A surprise party for a loved one, colleague, or best friend can create an everlasting memory. Surprise parties can be appropriate for both children and adults, in both work and personal situations. They can range from small, intimate parties to lavish affairs for which you may even wish to hire a professional party planner. There are a number of occasions suitable for a surprise party, such as celebrating a birthday or wedding anniversary, rewarding employees, honoring an employment anniversary or retirement, or saying thank you to a loyal customer. Planning a surprise party can be the key to pulling it off successfully. Hold the party at a location the guest of honor won't consider suspicious, such as a relative's house, restaurant, favorite bar, or bowling alley. If possible, have the party at a place that has significant meaning to the person. Inform all guests of the time they should arrive, and the time the guest of honor will be there. The trick is getting everyone there at the right time. If you're having the party at home, make sure the person won't show up ahead of time and ruin the surprise. Have someone take the honoree out shopping or to a movie while the setting up, decorating, and organizing take place. Make sure all the guests park away from the house, because a crowd of cars in the driveway or on the street can spoil the surprise. Some guests may want to bring their children, which is fine if there are activities for them, but an adult party may not be suitable for children or may seem boring to them. If children will be there, hire a babysitter, if possible. In general, the more help you have organizing the party, the easier it can be.
