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Thoughts on surprise birthday parties for adults?

glocke12

glocke12

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jan 7, 2008
999
7
Backstory..

Older brother (52) had a mid-life crisis, got divorced a few years ago, and left the wife/kids here in PA to move out to CA where he spent the first 10 years of his childhood...

He is coming here with the new girlfriend next week for his sons college graduation...I had planned on spending one day next week with just him and maybe the new girlfriend and going shooting until I got text from the new girlfriend inviting me to a surprise birthday party for him. It sounds like it will be his friends (most of whom I don't know, the ones I do know I do not care for), and the ex-wife .

Also, there will be no bouncy castle or ball pit at this party...:eek:

Anyway...Is it me or are surprise birthday parties for adults just weird???
 
Why are they weird? You said you don't know many of the people there so logically it's your chance to get to know them, who knows you may meet someone you like. ;)

I'm having a surprise party for my mum this weekend (60th) about 100 people are coming :) and I'm really looking forward to it. Loads of people I know, some I don't. There's food and drink, music, pool etc so it will be great.
 
mumph said:
Why are they weird? You said you don't know many of the people there so logically it's your chance to get to know them, who knows you may meet someone you like. ;)
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It just seems odd to me thats all...If someone did that to me, I would not be happy about it.
 
glocke12 said:
It just seems odd to me thats all...If someone did that to me, I would not be happy about it.
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Hmmm... I see your point there as I too wouldn't like one for me hehe. You just know if a surprise party is right for which person.
 
I gave my wife a surprise birthday party for her 40th and she loved it.

She knew we were going out for her birthday, she just didn't know all her friends would be there. I rented a room at Dave and Buster's and bought dinner and drinks for everyone, and it was a great time.

Not sure why grownups wouldn't like something like that.
 
Since some of your threads have already displayed a level of social awkwardness within you (my perception of you), I think this is a highly subjective opinion. I had one surprise party thrown for me (coincidentally at Dave & Busters) and I loved every aspect of it.

I don't think they're for everyone nor are they entirely necessary, but in my case, it was a huge surprise.
 
it depends on the person. My mom HATES surprises. So it would not go over well for her. But I would love one! So that has to go for it. Also the people attending have to be into it as well.

But one question? Why no bounce house?
 
Surpise parties are great when the person planning it knows what they are doing and who to invite. The surprise element can really throw some people for a loop depending on how social they are. So, the party planner needs to really be specific about inviting close and supportive friends whom the person will be glad to see and happy to spend time with. Additionally, the guests should be able to get along. Don't put people together that shouldn't and risk drama. In truth it can be quite a humbling experience to see people taking the time to stop a celebrate something for you.

What you are describing could be very socially awkward depending on the relationships that exist between the various guests. For example, how do the new girlfriend and the ex-wife get along? Are these old friends, some of whom he maybe hasn't stayed in contact with? There's a lot that could go wrong with this party, but it could also be great.
 
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Caveat: Take into consideration the age of the surprisee...remember for us oldsters, the potential for cardiac arrest when everyone yells "SURPRISE!!" is ever present!:eek:
 
Huntn said:
I've always disliked surprise parties if I am the target.
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happy-birthday-sing-awkward.jpg
 
I think that surprise birthday parties for kids are weirder than for adults. Kids expect a party on their birthday and shouldn't have to wonder if they're going to get one or not. As for adults, it depends on the person. I had one surprise party when I was in my late thirties and it was sort of fun once I got over the shock.
 
i would like to add that I have never had a birthday party ever and so I am biased in the fact that I want a party. lol
 
People any age love surprises.

Never completely grow up, your life is basically over when you do that.
 
I don't think there is anything wrong with a surprise birthday party at any age. Obviously be sure the right people are there, an appropriate venue is chosen, the "surprise" and the party has the type of tone the person being surprised would enjoy, etc. But the idea of a surprise party for someone older is completely fine IMO.
 
It depends on the person.
I was given a surprise party by my wife, in our home, and it was great!
Her sister was given a surprise party at a restaurant, and she loved it. (the sister, and my wife too [not the planner of it] for that matter)
 
Saving up all of your money to buy small furry animals to eat at night is weird.

Surprise parties are not.
 
I personally hate surprise parties, but I hate birthday parties anyway. I've hated them since I was a kid as I got invited to loads of them in primary school and every time I went something bad happened such as food fights or power cuts. At one party there was a power cut and we were all lying in the dark for over an hour! Quite scary for a 4 year old. Ever since those bad experiences I've avoided them like the plague.
 
I never have a birthday party, so I do not have any idea about this.
How about a theme party, I mean horrible theme party, :D
 
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