How to throw a surprise party….

Surprise!

I’ve always wanted to know the best way to throw a great surprise party. Well Now I know. You pray! Hard! Just kidding (kind of).

My journey of throwing my husband a surprise party was quite an experience. I found that it isn’t something you can do alone. It takes a village. I had to have the cooperation of every single person involved. I had to learn to ask for help, something I am not very good at. I had to let go and hope for the best. I let the professionals have at it and I was not disappointed.

For anyone trying to throw a large surprise party of 50 or more people, below is a little checklist:

1. Start months ahead. If you want a good turnout you must give people time to plan.

2. Know your budget and stick to it!

3. Check around for the best venue. Think about your lifestyle and think about what would work best. What time of year will it be held? Would an outside venue be appropriate?

4. Invitations – Do you want printed invites, electronic invites, etc…

5. Attire – Depending on the venue you will need to let people know the acceptable attire.

6. Photos. Do you have someone to photograph the evening or should you hire a photographer.

7. Music? Sometimes there are so many people that having a band may not be worth it. Or…. will it be a quiet crowd where background music would be fitting?

8. Speeches – Are you going to give a speech? Do you want someone else to give a speech? Do you have a microphone available? Would you be able to speak loud enough without a microphone in the venue you decide upon?

9. Food – Think about the timing of the event. Will a meal be better or would appetizers be better? If there will be alcohol, you must have heavier food available. I’m sure there’s more but those were the biggies for me…. Except this one more thing:

YOU MUST BE ABLE TO KEEP A SECRET! 🙂

#howtothrowapartysurprisepartyruthielaniganpartyplanner