Keep in mind that you’ll also need to plan food, decorations, and activities around the theme. So if you’re throwing a luau-themed party, try to throw the party at the beach or set up tropical decorations. Serve tiki drinks and set out leis for the guests.
For example, you can have the party at the honoree’s house, at your place, at a restaurant, at a park, or anywhere you think your guest of honor wouldn’t expect. If you’ll be renting a space, learn about what sound systems are available and ask about their policies on food and decor.
Consider asking the honoree if they want to get together to hang out at the time you’re thinking of planning the party. If they tell you they have other plans, you’ll need to reschedule the party. Avoid throwing the surprise party after the person’s actual birthday or they might think you forgot their big day.
Match the foods to the time of the party. For example, if you’re having the surprise birthday party right after work on a weekday, most guests will expect a meal. But if the party is in the afternoon on a weekend, you could serve drinks and appetizers.
You might want to ask another person to help you plan and pull off the surprise, especially if they’re really excited by the idea of the party.
Decide if you want to ask guests to bring gifts or help with food and drinks.
If you won’t have much time to decorate, stick to decorating the main party room first and then you can decorate other rooms as you have time.
Ask a few of the guests to help you set up decorations before the other guests arrive.
Avoid giving out party details to too many people or to those who aren’t coming to the party. This increases the risk that the honoree will find out about the surprise.
Tell the chaperone that you may contact them if you need them to stall for more time or get the honoree to the party right away.
If you’re planning the surprise party at home, have the chaperone take the honoree shopping, to a movie, or on a hike. They should do something fun so the honoree doesn’t want to go home early. Ensure that the honoree will be dressed appropriately for the surprise party. For example, if the party will be fancy dress, the honoree should be dressed for a similar activity so they’re in fancy dress too.
For example, ask one person to be in charge of turning on the lights and music when the honoree enters. You can also ask guests to be lookouts for when the honoree shows.
For example, if the party is at your house, decorate the main rooms and ask the honoree to meet you near the back of your house. When you’re ready, you can lead them into the party room.
This tactic will only work if the party is at your house or the honoree’s house.
For example, you could be out for coffee together. After a little while, say, “A few days ago I left my jacket at the restaurant down the street. Do you mind if we swing by and I can grab it?”
Advance notice is especially important if you’ll be dropping balloons, throwing confetti, or exploding glitter. You don’t want to waste the surprise on just another guest instead of the honoree.
