How to Host a Murder Mystery Party
Hosting a murder mystery party is a thrilling way to bring friends and family together for a night of suspense, fun, and intrigue.
Whether you're a seasoned party planner or hosting for the first time, a murder mystery party can be an unforgettable experience.
Here’s your ultimate guide on how to host a murder mystery party that will keep everyone guessing until the very end. Whether its a Halloween party or Murder Mystery dinner party.
1. Choose the Right Murder Mystery Theme
Pick a Setting
The first step in hosting a successful murder mystery party is selecting the right theme. Consider your guests and what might appeal to them.
Do you want a classic 1920s speakeasy, a haunted mansion, or perhaps a modern-day crime scene?
The theme sets the tone for the entire event, so choose something that excites you and your guests.
Consider the Complexity
When selecting a murder mystery party kit or writing your own, think about the complexity. If your guests are new to murder mysteries, start with something straightforward.
For experienced players, a more intricate plot with multiple twists and turns might be more engaging.
I recommend picking up a murder mystery pack which does the planning for you. That way you can focus on the food, decor, and outfits. Especially if this is your first murder mystery.
Here are my favorites;
Murder Mystery Party Games
Case File Murder Mystery
For your classic case file, police, detective type murder mystery, go with this one.
You all work together to solve the case rather then the traditional “one of you is a murder” style. Which actually works well.
Traditional Murder Mystery
For something more traditional go with this one. These are great, so much fun. This specific one is the Italian mystery but they have loads that you can check out.
What I love about these are that they have such strong themes you can work with. For example this one, you can serve Italian food and wine to go with. Perfect.
2. Send Out Invitations
Set the Scene with Invitations
The invitation is your guests’ first glimpse into the world you’re creating. Whether you go digital or traditional, make sure your invitations match the theme of your murder mystery party.
Include details like the date, time, and location, along with costume suggestions if applicable.
Assign Roles
Many murder mystery kits come with pre-assigned roles for your guests.
Send out these roles ahead of time, giving everyone a chance to get into character. Encourage your guests to dress up and really embrace their parts – it adds a lot to the experience.
3. Prepare the Space for a Murder Mystery
Set the Atmosphere
Transform your home into the setting of your murder mystery party. Decorate according to the theme, using props, lighting, and music to enhance the ambiance.
A dimly lit room with flickering candles and eerie music can set the perfect mood for a haunted mansion theme.
Just match it to your theme. For a halloween theme go with halloween decorations.
The same goers for costumes. Make sure everyone dresses up to fit the theme or if it’s for Halloween, just make sure everyone is in some sort of costume.
For help deciding on your costume or if you’re planning a theme, I highly recommend these resources;
Organize the Space
Make sure the layout of your party space is conducive to mingling and investigating.
Arrange the furniture to create small clusters where guests can converse and exchange clues. Designate certain areas for different activities, like a dining area and a place for gathering evidence.
4. Plan the Murder Mystery Menu
Themed Food and Drinks
A themed menu adds an extra layer of immersion to your murder mystery party.
Plan a selection of snacks and drinks that fit the setting. For example, a 1920s speakeasy might call for classic cocktails and finger foods, while a modern crime scene could feature trendy hors d'oeuvres.
Consider Dietary Restrictions
Don’t forget to account for any dietary restrictions your guests might have.
Offering a variety of food options ensures that everyone can enjoy the menu. Labeling dishes as vegan, gluten-free, or nut-free can be helpful.
You can’t go wrong with just a classic party food set up that people can pick at.
5. Run the Murder Mystery Game
Start with an Introduction
When your guests arrive, give them a brief introduction to the evening. Explain the rules of the game and what they can expect.
Make sure everyone knows how to stay in character and that it’s okay to ask questions if they’re confused.
Keep the Game Flowing
Throughout the night, gently steer the game to ensure it progresses smoothly.
If the conversation stalls or the mystery isn’t unfolding as planned, you can provide subtle hints or prompts to keep things moving. This helps maintain the energy and excitement.
Unveil the Mystery
As the evening draws to a close, guide your guests toward solving the mystery. Each guest should have a chance to make their accusation before the big reveal.
After the mystery is solved, take some time to discuss the game, sharing everyone’s favorite moments and unexpected twists.
6. Wrap Up the Night
Announce the Winners
If your murder mystery party includes a competitive element, like awards for the best detective or best actor, announce the winners and hand out prizes. This adds a fun conclusion to the evening and rewards those who really got into the spirit of the event.
Take Photos
Capture the memories of your murder mystery party with photos. Whether it's group shots, candid moments, or a recreation of the crime scene, these pictures will be a great way to remember the fun.
Encourage your guests to share their photos on social media, tagging you and the event.
Conclusion
Hosting a murder mystery party is a fantastic way to create an evening full of entertainment, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
From choosing the right theme to unveiling the final twist, each step of the process adds to the excitement of the night. With a little planning and creativity, your party will be a hit.
Do you have any favorite tips or stories from hosting a murder mystery party? We'd love to hear about them in the comments below!
If you’re still stuck for ideas, check out this article on Murder Mystery party planning.
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