There’s something fulfilling about throwing a surprise party for someone. Whether for a family or a colleague, planning an event in someone’s honor without them ever knowing about it can be challenging; but the reaction is always worth it! Here are five easy steps to planning a surprise party to help make your next event go smoothly.
Do Your Research
Unless the person you’re celebrating is someone you’re close with, prepare to do some questioning. Don’t be afraid to “go detective” on your VIP guest by striking up a conversation with them. Without being too obvious, banter about past parties and what you both enjoyed about each event.
You’ll want to know their tastes in food, beverage, and entertainment to get a gauge on what to include in their spontaneous celebration. Don’t forget about sights, smells, and tastes in music to complete the research.
Keep in mind that gathering these details will take some time and several conversations. The last thing you want is for your guest of honor to grow suspicious of your intentions.
Delegate Tasks To Others
Planning doesn’t have to be a one-person job! Don’t hesitate in asking for help from friends that also know party VIP so you can keep the stress off. You can delegate tasks like food and music to focus on more demanding tasks. Having someone in charge of the event décor can also alleviate the stresses of party planning, especially if decorating isn’t your specialty.
Skip the Invitations
You would think this one is a given but sometimes getting the word out for future celebrations needs exposure other than through word of mouth. Consider giving a quick phone call to potential guests or inviting them through social media if you’re tech-savvy.
Get the Party Platters Ready
While appeasing the masses is something every party host strives for, remember who you’re planning the event for. If your guest of honor doesn’t care for the food, that can pose a problem. This is a fantastic time to rely on your research to get those party platters ready with their favorite appetizers.
If your budget allows for it, consider contacting a caterer that can provide options that won’t leave anyone feeling left out.
Think of Ways To Strategically Sneak Guests In
After setting the date and getting all the RSVPs, hiding them before the big reveal is the next priority. Provide the time, date, and meet-up location to ensure that everyone is in place to surprise your guest of honor. Encouraging those attending to arrive on time and stay in contact if running late keeps you informed and allows you to provide alternatives.
All it takes to plan the best surprise party are a few easy steps and a little inspiration. Your guest of honor is sure to be astounded!
