Saying goodbye is never easy, especially when it involves leaving a workplace where you’ve spent countless hours building friendships, navigating office politics, and maybe even stealing snacks from the communal kitchen (no judgment). Whether you’re the one leaving or just organizing a farewell lunch for a colleague, crafting the perfect email can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. You want to be heartfelt, but not sappy. Fun, but not inappropriate. Professional, but not robotic.
Don’t worry—I’ve got your back! Below are some farewell lunch email examples that hit all the right notes—whether you’re saying goodbye to your favorite coworker or the office plant you’ve somehow bonded with. Let’s break down how to send an email that strikes the perfect balance between “I’m going to miss you” and “Let’s enjoy one last meal together without sobbing into our salads.”
1. The Casual, Friendly Farewell Lunch Invite
If you’re keeping it casual and just want to grab lunch with your coworkers before you leave, this email is perfect. It’s light, breezy, and doesn’t get too deep into the feels.
Subject: Let’s Do Lunch Before I Head Out!
Hey [Team/Coworker’s Name],
As you all know, my time here is coming to an end (cue sad violin music). But before I go, I’d love to have one last lunch with everyone!
When: [Day, Date, Time]
Where: [Restaurant Name]
It’s a casual get-together, nothing too fancy—just a chance to hang out and grab some good food before I officially say goodbye. Let me know if you can make it, and I hope to see you there!
Cheers,
[Your Name]
2. The Formal Farewell Lunch Email
If your workplace leans more toward the formal side (you know, the kind where people wear suits even on Zoom calls), you might want to dial up the professionalism. This email keeps it respectful and appropriate while still inviting everyone for a nice send-off.
Subject: Farewell Lunch Invitation
Dear [Team/Coworker’s Name],
As I prepare to transition from [Company Name], I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside such a talented and supportive team. I would love to invite you all to join me for a farewell lunch as a small way of saying thank you.
When: [Day, Date, Time]
Where: [Restaurant Name]
I hope you can join me to share some final moments together before my departure. Please RSVP so I can ensure we have a table for everyone.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
3. The Nostalgic Farewell Lunch Email
If you’ve been at your company for a while and have some memories (the good, the bad, and the ugly), this email brings a touch of nostalgia. It’s perfect for when you want to get a little sentimental without needing a box of tissues on hand.
Subject: One Last Lunch Together!
Hey [Team/Coworker’s Name],
Can you believe it? After [number] years at [Company Name], it’s time for me to move on to my next adventure. But before I do, I’d love to have one last lunch with all of you. We’ve shared some good times—remember [insert funny or meaningful memory]?—and I’d love to reminisce and celebrate the time we’ve had together.
When: [Day, Date, Time]
Where: [Restaurant Name]
I hope you can make it! Let’s send me off with full stomachs and good vibes.
Best,
[Your Name]
Emotional trigger: You know that feeling when you look back and realize how much has changed, and suddenly, you’re feeling all warm and fuzzy inside? Yeah, that’s the energy we’re going for here.
4. The Short and Sweet Farewell Lunch Email
Maybe you’re not a fan of long-winded goodbyes, or maybe you just don’t want to drag it out (understandable). This email gets straight to the point but still delivers the message.
Subject: Farewell Lunch—Join Me!
Hi [Team/Coworker’s Name],
As my last day approaches, I’d love to grab lunch with everyone one last time!
When: [Day, Date, Time]
Where: [Restaurant Name]
Hope to see you there!
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Random thought: It’s kind of like sending a quick text to a friend—“Lunch?” You don’t need a big speech. Just food, company, and a few laughs before you go.
5. The Group Farewell Lunch Email (Organized by Someone Else)
If you’re not the one leaving but you’re in charge of organizing the farewell lunch for a colleague, this email template will help you look like the thoughtful hero of the day.
Subject: Farewell Lunch for [Name]
Hi [Team/Coworker’s Name],
As you all know, [Name] will be leaving us soon, and we want to send them off with a proper farewell lunch! Please join us in celebrating their time at [Company Name] and wishing them well in their next adventure.
When: [Day, Date, Time]
Where: [Restaurant Name]
Let me know if you can make it so we can reserve the right number of seats!
Best,
[Your Name]
6. The “I’m Moving, Let’s Eat” Farewell Lunch Email
This email is for when you’re leaving not just the company but also the city, state, or country. If there’s a big life change coming, use this email to set the tone.
Subject: Let’s Have One Last Lunch Before I Move!
Hi [Team/Coworker’s Name],
As most of you know, I’m not just leaving [Company Name], but I’m also moving to [New City/State/Country]! Before I go, I’d love to have lunch with everyone and say my goodbyes in person.
When: [Day, Date, Time]
Where: [Restaurant Name]
It’s been a wild ride, and I can’t wait to catch up with everyone before I head off on my next adventure. Let me know if you can make it!
All the best,
[Your Name]
7. The “Thank You, Now Let’s Eat” Farewell Lunch Email
Gratitude is never a bad idea. This email focuses on thanking your coworkers for their support and friendship while also inviting them to break bread (or, you know, order a salad).
Subject: Thank You—Let’s Have Lunch!
Hi [Team/Coworker’s Name],
Before I leave [Company Name], I just want to take a moment to say thank you. Working with you all has been an amazing experience, and I’m so grateful for the friendships and memories we’ve built together.
I’d love to grab lunch and celebrate our time together.
When: [Day, Date, Time]
Where: [Restaurant Name]
I hope you can join me!
Thanks again,
[Your Name]
Emotional trigger: Gratitude always hits hard, especially when it’s heartfelt. It’s like giving a warm hug to your colleagues, but through email—and followed by food.
FAQs
1. What should I include in a farewell lunch email?
A farewell lunch email should include the basics: date, time, and location of the lunch. Beyond that, add a personal touch—mention your time at the company, express gratitude, or share a fond memory. Whether you go casual or formal depends on the culture of your workplace and your relationship with your colleagues.
2. Should I organize my own farewell lunch?
It depends. If no one has stepped up to organize it, and you want to have one last meal with your team, feel free to arrange it yourself. However, it’s common for coworkers to plan a farewell lunch for the person who’s leaving, so you might want to check if something is already in the works.
3. How far in advance should I send a farewell lunch email?
Ideally, send the email about a week before the lunch. This gives everyone time to adjust their schedules but isn’t so far in advance that they’ll forget about it.
4. Should I invite the whole office to my farewell lunch?
It depends on the size of the office and your relationships. If it’s a small team, inviting everyone makes sense. If it’s a larger company, you might want to stick to your immediate team or close colleagues.
5. What if no one can make it to my farewell lunch?
If people can’t make it, don’t take it personally! Everyone’s schedules are different, and sometimes it’s just not possible. Consider scheduling individual coffee or lunch dates with those you’re closest to, or plan a virtual farewell if people are working remotely.
Final Thoughts
Saying goodbye is never easy, but a farewell lunch is a perfect way to close one chapter and start a new one. Whether you’re leaving for a new job, moving to a new city, or just taking a much-needed break, sending the right farewell lunch email can make all the difference. It sets the tone for your exit and gives you a chance to enjoy some quality time with your team before you go.
Just remember—keep it personal, keep it light, and, most importantly, don’t forget to RSVP for your own farewell