Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or some other event, it takes a lot of thought and preparation to put together a surprise party. To help you pull off this special event for your loved one, here are some tips to figure out the details, from the party venue to the guest list.

3 Tips to Plan a Surprise Party

1. Decide on a Date 

Depending on the occasion you’re celebrating, you have a limited window for a relevant date. For a birthday, have the party ahead of time. A late party may result in the recipient feeling hurt that you forgot their birthday.

If you’re celebrating a work promotion, you’ll want to have the party as soon as possible while the excitement is still in the air.

However, a party can’t be organized overnight. Give yourself at least a few weeks to find a party venue, a date that works for everyone invited, and, most importantly, a day on which you know your loved one will be free. You may want to tell the recipient to save that date for a fun outing.

2. Choose a Party Venue They’ll Enjoy

You want the venue to match the occasion. If your loved one prefers low-key gatherings and it’s their birthday, you can arrange the event at their favorite bar or a friend’s home.

On the other hand, if they adore surprises, you may want to pull out all the stops and choose a banquet hall or charter boat where you can dress up the party venue. But with these options, you should pretend you’re going to an unrelated party to avoid tipping them off.

Pick a venue that will not only delight your loved one but also work for everyone who will be at the party. If you have people with dietary restrictions, for example, ensure they have meal options, whether you’re getting catering or sitting down at a restaurant.

3. Keep the Secret

A surprise party also requires secrecy. Most people won’t intentionally spoil the surprise; however, the longer they know, the more likely the information may leak. Limit the surprise party planning to a few trusted helpers until it’s time to invite everyone.

For guests who may have trouble keeping the secret, you may want to invite them to the venue under a different pretense and let the party be a surprise to them as well.

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