How to pull off a surprise party!

Planning a surprise party for a loved one is a noble pursuit, but it takes stealth, careful organisation and a big dollop of luck. That's why we’ve put together this guide to help you on your secret mission!

Before the party

It might sound obvious, but don’t tell them about the party! It’s easier than you might think to slip up, especially since the party is likely to be at the forefront of your mind, so stay vigilant and remember your mantra: keep schtum! 

Timing is crucial. For maximum impact, catch them off-guard by throwing the party before the official celebration date (eg: their birthday). If that’s not an option, try holding it at an unexpected time of day. Who expects a birthday brunch or afternoon anniversary picnic? 

It’s always a good idea to have a partner in crime. Preferably this planning accomplice won’t live with you, so party supplies can be stored at their house.

Getting the word out

Make sure your invitations scream ‘surprise party’ so that your guests will be 100% aware about the need for secrecy - you really cannot be too thorough on this one. Make sure the RSVP address is somewhere the surprisee isn’t, so they don't accidentally get sent a reply! You could set up a private email address or list your personal mobile number for techno-savvy respondents. 

Don't forget to let your guests know about the dress code on the invites. When it comes to choosing the code, make sure you have a watertight excuse to give the person you're surprising, so they'll fit in at their own party!

On the day

First thing’s first: plan a diversion. This is where your planning partner comes in, to take the surprisee out while you decorate the venue. Plan something that fits in with their usual routine - for example, if they normally take a morning yoga class on Saturday, plan to go for brunch afterwards to keep them from heading straight for home. Don’t forget, the diversion needs to last until the party starts!

Make sure none of your decorations can be seen from outside the venue and make sure all your guests arrive on time. Everyone should arrive at least 30 minutes - or ideally an hour - before the party is due to start, and give your guests a cut-off time so they can wait somewhere else if they're running late. Make sure guests with distinctive cars park away from the venue.

Surprise!

The lights are off, everybody is hiding, and the surprisee walks through the door. Make sure everybody knows what to shout (like 'Surprise!' or 'Happy Birthday!'), and give everyone confetti or party poppers for the big moment.

It’s worth putting in just a little extra effort to capture your surprisee’s reaction on film. Make sure a few guests bring cameras so they can snap the lovely moment. And there you have it, the perfect plan to devise and execute a successful surprise party!

Good luck, happy planning and don’t forget to keep schtum!