Pulling off a surprise party for someone is a little like having a baby; easy to conceive, difficult to deliver. That’s because a lot of work goes into planning any celebration, let alone one you don’t want someone to know about.
Keeping a tight lid on a surprise party is challenging but not impossible. Once you have the pieces in mind, it becomes a matter of putting them in place undetected.
The following is a helpful guide for those thinking about surprising someone with a party but unsure where to start:
Consideration
The first step is considering the thoughts and feelings of the person or persons at the center of the celebration. Do they like parties? Do they hate surprises? It may seem obvious, but the last thing you want to do is plan a surprise party for someone who doesn’t like that sort of thing. With that said, it’s possible to plan a surprise party for someone who says they hate surprises. Rather than hide the entire event from them, dial back their expectations by convincing them it’s a small gathering with minimal fanfare. However, if they’re the type who dislikes being the center of attention, it might be best to find another way to honor their milestone or achievement.
Theme
Every great party needs an equally great theme. Surprise parties are no exception. Assuming the event is for a single person or a pair of individuals, hone in on their hobbies and interests. For instance, if someone earned their Ph.D. in Archeology, you might want to go with an Ancient Egyptian theme. Search for “cake decorators near me” to find one close by who can make a cake look like a pharaoh’s sarcophagus. Search online for matching decorations and party favors. Establishing a theme means these smaller decisions are easier to make, as they must conform to a specific style and tone.
Venue
The choice of venue will depend on several different factors. It can be a friend’s backyard or a historic concert hall, depending on the size and scope of the celebration and your budget. Again, we encourage readers to consider the person or persons at the center of the event before choosing a venue. Pick a place you think they’d like. Furthermore, take the final moments of the surprise into account. Escorting someone into a giant event space on the night of their birthday kind of gives it away, no?
Invitations
Now that the theme is selected and the venue reserved, it’s time to send the invitations! Do not use social media! In fact, when it comes to discussions about the party, there should be a total social media blackout. Stick to old-fashioned snail mail with explicit instructions about keeping the event under wraps. Have them sign and return slips of paper swearing them to secrecy (provide them with postage, so they don’t have to use their own) to reinforce the idea that spilling the beans is unacceptable.
Cover Story
For those planning the party, coming up with a cover story to conceal the surprise can be a lot of fun. It’s the one time we get to lie to our loved ones without feeling bad about it! However, a cover story is only as effective as it is convincing. Wait until all the pieces are in place before deciding what to say and do. That way, you don’t have to worry about the story unraveling as changes get made.
Spoiler Prevention
Cute little non-disclosure agreements and clever cover-ups are good for keeping the surprise on ice, but they aren’t foolproof. Further steps must be taken to ensure total secrecy. Monitor social media for any sign of party-related chatter and discreetly intervene when necessary. Even seemingly subtle and innocent hints can quickly unravel your carefully laid plans.
Parking
You’ve spent weeks – perhaps months – planning this surprise party down to every last detail. The last thing you want is for the person of the hour to see the cars of their friends and family parked outside the venue, ruining the surprise moments before it was to be properly revealed. Arrange for carpooling, rideshare, and other ways to limit the number of vehicles used to ferry guests. You can also take steps to conceal their presence by bringing the person into the venue through a back entrance, away from the parking lot or street.
As the saying goes, even the best-laid plans of mice and men can go awry. There’s always the possibility of the surprise party getting revealed too soon or not going according to plan. However, those who follow this guide will be in the best position possible to pull off a successful surprise party. Good luck!
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