farewell Lunch Invitation Email for a Remote Employee
Subject: Farewell Lunch for [Employee Name] – Celebrating from Afar!
Hi Team,
We want to celebrate [Employee Name]’s contributions as [he/she/they] move on from [Company Name] on [Departure Date]. Although [he/she/they] is remote, we want to include everyone in the farewell!
Join us for a virtual farewell lunch! We will be hosting a video call:
- Date: [Date of Lunch]
- Time: [Time of Lunch] – [Time Zone, if applicable]
- Platform: [Zoom, Google Meet, etc.] – [Link/Meeting ID]
Bring your own lunch and let’s raise a virtual toast to [Employee Name]! We encourage those in the office to enjoy lunch together in person as well.
Please RSVP to [Your Email Address] by [RSVP Date] so we can share any updates.
Best,
[Your Name/HR Department]
Farewell Lunch Invitation Email with a Gift Collection Mention
Subject: Farewell Lunch and Gift for [Employee Name]
Hi Team,
Let’s give a warm send-off to [Employee Name] as [he/she/they] embarks on a new journey on [Departure Date]. We’re planning a farewell lunch to show our appreciation.
Join us for lunch:
- Date: [Date of Lunch]
- Time: [Time of Lunch]
- Location: [Restaurant Name and Address]
In addition to the lunch, we’re collecting contributions for a gift for [Employee Name]. If you wish to contribute, please see [Name of person collecting or link to online collection platform] by [Date].
Please RSVP to [Your Email Address] by [RSVP Date].
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Sincerely,
[Your Name/HR Department]
Farewell Lunch Invitation Email for a Short-Notice Departure
Subject: Quick Notice: Farewell Lunch for [Employee Name]
Hi Team,
We received the news that [Employee Name]’s last day with us is [Departure Date]. We want to quickly organize a farewell lunch to wish [him/her/them] well.
Join us for a farewell lunch:
- Date: [Date of Lunch]
- Time: [Time of Lunch]
- Location: [Restaurant Name and Address]
We understand this is short notice, but we’d love for you to join us to say goodbye and thank [Employee Name] for [his/her/their] time here.
Please RSVP to [Your Email Address] by [RSVP Date] so we can confirm the reservation.
Best,
[Your Name/HR Department]
Farewell Lunch Invitation Email to External Contacts
Subject: Farewell Lunch Invitation for [Employee Name]
Dear [External Contact Name],
We would like to invite you to a farewell lunch to honor our colleague, [Employee Name], as [he/she/they] moves on from [Company Name] on [Departure Date]. [Employee Name] has been a valuable asset to our team and we would love for you to join us in wishing [him/her/them] well.
The lunch will be held at:
- Date: [Date of Lunch]
- Time: [Time of Lunch]
- Location: [Restaurant Name and Address]
Your presence would mean a lot to [Employee Name]. Please RSVP to [Your Email Address] by [RSVP Date] if you’re able to attend.
Thank you, and we hope to see you there.
Sincerely,
[Your Name/HR Department]
In conclusion, a well-written **Farewell Lunch Invitation Email Sample** is a small but significant gesture that can have a big impact. By using these examples and adapting them to fit your specific situation, you can ensure that your departing colleague feels valued and leaves with positive memories of their time at your company. Remember to be genuine, appreciative, and clear in your communication, and you’ll create a farewell event that everyone will remember fondly.