BEST birthday surprise was a very good friend's, last November - his 50th. His gf had organised a meal in a local hotel. He knew close family were going, but he didn't know I was - indeed I texted him the day after his birthday saying "Sugar, mate, I forgot, sorry, card in the post". It was a massive surprise for him when I turned up.
HOWEVER, the cheeky bugger stole a march on all of us. His gf made a lovely speech. We demanded a speech in response, which he gave and then sat down. Then he quickly stood up again and said "Oh, I forgot one thing", turned to his GF and said "will you marry me". Every single woman in that room burst into floods of tears.