If you have a friend or family member that loves the unexpected, think about treating them to their very own surprise birthday soiree! Before getting to work, take a look at these considerations for planning a surprise birthday party.

Choose a theme

Review the hobbies and interests of the honoree to guide your theme decision. For example, if the celebrant loves Disney, you can throw a celebration incorporating their favorite Disney characters in the dress code, desserts, refreshments and decorations. You may also want to focus on their age, especially if it is a milestone birthday.

Put together a guest list

Being the host means that you are responsible for inviting the closest friends and family of the celebrant. If it is a monumental birthday (ex. 21st, 50th or 80th) you will want to consider throwing a bigger bash. Seek the help of the honoree’s partner, close friends and family if you need specific information, such as addresses for invitations. Make sure your guests can keep a secret, and if not, discourage them from communicating with the guest of honor until after the party.

Pick a date

Since the honoree will not know that this event is happening, you will need to make certain they are free the day of the get-together. Appoint someone (see “day of buddy”) to make plans with them on that day so they can add it to their calendar. Opt for a date before their birthday because if the party takes place after, the celebrant may think you forgot about their special day.

Specify arrival details

Emphasize the importance of punctuality to all guests. On the invitations, or in the secret Facebook group information, provide a specific time for guests to arrive and instructions for those who can’t attend until later. Another sneaky touch is to have guests park further away from the location (like at The Moose Preserve if the event is at the Iroquois Club), especially if there are cars that would be recognizable to the guest of honor.

Assign a “day of buddy”

Ensuring the honoree arrives at the proper location and at the designated time is essential to the success of a surprise party. Choose a trusted individual, like a spouse or close friend, to spend some time with the guest of honor before the gathering and to take them to the location. This person also can help give a heads up when they are on their way, and you can contact them if you need to stall the celebrant due to any mishaps.

Surprise!

Scope out the party venue before the occasion so you know where to have people positioned for the big reveal. Amp up the surprise by using noisemakers and throwing confetti when the honoree walks in. Don’t forget to assign someone to take pictures and record the moment the guest of honor is surprised!