A surprise party is a great way to show your friends how much you care about them. But if you want to knock their socks off, you’ll need to put together a truly unique and unforgettable party. Here are a few tips on how to do just that.
Pick an Unexpected Venue
Ditch the usual suspects like restaurants, bars, and clubs in favor of somewhere your friend would never expect to have their birthday celebration. Think outside the box and get creative! A few ideas include a themed museum exhibition, an outdoor movie screening, or even a scavenger hunt through your city’s streets.
What does your friend like? Choose a venue that speaks to their interests.
A Glamorous Lounge
Why not throw their surprise party at a glamorous lounge for the friend who loves to dress up and be pampered? Think Champagne, canapés, and live music. This is sure to be a night they’ll never forget.
Versatile Space Outdoor
Consider renting a versatile space like an outdoor pavilion or gazebo for the friend who’s always on the go and loves being outdoors. This way, they can continue their celebrations no matter the weather.
Cocktail Bar
For a friend who loves to drink and socialize, a cocktail bar is a perfect place to have their surprise party. Make sure to have plenty of appetizers to soak up all those cocktails!
Serve Up Some Unique Eats and Drinks
Like the venue, think outside the box regarding the food and drink menu. If your friend loves Thai food, why not have a private chef come in and prepare a traditional meal for them? While you’re at that, a selection of Thai teas could also be served if your friend likes to keep it healthy.
Hire a bartender to whip up custom cocktails for a friend who loves to party. And what is a party without a cake, right? Get creative and have a custom cake that celebrates your friend’s interests or personality. You can personalize it by having their favorite characters or landmarks on it. Here are some more unique and fun food ideas:
- Ice cream sundae bar
- Sushi making station
- Chocolate fondue fountain
- Make-your-own pizza party
- Build your own tacos bar
- Cheese board
Set the Mood with the Right Music
Nothing gets a party started like the right music. Compile a playlist beforehand that will get everyone on their feet and dancing. If your friend loves a particular genre of music, include some of their favorite tunes. You can hire a DJ or live band to get the party going.
For a more low-key affair, create a playlist of your friend’s favorite songs from when they were growing up. This will be a fun trip down memory lane for them and their guests. Include tunes that will get everyone singing along and, of course, dancing.
Send Out Creative Invitations
Now that you have the venue and menu sorted out, it’s time to send out those invitations. Get creative and develop a theme that aligns with the party’s overall concept. For example, your invitations should have a vintage look and feel if you’re throwing a ‘roaring twenties’ themed surprise party.
Consider sending out e-vites with a custom video invitation to wow your guests. This is sure to get everyone excited about the party. Just be sure not to give too much away to spoil the surprise!
Make it Interactive
A great way to add fun and excitement to your party is to make it interactive. This can be anything from setting up photo booths with props and backdrops to hiring magicians. For a more lighthearted approach, you can have guests write down their best memory with the celebrant. These can be read aloud during the party for everyone to enjoy.
You can also set up activity stations where guests can make their keepsakes, like custom keychains or magnets. This is a great way to add a personal touch to the party and give your guests something to take home with them as a party favor.
You can also set up a life-size cut-out of the celebrant for guests to take photos with; if your friend loves to be surrounded by their loved ones, set up a photo booth with fun props and backdrops. This way, they can take photos with all their friends and have memories of the night.
Prepare for the Unexpected
No matter how much you plan, there’s always a chance that something will go wrong. It’s important to be prepared for the unexpected so that you can handle any situation that may arise. Be sure to have a list of emergency contact numbers on hand if you need to contact the venue or suppliers.
It’s also a good idea to have a backup plan if the party has to be moved indoors due to bad weather. And last, ensure you have a few games and activities up your sleeve if the party fizzles out.
Get the Party Started!
Following these tips, you’re sure to throw a surprise party that your friend will never forget! And who knows, maybe you’ll even start a new trend among your social circle for throwing unique and interesting parties. So go out there and get planning!
