A surprise birthday party is an exciting event, full of mysteries and anticipation as you see the party slowly begin to take form. But how can you plan a party without the star of the show? Read our guide below for some useful tips and get started on planning an unforgettable event.

 

Get some friends involved

The first step to planning a successful surprise birthday party is to gather some family and friends who can lend a hand. Trying to undertake this task alone will easily overwhelm you, which is why we recommend getting a few others to help spread the weight. By sharing ideas, dividing tasks, and keeping the surprise under wraps, you can ensure that the event goes off without a hitch. Collaborating with others also adds an extra layer of excitement to the entire process. You may even want to consider forming a “party planning group”, where each member has a specific role.

 

Decide on a captivating theme

Too many surprise party planners put too much thought into the first few minutes of the event and not enough into the rest of the celebration. Once everyone has leapt out of their hiding place or the birthday person’s blindfold is taken off, they will surely be on cloud nine. But what happens after the grand reveal? This is where a thoughtfully chosen theme comes in, as involving elements of the person’s interests is crucial in making the event memorable. For an extra touch of magic, decorate the venue using themed balloons, setting the stage for an unforgettable gathering.

You can do this by asking the friends you roped into the planning. What are the person’s hobbies? Or have they been binge watching a certain TV show? If you are careful enough, you can ask the birthday person themselves! Subtly extract this information by weaving questions into casual conversation, or disguise it as planning a party for someone else. 

Choose a suitable venue

This too will depend on the likes of the birthday person. Do they prefer an intimate gathering of close friends and family? Or a loud birthday bash with as many people as possible? For those who would not want the hassle of cleaning up, consider whether you're willing to handle the logistics of hosting at home, or if you'd prefer a venue that takes care of this for you. Many event spaces and restaurants offer this service, allowing you to enjoy the celebration without the post-party hassle.

Adding on, it should be a location that suits the theme, accommodates the number of guests, and most importantly, facilitates secrecy. For example, this can come in the form of private entrances at event venues, allowing guests to arrive without giving anything away. Another option is to book a restaurant with a private dining area, separate from the main space. This provides a balance between intimacy and convenience, where the element of surprise is maintained.

 

Create a menu to remember

When it comes to throwing a memorable surprise birthday party, food plays a crucial role. To begin, customise the menu to the preferences of the star of the show. Consider their favourite dishes, cuisine, and flavours, to give them a lasting impression. The next step will be to decide on your meal style. Would it be a lavish buffet, sit-down dinner, or a casual potluck style gathering? Some venues may even provide catering where you can pick and choose the dishes to be served.

Remember to not overlook dietary preferences and allergies when crafting your menu. Ensure that there are choices for your guests who may be vegetarians, lactose intolerant, or vegan. Of course, who could forget about the birthday cake? Whether it is of a classic design or one that stands out above the rest, it should reflect the guest of honour’s preference. And the cake can even stand out even more by having it placed on a cake stand. There are also other dessert options such as cupcakes, cookies, and muffins, which can be plated on a dessert stand, to cater to various preferences.

Decorate with creativity

Never underestimate the transformative impact of a well-decorated space. Banners announce the theme, create a celebratory atmosphere, and add an extra touch of grandeur to the celebration. Whether it is a personalised “Happy Birthday” banner or one that complements your chosen theme, make sure it is prominently displayed, so the guest of honour is greeted by a burst of colour and festivity. Tassels, on the other hand, provide a more subtle effect of whimsy as they shimmer and sway in the ambient light. They can be hung from doorways, ceilings, or used as a backdrop for photo booths, adding a dynamic element to your decor.

Finally, no celebration is complete without balloons! Occasion balloons are a simple and effective way to add a sense of cheer to the event, while balloon packages provide everything you need and simplify your decoration efforts.

 

Do you need to throw a surprise birthday party?

Looking to host an unforgettable birthday party? At HelloJoi, we are dedicated to creating memorable celebrations! If you are planning a surprise birthday bash and need some assistance, feel free to contact us and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you. To add a special touch to your event, you can explore our extensive selection of helium balloons in-store.