Planning surprise parties can be a fun experience but it does require a lot of work. Surprise parties are only fun if your guest of honor is actually surprised by it. Maintaining secrecy is perhaps the most challenging aspect of this event. At SLICE, we have hosted many surprise celebrations so we understand the process involved. Here are some tips that we’ve learned over the years that can help:
- Make sure your friend is comfortable with surprise parties
Most people love surprises, especially after noticing how much effort friends put into it, but some don’t like to be surprised. Some people like to be prepared or control responses in social situations. Others dislike being forgotten and don’t relish the suspense leading up to a party. It’s important to ensure your friend doesn’t fall into either of these categories. There are ways to make people happy on a special day without surprise parties.
- Pick a date
If you really want it to be a surprise, pick a date carefully. Parties on the actual birth date or anniversary date aren’t a surprise. Your guest of honor will immediately realize something amiss and see signs of a surprise party clearly. Choose a date before the actual event. For example, if a friend’s birth is on 15th, choose 12th or 13th to host a surprise party. This will ensure its genuinely a surprise.
- Choose the right venue
Choose a venue your guest of honor might appreciate but also be familiar with. This helps avoid suspicion, especially leading up to the final drive. For example, if your friend has visited the venue a couple of times before and it isn’t too far away from home, they won’t have any reasons to suspect something. It’s also a good idea to ensure your friend will actually like the place.
- Pick a theme
A great theme can add a unique flair to a party, which will make it all the more entertaining for all guests. Choose a theme that will appeal to your guest of honor. For example, if they’re a history buff, plan a medieval or Grecian theme party. If they love Harry Potter, plan an event based on those books. A theme is a great way to make any event extra special and memorable.
- Choose guests
The final step is to decide who will attend your party or who will assist with planning. A smaller group is easier to manage as you can rely on them to stay quiet about it. Larger groups can bring more life to a party but there’s always a risk of someone ruining the surprise. It’s a good idea to invite people you know personally or can trust to keep a secret. We recommend issuing invites in person so you can discuss party specifications with all guests. It’s easier to convey the need for secrecy personally.
If you want to know more about planning a surprise party or our services, don’t hesitate to contact us at SLICE.
