Keeping The ‘Surprise’ In A Surprise Party

The surprise party is a classic, particularly if acted well by all involved. However, there’s no doubt that planning and orchestrating a surprise party can be – excuse the pun – surprisingly difficult, particularly if you live with the person you’re planning to spring the party on.

The vast majority of planning a surprise party can be done covertly, provided you remember to use contact details for yourself that the person in question has no access to. Make all calls off your cell phone, and use an email address for correspondence. Also, ensure that everyone involved in the party – such as guests, entertainment, and cake makers – is aware the party is a surprise. If necessary, develop a code word that will alert those “in on it” as to whether it is okay to discuss the party at a given time – and only use the code word when the surprise is not in earshot.

Yet the most difficult part of a surprise party is getting the person whose party it is to the surprise location. One easy way to navigate this issue is to hold the party at your home and simply ensure the surprise is out of the house while you set up. Send them on an errand, or just surprise them when they come home from work.

If, however, the party is at a secondary venue, it’s time to wheel out the acting skills. Invent a plausible reason for the person to come out with you, and stay relaxed and chatty – as you normally would be – as you travel to your destination. If you keep your cool and are careful when making plans, it truly will be a surprise party indeed.