How to Be the Perfect Going Away Party Guest

Going away parties are a fun way to send friends and family off and to let them know how much they mean to you. But to get the most out of a going away party, the party guests need to rein in some habits that could ruin the event. What can you do to show that you are the perfect going away party guest?

Make Sure You RSVP Quickly

There is nothing worse for a party planner than to have to chase everyone up after they have sent out invitations. If you cannot make it to the party, change your "maybe" into a definite "no" so that firm plans can be made with the catering, seating arrangements and other details.

You should also make sure to abide by any instructions in the party invitation. If you have been asked to bring along an entrée, make something up for the day, or if there are strict instructions on who can and cannot come to the party, make sure you abide by those guidelines too.

Lay Off the Guilt Trip!

It is only natural that you are going to miss your best friend once she moves across the state to start her new job. But is it really necessary to lay on the guilt trip with a trowel until she is sobbing into her hankie as she leaves? Packing up and leaving friends and family behind is hard enough without having to listen to party guests going on and on about how things just won't be the same without you and how they have been crying themselves to sleep for the past week over your impending departure.

Try to strike a fair balance by briefly letting your departing friend know you will miss them, but emphasizing the fact that you are also happy for them as they get ready to go. That way, your friend will leave with a smile on her face, not be wracked with guilt as she boards her plane.

It Isn't About You!

A going away party is intended to honor the person who will be leaving. It is not about you or your family. Do not monopolize the event by drawing attention away from the guest of honor as she prepares to give a speech, expecting star treatment as your daughter takes center stage or you announce your pregnancy to a packed audience of friends. Keep your news to yourself and focus on the guest of honor.

The perfect going away party guest RSVPs as quickly as they can and does not make their friend feel guilty as they prepare to leave. Moreover, they know that the party is not all about them, which is why they hold back from sharing any special news they might have. Instead, they focus their attention where they should and that is on the guest of honor.

More from this contributor:

How to Eat Healthily at a Dessert Party.

How to Prepare Your Home for a Dinner Party.

What to Include in a Hawaiian Luau Party.