So you’re trying to find ideas to plan a great surprise party. It could be for someone’s birthday, it could be for a retiree, or even a couples wedding anniversary. It could be for any reason; or no reason at all. Which, in my opinion, is probably the best reason to have a surprise party. You know whoever the guest of honor is will have the surprise of their life. I mean, why does a surprise party have to be about something? Can’t it just simply be a “surprise party” where all you do is surprise someone and if you want have a party afterwards?
All right, enough of my ranting. When it comes to surprise parties, it’s best to keep the knowledge of what’s actually going down to a minimal. In fact, if you can mastermind this, just keep it to yourself. Now I’m not saying jump out of a closet while everyone’s eating cake and blowing candles; you’re going to have to ‘fess up just before the party starts. But invite all your guests, say you’re hosting a surprise party for a friend in the invitations – let them know you’ll reveal who the party’s for on Facebook. Now everyone who’s going to attend is required to join the page – except the person in question (you obviously wouldn’t have sent him an invitation to begin with). On the day of the party reveal the identity on Facebook and tell everyone to arrive an hour earlier than the guest of honor. Of course, don’t plan a surprise party on the day everyone expects; don’t do it on someone’s birthday; do it a week or so after (or before). You’ll get more of a surprise if you have a little mock party for the honoree, then host the “real” party for a “friend” at your house (with the guest of honor unknowingly being the “friend”, but tagging along), and WAMMO! They never see it coming. Everyone there shouts “surprise” soon as you two walk in the door.
There’s a belief out there that surprise parties are taboo for the elderly. Not me, I believe a surprise is good for the ticker. Of course, you don’t want to go crazy with it – don’t jump from behind something and scare them into next week. Make it a subtle, pleasant surprise. For example, host a party at a restaurant; tell everyone else to come a half hour to an hour late – plan it during the early bird special so they won’t snooze off – and as people start filing in, inform the distinguished guest this is a surprise party. They should be pleased and feel appreciated that so many people want to honor the years this particular individual lived on this earth. But whatever you do, don’t let them play “Where’s Waldo” games online!
There are more resources to be found on the net when it comes to surprise party ideas. Make sure you plan carefully and, more important, secretly when trying to surprise someone. It can be exhaustive when doing it alone, but again, you need to keep a lid on it when it comes to these types of celebrations. If it’s too much work for you solo, try telling your best, most trusted friend to help you. It might be good to use a friend with a track-record of keeping secrets. Maybe test them, say something personal, only to them – not true of course – and wait five months to see if the word got around. If you’ve done that with all your friends and none of them pass the test, I’m sorry – you’re on your own. Hopefully though, that’s not the case and you can get some help if you feel overwhelmed.
Of course, they don’t all have to include a bunch of people either. You could have a surprise party with your spouse. These can include:
A Surprise Destination: Keep an ear open of favorite vacationing spots your spouse would like to go but doesn’t have the time/money to get there.
A Surprise Gift: What material item does your spouse like? If your husband, is he into gadgets and tools? Or is does your wife like jewelry (of course!) or a certain clothing line? Surprise them with a gift showing how special you think they are to you.
A Surprise Dinner: Does your spouse like a certain cuisine? It’d definitely be a surprise to cook a 4-course meal – especially if you don’t cook often.
Well, these tips should help. Good luck!
Some other party ideas include:
Unique 30th Birthday Party Ideas
Entertaining Ideas for Your Wedding
Great 13th Birthday Party Ideas
Engagement Party Ideas on a Budget
Refined 40th Birthday Party Ideas
To make this party a success, you must start the planning early and enlist the assistance of others as necessary. Learn the fine art of delegation and you will arrive at the party ready to enjoy the festivities instead of being wide-eyed and exhausted.