Planning a party for a loved one who chooses not to use animal products can feel like a challenge. Surprise birthday parties are a great way to show someone how much you appreciate them, and by making sure that everything at the party is vegan-friendly, you'll be sure to put a smile on the face of your friend or relative. Being vegan isn't just about food—most vegans avoid all animal products, including wool, leather, beeswax and more. Follow the tips below to make sure that your vegan surprise party is absolutely perfect.
Hire the right caterer
Vegan food can often be hard to find at events, so having an entire party where all of the refreshments are vegan will make the day really special. Contact a few different event caterers and ask for sample vegan menus. Some companies will be experienced in catering to special dietary requirements, while others will welcome the challenge of creating a new menu. If you struggle to find the right caterer in your area, try contacting restaurants that you know provide a good range of vegan options, as many will offer one-off catering. Some restaurants may even allow you to hire the place out for your party.
Make sure decorations are cruelty-free
When arranging party decorations, be mindful of the materials they're made of. Putting a candle on each table is a lovely touch, but make sure it's not made from beeswax. Soy candles are widely available and your loved one will be touched that you've considered every small detail. Bowls of rainbow coloured sweets are another fun, low-cost option for table centrepieces. Many coloured sweets use colouring made from insects, while chewy sweets often contain gelatin from cows. Look out for sweets that are made from natural colours and use pectin, a plant-based alternative to gelatin.
Avoid animal entertainment
Veganism is the belief that animals are not ours to use in anyway, and that extends to entertainment. Most vegans won't visit zoos or watch animals perform. If you're hiring an entertainer for the party, make sure that none of their tricks or displays involve animals — for example, pulling a rabbit out of a hat. You could consider hiring a band to play if you're worried about entertainers, or hire an act that's human-only, like a dance troop or fire juggler. Depending on how sensitive your loved one is, you might also want to avoid games like 'Pin the tail on the donkey' or animal-shaped piñatas. You could have fun thinking of new twists on old classics. Pin the kale on the tofu, anyone?
