How to Host a Murder Mystery Bash

If you want to host a party that is not the usual sit-down, gather, eat and chat party, why not host a murder mystery party? With this type of party, you will keep your guests entertained as they participate in solving the mystery. This will almost guarantee that nobody in your party will be bored. A murder mystery party is great for costume parties such as masquerades, Halloween and birthday parties.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Murder mystery kit
• Invitation
• Performers
• Costumes
• Props and toy weapons (example: gun or knife)
• Prizes
• Theme decorations

1. Determine the date of your murder mystery party. This is crucial since you would need to send the invitations in advance. This is to ensure that your participants or "actors" would be able to attend, but if they are unable, you can replace them right away.

2. Purchase a kit available at party stores or online. The kit includes party invitations, the skit or script for the play, props, clues and costumes. If you want to save money, you can buy a simple kit without the props and costumes, then buy the costumes at discount stores or thrift shops. Your guests may also wear any costume appropriate that they already have. You can also make your own props if that is cheaper.

3. Read the script, then make a list of would-be participants who will play the characters. When you pick out the names, keep in mind not to pick the shy ones, for they may have a hard time participating and end up not enjoying the party. Choose the outgoing types, the ones who love to act or role-play to keep the party lively. Choose back-ups in case your first picks will not make the party. Keep the back-up role players informed that in the event the first picks do not show up, they will perform.

4. Call the performers before sending the invitations. Find out whether they are available and ensure their attendance. Advise them that their roles, especially the murderer, are confidential to keep the mystery intact.

5. Prepare the invitation. Include a note on the invitation that you will host a murder mystery party and that if they can, to wear appropriate costumes.

6. Send the invitation at least two months in advance.

7. Prepare or purchase the props at least a month prior to the party.

8. Prepare the costumes in advance in case your performers do not have any.

9. Decorate using the theme for the murder party. For example, if you are planning on a Victorian-era murder mystery, add decorations that go with that era.

10. Set up the props and clues in different areas of your home before your guests arrive.

11. Brief the performers at least an hour before the start of the game.

12. Make sure to have plenty of food and drinks. Usually, the murder mystery happens right after dinner or during cocktail time. You want to ensure that people are standing up and following the sequence of events.

13. Hire or get someone to recite each chapter of the story and the mystery involved. You can play this role as well since you are the host. Some companies provide this service, such as party planners and party performers or characters.

14. Provide a prize for the winner who solved the mystery. Give tokens of appreciation to the performers who helped in role-playing.

Tips & Warnings

• Take pictures and videos to commemorate the event. Send copies to your performers as tokens of appreciation.
• Avoid accidents by not using real weapons as props.

Resources

• Murder Mystery Party Kits