Table of Contents
- What is a mystery party game?
- How many guests should I invite to my mystery party?
- What should my guests wear to the murder mystery party?
- Should I download a mystery party game or get the boxed set?
- How do I decorate for my mystery party?
- What type of food do I serve at a mystery party game?
- Why am I still hesitant to host this party?
A murder mystery party is always the best choice for party entertainment.
If you are new to murder mystery parties, you've most likely heard about them before, but maybe you've not been able to jump that confidence hurdle and commit to being the party host. Before someone gets the jump on you and plans a boring get-together that everyone will feel obligated to attend - it's time for you to take the plunge and start planning a memorable night for your friends, colleagues, and family. You will not be disappointed, your guests will be impressed, and you will be the hero everyone is talking about on Monday back at the office.
We all have busy lives, so this will be brief. The following is a quick breakdown of a mystery party game and how you can get started on planning your party.
What is a mystery party game?
Murder mystery parties involve inviting guests to play a character role for a fully immersive and interactive experience. Mystery games will offer an optional pre-game experience where your guests can start the fun before the party by viewing a guest website and engaging in pre-game tasks.
During the night of excitement, an unsuspecting victim will be claimed (but not taken out of the game, don't worry), and everyone at the party will investigate whodunit - all while remaining in their designated character role. If you like to laugh, this is for you. If you are competitive, this is for you. If you love true crime mysteries - this is for you.
How many guests should I invite to my mystery party?
Murder mystery parties vary by the number of required players but range from 4 to 300+ players. In other words - it is flexible. Parties from small to big all work and are a great success, but the optimal number of guests would be in the 16-24 guest range.
What should my guests wear to the murder mystery party?
A mystery party game will provide a character list with costume suggestions for the guests to consider. You can ask the guests to bring a prop, assemble an elaborate costume, or, if this is a last-minute idea, simply wear the name tags to designate character roles. There is no right or wrong with mystery party attire. If you, as the host, want to take care of the costumes, choose a masquerade game and have a table at the entryway with a selection of masks.
Costumes add so much to the experience, but they don’t have to be intimidating. Encourage guests to start with what they already own. A blazer and sunglasses can transform into a detective look. A black dress with a strand of pearls can become a glamorous heiress. Even a simple scarf, hat, or pair of funky glasses can help signal who the character is without requiring a shopping spree. For guests who love to go all out, they can turn to thrift stores, party shops, or even Amazon for quick additions like wigs, boas, or themed props.
If your group is costume-shy, props are the easiest way to get into character. A stethoscope for a doctor, a notebook for an investigative reporter, or a rolling pin for a baker immediately sets the stage. Guests often find it less intimidating to carry something in hand than to dress head-to-toe.
As the host, you can also provide a “prop basket” at the door filled with inexpensive items like fake mustaches, plastic magnifying glasses, or feather boas. This ensures everyone has at least one item to “flip the switch” into character mode.
And remember—sometimes less is more. The point is immersion, not perfection. Whether your party looks like a red-carpet cosplay event or a quirky mix of everyday clothes with playful props, the costumes should make your guests feel comfortable, engaged, and ready to dive into the fun.
Should I download a mystery party game or get the boxed set?
If you have a big enough budget for the party, you should opt for the boxed set - it's more professional, it's less hassle for you, but most of all - the host can play along without accidentally spoiling the mystery. If you don't have it in your budget, you can still play along as the host with the download version, but we suggest getting someone who cannot come to the party to assist you with preparing the kit. The good thing about the download version is that you get the game instantly upon purchase, and you avoid shipping fees. If you purchase the download, but later decide you'd rather have the boxed kit - you can upgrade.
How do I decorate for my mystery party?
Some murder mystery parties are holiday-themed, so choosing décor is easy. Others are time periods, like the '20s or '80s. Decorating can be done with a simple bag of spider webbing a few LED candles. Or, if you love to plan and have a bigger budget - buy out the party décor aisle for your theme.
There will be instructions given for each game on how to decorate for the theme, but we also have a Pinterest Board for all of our games that contains fun party décor and food ideas.
What type of food do I serve at a mystery party game?
Mystery parties are flexible with the type of offerings you wish to serve. You are strongly cautioned against hosting a party without at least serving appetizers. If you are feeling fancy, mystery games have a designated time where you can put the game on pause and serve dinner - either formal sit down dinner or buffet style.
Why am I still hesitant to host this party?
Why you aren't already writing your guest list out is a bigger mystery than the games. So if you are new to new to murder mystery parties the just Click here to choose your next mystery party.
