Whether it’s your best friend’s law school graduation or your mother’s 50th birthday, pulling off a surprise party can be a fantastic way to celebrate any occasion and exciting endeavor for all involved.
A surprise party is a great way of showing your loved one you care and want to celebrate their success and the part they play in your life! But before you pull out all the stops and pull back the curtain, here are some helpful tips for making the party an unforgettable success while keeping the secret close to the vest. If you had a certain theme for your baby shower, you could have badges made for all of the guests from one stop badges.
- Location, Location, Location
More so than other celebrations, the location of a surprise party is crucial to the pinnacle moment your special guest arrives.
You will need to host your surprise party in a controlled environment in order to guarantee that they will show up without suspicion. You will also need a ringer; someone who can casually coerce your special guest into accompanying them to said location.
The easiest spot for a surprise party to be hosted at would be at the host or another guest’s own home. In doing so, you are able to close off the party location to any unwanted visitors and supply your guests with their choice of hiding spots. Oftentimes, many opt for the surprise guest’s house themselves, but be warned—you may encounter an unpleasant ‘surprise’ yourself, should they decide to make a spontaneous pit stop at their house!
- Food for All
Let’s be honest, everyone goes to parties for the food. But if we’re still being honest, we must also admit that everyone has their finicky opinions when it comes to taste.
To ensure that everyone’s buds are satisfied, a great option for any surprise party is to hire a catering company. There are a lot of great catering companies Perth has to offer that serve a variety of appetizers and dishes that will keep the palette stimulated while you socialize with your nearest and dearest.
Whether you prefer finger food or a 5-course meal, a catering company can supply even the most meticulous of guests with an assortment of snacks. And remember to never deny a cater waiter’s offer. Especially if there’s only one puff pastry left on their tray.
- Theming
Décor sets the stage when it comes to a surprise party. It’s easy to include the usual trappings; streamers, balloons, and confetti. But make sure to centre the theme on your honoured guest. Is it a baby shower? Build a diaper tower! Is it an engagement party? Purchase a variety of bridal party favours.
The more personalized your decorating, the more touched the man or woman of honour will feel and you will be forever remembered as a truly exceptional party host.
- Entertainment
After your guests have been satiated with a fantastic meal, they will be looking for their next to-do. To refer back to point number one, location, you will need to get creative when thinking of ways to entertain your guests for the duration.
A controlled environment might limit you, but that doesn’t mean it has to be any less fun! Some ideas for entertainment could include portable karaoke, classic games such as Twister or giant-sized Jenga, and (if everyone is of suitable age) Cards Against Humanity. If you have enough room (and don’t live on the second floor!) another great option is a Dance Dance Revolution or Wii Sports contest. Some games never go out of style!
- Keeping the Secret
In today’s age of technology, information travels fast, and sadly that includes surprise party plans. Alleviate any information that can be traced back to your plans by going old school: send out an email chain or (gulp) pick up the phone and call your invited guests. A paper invitation, Facebook event, or even a text can always end up in the wrong hands and blow the whole cover wide open.
