Surprise Party Planning Tips

I can remember only one time being treated to a surprise birthday party and unlike other birthday parties given for me over the years, I can still remember every detail. Back then I lived my life as a musician so when my band members all suggested I accompany them to a party at a fan/friend's house I agreed to go along. Looking back now I knew it was my birthday, (at least I think I did) but somehow I never caught on to what my bandmates had in store for me until I was suddenly showered with the calls of "Surprise!"

I'm sure the shocked look on my face and my sudden lack of words told all of the smiling faces around me that I was genuinely surprised. Feeling congratulation slaps on the back mixed with words like "happy birthday," and "we got you this time! I remember feeling a little embarrassed, that I didn't have a clue, and it made me feel good to know that a group of R&B musicians, who as we traveled the country had accused me of being nothing all business and Zero-Party. Somehow the fact that this same group of guys would conspire to give me a surprise birthday party made me smile.

Ever since then, I have come to appreciate that particular birthday, even more, when I think about the planning that was put into it. My band members hiding that secret until the actual day of the event. I would later find out that the party was actually our friend and fan's idea, and that they were able to contact and enlist the entire band to go along with their surprise which left me feeling very grateful for a fantastic group of friends and fellow musicians. Thinking about that experience is what made me want to share these few tips with those thinking about planning a surprise party.

When it comes to planning a surprise party planning can be done that will result in a fun and enjoyable gathering for all of the people involved.  Especially if you and your co-conspirators can keep up the charade until the party happens you'll end up with one very surprised and happy guest of honor.

Even though the secret of your surprise party lays with all of the people who will be in attendance, there are some simple things that you can do, as the party planner and host, to help ensure the best possible outcome.  Here are some tips to get you started on the road to planning a surprise party that your friends and relatives will be sharing on Facebook.

First, find out from your guest of honor, or even better from their significant other, what their schedule is like within the time frame you are considering for the surprise party.  Use this valuable information to set the date for your surprise party.

Next, enlist the help of someone who can devise a fictitious activity for the guest of honor to partake in on the day of the party.  Keep in mind, the closer to your home this activity is, the easier it is for your helper to “find the need to stop in at your home for a moment” the day of the party.

Install a cloak of secrecy when extending your invitations to all of your invited guests.  Make your invitations carry instructions so that each of your guests understands that the party is a surprise and should be kept that way.  Ask them to please not share the information with your guest of honor or anyone else who might mention your surprise party plan.

Come up with a planned event that everyone who may run into your guest of honor can use it as a diversion if they need to.  However, if your guests don’t think they can “lie” to the guest of honor with a straight face, suggest that they avoid them for the time leading up to the party, whenever possible and practical.

Recommend that all of your invited guests arrive at least thirty minutes before you expect your guest of honor to arrive.  If your guest of honor generally arrives early to events, then you might want to ask your invited guests to come a bit earlier, just to be safe.  If possible, ask your guests to park down the street and out of sight.  The only caveat to this is if the guest of honor believes they are attending another event at your home on that day.  If this is the case then it won’t really matter much where people choose to park.

When you have done all of the other things suggested, then the only thing you can really do is pray and hold your breath that no one will slip-up and tell your guest of honor about your planned surprise party.

Planning a surprise party can be a lot of fun.  If you take the time to build some diversions into your plan, you are able to help those who might be asked questions by the guest of honor.  This will ensure that they are not caught off-guard and without a good, solid, quick answer to give to any questions that they may be asked.

In my only experience with a surprise party, I was caught totally and completely off guard. Knowing all the things I know now about setting up and giving a party I realize and appreciate the effort that went into the secret operation that brought a big smile to my face, and the faces of all those around me. Doing the things listed above will lead to a wonderful surprise party.

Best of luck!