Throwing a surprise birthday party for an adult loved one is often a rewarding and memorable experience, when it’s done correctly. Unlike kid parties, adult surprise parties require much more subtle and detailed planning.
It will also require a bit of misdirection in order to truly make the moment unforgettable. It doesn’t matter if it’s for a milestone birthday or a fun way to show appreciation. This guide is going to help you to plan a surprise party that your guest of honor will likely never forget.
Choose the Right Date and Venue
The first thing you will need to pick is a date that will work for the guest of honor. You will need to be sneaky, so it will definitely help if you work with someone close to them.
Determine a time when they are free and unsuspecting. The venue should also suit their personality. Some might love a good backyard BBQ, others might prefer a private room in a restaurant. They may even like a themed venue such as a rooftop bar.
Create a Covert Guest List
Make sure that you include their closest friends, family, as well as coworkers. However, do remember to keep it all quiet.
You should use private event pages or even group chats that the guest of honor is not a part of. Make sure you are clear with your guests about the fact that it’s a surprise. Let them know they need to arrive early and keep things top secret.
Design a Theme That Speaks to Them
Themes will add excitement and help guide your decisions on decorations, food, and other activities. Popular ideas for adults include but are not limited to “Roaring 20s” or a“Tropical Luau,”.
Even something quirky, such as everyone showing up in a dinosaur costume, can make the party become very unforgettable and personal. You just need to make sure that the theme is something the guest of honor would truly enjoy.
Plan a Creative Distraction
You will need a solid distraction if you want to ensure that your guest doesn’t suspect a thing. You can arrange this by having a fake dinner reservation or a day out with a friend.
Your casual hangout can end up being the party. You should coordinate things carefully with whoever is going to bring them to the location so that the timing is just right.
Get the Timing Right
Your guests should have arrived for at least 30 minutes before the expected “surprise” moment is slated to happen.
Once everyone is gathered, you should make sure the lights are dimmed and that everyone is in position. Have someone stationed at the door. Make sure they are ready to yell the magic word, “Surprise!”
Personalize the Details
Make the event feel special by adding some custom touches. You should create a slideshow of memories, hire a favorite local band, or even set up a DIY cocktail bar for everyone to enjoy. Party favors like mini photo frames or custom drinkware will make for some very memorable keepsakes.
