Lots of people say "I hate surprises.
" But would you hate being unexpectedly running into a long time friend you haven't seen in a while? Probably not! The point of a good surprise party is that your honoree has a GOOD time, not one that embarrasses.
An evening of good surprises is welcome even to those who say they don't like them.
No one likes to be embarrassed or feel they are being made a fool however, so be sure your surprise is a welcome one to your guest of honor.
Surprise parties take a little extra planning, but if done well they are great fun and your guest of honor truly feels honored and cared for.
A good surprise party is just having the guests jump out from behind the furniture.
If you can get the guests to the party, hide their transportation away from the party location, and not have someone spill the beans before it starts, you've done pretty well.
A great surprise party has that and additional little surprises all night long.
It is an evening of little delights and fun.
Here are some suggestions to keep the fun going...
Depending on the nature of the honoree and the reason for the surprise party, consider some of these little delights for your next surprise party.

• Invite some unexpected, but desired special friends or family members of the honoree.
  
• Have each guest bring old photos of themselves with the guest of honor.
  
• Have a "scavenger hunt" where the items you are seeking are information about the honoree from other guests at the party.
  
• Prepare a "this is your life" game with each guest retelling a story about the honoree that is in good taste and not embarrassing.
  
• Have someone special to the guest of honor call in to the party.
  Skype.
  com is a great tool for this.
  If both calling parties are signed up for it it's free!
• Have several guests prepare "proclamations" or "resolutions" about the guest of honor and read them aloud.
  
• Compose song lyrics about the guest and sing them to a familiar tune.
  

The ideas are endless.
Just remember to keep in mind what would be pleasing to your guest of honor and something they might not expect.
Surprise party planning has some special requirements to make it work and to keep the interest and fun alive.
Family and friends are great sources for ideas that will delight your guest of honor.
The secret to successful surprise party planning is having a good plan, keeping it from your special guest, and keeping all the other guests "mum" on the plans.
Include little surprises all night long to keep the party going and avoid a fizzle out before the evening is over.
There are many things to coordinate and get organized, but there's no denying the huge fun element in surprise party planning.
People really do love surprises but more importantly it shows them they are loved!