Choosing a Date
Work with the celebrant’s close family and friends to decide on a date. Before sending out any invitations, make sure the person will be free on the decided date. Planning the party too far ahead may be risky given that work schedules can change frequently and last-minute.
Sending Invitations
When sending out invitations avoid leaving paper trails with print invitations that might be left on a kitchen counter or coffee table of a friend or relative. Instead, send out invitations online or through social media. Just be prepared to delete your post if the honoree starts poking around online.
Selecting a Theme
Choose a theme that you know the guest of honor will enjoy. As long as the weather forecast is friendly, consider an outdoor party. Try brunch party replete with bottomless mimosas and eggs benedict, or host an outdoor barbecue with grilled-to-order steaks served with cold beer. Go bohemian for something completely different by scattering throw blankets and decorative pillows throughout the backyard. Cozy and welcoming, this option is a fun twist on the classic outdoor party.
Constructing an Excuse
Providing a convincing ruse to get your guest to the party might be the hardest part of organizing a surprise party. Try coming up with an excuse that’s believable and compelling. Make sure the statement isn’t too elaborate—stick with something simple and reasonable. For example, if the party is to be held at a public venue such as a hotel, tell your friend you’ve arranged a birthday spa day.
Preparing the Venue
From stocking the home bar to hanging party decorations, preparing the party location is an absolute must before any festivities get underway. Prepare for all the heartwarming toasts with lots of champagne and plenty of champagne flutes or coupe glasses presented on serving trays for easy access. Naturally there will be cake. Make a special presentation of your honored guest’s favorite flavor by placing the dessert on a fancy cake stand. Festoon the room with string lights, garlands and confetti-filled balloons as a final touch.
Hosting a Cocktail Pre-Party
Even if you’ve instructed guests not to arrive too late, there will be those who don’t plan accordingly. To ensure that everything goes off without a hitch, invite guests to partake of a pre-party cocktail an hour before the main event. Serve hors d'oeuvres and wine to get guests excited about what’s to come.
Just before the guest of honor arrives, make sure everyone stays out of sight and ready to yell, “Surprise!” as soon as he/she walks through the door. There’s nothing like the suspense, surprise and the satisfaction you’ll feel when all your careful planning pays off. Make all of the planning worth it. Share your favorite surprise party ideas with us by using the hashtag #CrateStyle.
