I got my book from W.H.Smiths they have allsorts there, hope you have a great party and take loads of photos dont forget the spare batteries and film for the cameras.
We had a big leaving party 4 weeks before we left and what a great time we all had!!!! We invited all our family, friends, neighbours etc. People started arriving at midday and the last left about 1am the following day. Even tho some of the people who came we didnt see again it was not really a sad occassion. We also said individual goodbyes to people just before we went which in a way was harder. When we went to the airport we had my mum, aunt, brother, sister in law and close friends see us off (I think there was about 20 of our family and closest friends at the airport) which was really hard.
Having said all this there is nothing that we would have done differently!!!! Deb xx
we invited work collegues and mates to a pub drink. we had a big night in yorkshire for OH family. We had seperate goodbyes with my aunt, my nanna, best friends, family friends and then spent last weekend at my parents.
had last night before we left at the Heathrow Hilton.
Noone at airport for us but I kinda wished we had someone there! dunno why!
hi we are hoping to go to oz in october next year and are renewing our vows in august so that will be our sort of leaving party to every one - its up to the individual i think
we will prob have a little goodbye party for out close friends and family - may be a bbq to get in practice!!
chelle x
We got married in May and in my mind that was going to be a sort of leaving party. It was a way of getting all the families and close friends together. However, so as not to upset my in-laws, we didn't mention the move (although a lot of people knew about it). At the time we started planning the wedding we thought we would be leaving soon after, but delays have meant we are still waiting to hear. Still, I suppose we can spread the word that our purpose for the wedding was also a goodbye for the families, incase they start asking why we didn't say goodbye.
I have had a little trip with my sister (roller coaster rides included ) which reminded me how much fun we've had together over the years. Might try and get another in before we go. I think maybe a meal out with friends and one with closest family might be what we'll do.
Cara
__________________ Arrived in Australia in June 2008
I think it is down to the individuals to make their respective decision. We thought about it but I had a lot of problems with the In-Laws. As you would expect, it was all my fault that I was taking my wife, their daughter and 3 Grand Children 10,000 miles away and I was called all the names under the sun. Now I live under the sun and I have got the last laugh although it was made very difficult for both of us. We felt we would like to celebrate with people who respected our decision but problems may have arose by invited people who didn't expect our decision. We ended up having a few individual meals out with close friends who did respect our decision. People are either with you or against you simply because of jealousy as they haven't got the balls to do what you are doing or don't understand why you need to do something with your life and leave them in their small little world.
I have heard from other expats that a 'Leaving Do' is seen as a celebration of departure and a lot of people close to your heart may not see it that way. I know of a recent UK emigrant whose mother wouldn't attend the party because she was too upset. Close relatives see it as celebrating a loss of somebody very close much similar to celebrating at a wake following a funeral!
Don't forget the small factor of parting with dollars that maybe needed at this end!
I hope you think very carefully and make the correct decision for you. Gazzer
Thanks Karen I can feel a trip to Lakeside comming on, the party seemed like a good idea at the time, but I am not so sure now with a day to go, those inflatable kangaroos and hats with corks on seemed really funny at the time but i'm not so sure.
We're sneaking off, going to see my mum and wifes dad and have spoken to the rest of the rellies on the phone. Need all the cash we can for starting down under.:)
Hey,
Know what you mean! it can be exspensive, at least you are doing your good byes to the Mums and Dads that will be very tuff, however you have a fantastic adventure ahead of you and Im sure you will live the dream. We intend to big time
I think it is down to the individuals to make their respective decision. We thought about it but I had a lot of problems with the In-Laws. As you would expect, it was all my fault that I was taking my wife, their daughter and 3 Grand Children 10,000 miles away and I was called all the names under the sun. Now I live under the sun and I have got the last laugh although it was made very difficult for both of us. We felt we would like to celebrate with people who respected our decision but problems may have arose by invited people who didn't expect our decision. We ended up having a few individual meals out with close friends who did respect our decision. People are either with you or against you simply because of jealousy as they haven't got the balls to do what you are doing or don't understand why you need to do something with your life and leave them in their small little world.
I have heard from other expats that a 'Leaving Do' is seen as a celebration of departure and a lot of people close to your heart may not see it that way. I know of a recent UK emigrant whose mother wouldn't attend the party because she was too upset. Close relatives see it as celebrating a loss of somebody very close much similar to celebrating at a wake following a funeral!
Don't forget the small factor of parting with dollars that maybe needed at this end!
I hope you think very carefully and make the correct decision for you. Gazzer
That's sound advice Gazzer, thank you. I think I am leaning more in that direction. A party seems a bit too much like rubbing it in, the way my in-laws feel about it. Also, as some have said, it's my hard saved pennies for the new life being broken into.
Cara
__________________ Arrived in Australia in June 2008
We are having our leaving party next saturday. I wasnt sure whether to have one or not but most people asked us to have one. I was apprehensive because I know I will cry and as much as I am so excited as we leave in 2 weeks time, I still feel very sad for the family and close friends that I will leave behind. I am hoping having the leaving do I can cry my heart out and then get on with starting a new life in Oz.
My friends and some of my family have now told us they are coming to the airport. Now that is gonna be a difficult one. I will let you know how it goes!!
) which reminded me how much fun we've had together over the years. Might try and get another in before we go. I think maybe a meal out with friends and one with closest family might be what we'll do.
