You would have been forgiven in thinking that you had just stepped back in time- mullets aplenty, bright coloured taffeta and puffy ensembles an eye sore. Pop tunes blaring from a huge boom box in the corner, and neon coloured strobe lights flashing sporadically. It was an 80's theme, and the guests had been most creative in their attire for the evening. There was no obvious colour of choice- but all outfits had the distinct feel of the decade, complete with bright blue eye makeup, and fire engine red lipstick, thick black eyeliner, and false lashes completed the ladies almost gaudy look. The boys favoured the Don Johnson look, although there were the numbered few who chose to take the look further, and come as one of their favourite persona from that era. Mr T mingled with Freddy Krueger who was seemingly friendly with both The Phantom of the Opera and Cindy Lauper - (me). The laughs ran rampant as friends pointed each other out, and commented on their outfits- the most amusing tales were those of who had actually rediscovered their outfits deep within their wardrobe.

The night was filled with wonderful memories, laughs that left us all with sore bellies for days after, and I was proud to say that it was all in aid of my husband's 30th Birthday. I could not have envisioned a more fabulous night, and of his genuine surprise as he walked in to a room full of our closest family and friends, and all of them dressed as though we had in fact gone back to the bright illustrious 1980's.

All my hard work and planning for months had been fine tuned to ensure a surprise party that no one would forget in a hurry- but, more importantly, that my husband would not forget.
As my Husband and I are both children of the "80's"- it was never going to be a problem when deciding what to do for his 30th Birthday. An 80's theme was the obvious choice. It is the decade that stands out most to us and the fact that he is 4 years older than me, he remembers more of the fads and enjoys to voice that it was the best decade ever.

What concerned me though was how I would get him there. Knowing my husband, it would never be an easy task, and knowing that it was a milestone birthday- his 30th, he knew that I would not let it pass without some sort of celebration. It would be difficult. It would be almost impossible to do it without him suspecting a thing- and without anyone giving up the 'ghost', but I was adamant that I would pull off my first ever surprise birthday party.

With much credit to our family and friends, he really did not suspect a thing. It would be too difficult to go in full attire, so with the help of my sister in law, I had arranged for our outfits to be at the venue, so we too could change and be in keeping with the theme. As for getting him to the venue, as far as he was aware- I was taking him out for dinner.

Although we could hear the music as we walked up the stairs to the function room- (someone had forgotten to turn down the music), our friends and family screamed- "Surprise!" and my husband really did look so. I must admit, I was too- as the sea of 80's dressed family and friends really did look a most amusing sight. The memories of this night are still brought up as our friends and family gather, and I have been asked on numerous occasions, what I am planning for his "40th"...

Learn more about this author, M.R Vavala.
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