Surprise, surprise, surprise remember when Gomer Pyle use to say that to Sgt Carter on Gomer Pyle U.SM.C. When was the last time you attended a surprise party? Surprise parties can be a lot of fun if they are well planned and carry out correctly. The key to a successful surprise party is keeping it a surprise. Here are some tips on planning a surprise party.

Step 1 – Create a Checklist

Write down all of the things you think you need to do between now and the day of the surprise party. A list is so important because it makes you stay focused on all the details and hopefully you won't forget anything. Without an organized checklist, we often missed out important details that should have be taken care of at the right time.

Step 2 – Pick a Date

One of the first things you will decide is the date of your party. If the party is a birthday or holiday party, the party dates may be obvious. However, if the party is a dinner party or graduation party then setting the date will be a priority. You will need to setup a budget for your party so that you can decide how many guests to invite. The budget will help determine many of the other decisions you will make as your party plan unfolds.

Step 3 - Pick a Place

This is one of the most important steps when planning a surprise party. You need to pick a place that is not out of the ordinary for the guest of honor. One of the reasons why so many surprise parties are not a surprise is because it is held at place that the guest of honor has never attended. This is a sure sign that something is going on. So try to keep your party at a place that the guest of honor is comfortable visiting.

Step 4 – Guest List

Now it's time to decide who will attend the party. You need to come up with a guest list of all the people that your guest of honor would like to hang out with. Don't invite people that will cause problems for the guest of honor. Once your guest list is compiled, now you need to determine the type of invitations to use. Invitations can be sent by word of mouth, cards, phone, text message, or email. Most people don't send cards anymore. We rely on our cell phone a lot in this day and age, so sending text messages is probably the most effective manner of getting all the right people to the party. Send out your text message about 2-3 weeks ahead of time and ask for a RSVP at least a week before the party date. Specify that start time in your text message and make it clear that this is the time that you want them to arrive -- it should be at least 30 minutes before you expect the guest of honor to arrive.

Step 5 - Menu Choice

Creating a menu is another important thing that should be included early in your party planning checklist. If you plan to make all the food yourself make sure you give yourself plenty of time to prepare your food. You don't want to wait until the day of the party to start preparing your meals. If you decide to have to party catered, make sure you check with the catering company a few days before the event to make sure everything is on track. Also, call them the morning of the party. Make sure you know exactly when they will deliver the food and will they setup and serve the food.

Step 6 – Get Guest to Party and Have Fun

Now you have to decide who will get the guest of honor to the party. You need to find a reason to get the guest to the party without raising any suspicions. You can even let a few other guests in on the plan to get the guest at the party.

Enjoy and have fun. You can't control everyone so someone might slip up, but if you follow the steps above you'll minimize the chances of having the surprise ruined. If you would like to learn more about how to plan a surprise party and party planning visit the site listed below.