Planning a surprise party to celebrate a special person in your life?
While there are a few more logistics involved with this type of party, the steps leading up to the big reveal don’t have to be challenging.
Before the lights go out and everyone gathers to hide, there are a few easy steps you can follow to ensure that the party is seamless, your guests are happy, and the result is everything you wanted it to be and more.
Ready to get going? Let’s start at the beginning!
1. Consider Your Guest of Honor
Is he or she a fan of surprises?
If so, great! Proceed to Step 2.
If not, you may want to think about a more low-key way to celebrate.
If you’re not sure whether or not your recipient will be thrilled or turned off, try checking with a family member or friend. Also, remember a surprise party can thrust the guest of honor directly into the spotlight.
Will this attention be welcomed, or met with embarrassment?
This simple first step is crucial to making sure all your hard work pays off.
2. Hire a Secret Helper
If you’re in charge of planning the event, you’ll need someone close to the guest of honor to help you pull it all together. This can be a spouse, co-worker, friend or family member.
This is the person in charge of delivering your guest of honor to the party destination on time, usually under the guise of a different plan.
3. Craft Invitations Stealthily
Sending out invites is a requirement to make sure people know about the party. It’s a part of proper party etiquette and sets the tone for the big day.
The tricky part here is timing the delivery just right. Too soon and your guest of honor may see the invite lying around. If you wait too long, however, you’ll risk losing guests who had other plans.
A few more reminders:
Be sure to include on the invitation that the party is a surprise. You’ll also want RSVPs sent out covertly to reduce the risk of your guest’s interception.
When you’re scheduling the time to put on the invite, leave a little bit of time for everyone to meet, assemble, set up, and hide beforehand.
4. Setting up the Big Moment
While the most common scenario at a surprise party is for the guests to jump out and yell “Surprise!” this might not always be the best option.
If your guest has a health condition that might be impaired from the shock of a grand reveal, consider having guests begin making noise before he or she enters the room. They can sing or play simple instruments, or even begin the party ahead of time so the guest isn’t too stunned.
If you do decide to hide, be sure to time it and practice beforehand!
5. Keep Decor Strategic
While many parties are marked with streamers on the mailbox, or confetti up the steps, this type of party typically requires more subdued and subtle decor.
Remember, you want to keep your guest of honor guessing, so the simpler the decorations, the better, and save them all for inside the location if you can.
Balloons and other decor personalized for your guest can be a perfect solution and are sure to feel special, not fussy.
Surprise Party Success: Pulling it all Off
Throwing a surprise party should be an enjoyable experience, and should leave your special guest feeling honored and relaxed.
When you’re ready to start planning your next event, we’d love to help. We’re experts in custom party ware and we’re sure to have everything you need to make your next event special.
Visit our one-stop party shop, check out our party ideas, and contact us today to get started!
