Hosting a murder mystery party is all about creating an immersive experience where guests can step into character, solve clues, and have a blast. But just like any great dinner party or event, a little etiquette goes a long way in making sure things run smoothly. Whether you’re hosting a classic whodunit or a modern influencer drama, here are some essential dos and don’ts to ensure a seamless, drama-free night (except for the fictional kind, of course!).

1. Set the Stage Like a Pro

Your guests are stepping into a world of intrigue, so make sure they know what to expect before they arrive. Send out character assignments and costume suggestions well in advance so they can get into the spirit of the game. A well-decorated space that fits the theme—whether it’s a haunted mansion, a 1920s speakeasy, or a social media influencer house—adds to the immersion and excitement.

Etiquette Tip: Make sure there’s enough space for mingling and investigating. Crowded rooms make it tough to stay in character and follow clues.

2. Know Your Guests & Assign Roles Accordingly

Not everyone is comfortable with the spotlight, and that’s okay! When assigning roles, consider your guests’ personalities. Give the more outgoing players characters that require a bit of performance (the required players) and let the quieter guests play roles that are more observational.

Etiquette Tip: If a guest feels nervous about playing a major role, let them team up with another player or take on a supporting character—no pressure! However, keep an extra role on hand, just in case. Once they see how much fun everyone’s having, they might just change their mind!

3. Explain the Rules, But Don’t Micromanage

Before the game begins, gather everyone for a quick rundown of how it works by reading the player instructions or showing the player instruction video. Cover the basics:

• Stay in character when possible.
• Listen carefully to what others say—clues may be hidden in conversations.
• Ask open-ended questions to keep the mystery moving.
• Keep it fun and friendly—no real-life accusations!

Etiquette Tip: Avoid interrupting gameplay too often. Mystery parties thrive on natural interaction, so let players follow the story at their own pace. Never move on to the next activity if the energy is high. Don't stop the fun! 

4. Keep the Game on Track (Without Rushing It!)

Some players will dive right into interrogations, while others might need a nudge. As the host, keep an eye on the flow of the game. If it’s dragging, it's time to move on to the next activity, or push things forward with a dramatic announcement.

Etiquette Tip: Have a timer or subtle way to signal when it’s time to move to the next round. You don’t want the mystery to fizzle out before the big reveal!

5. Food & Drinks: The Real MVPs of the Night

A hungry suspect is a grumpy suspect. Whether you’re hosting a full dinner party or just serving snacks, make sure there’s plenty of food and drinks available. If your game has multiple rounds, plan breaks so people can grab a bite and refresh.

Etiquette Tip: Opt for finger foods or easy-to-eat dishes—no one wants to wrestle a plate of spaghetti while making a dramatic accusation! If serving dinner, pause the game between rounds one and two, but keep the characters alive (unlike the victim).

6. Don’t Take the Mystery Too Seriously

Yes, the goal is to solve the crime, but the real point of a mystery party is to have fun! Some guests will analyze every clue, while others just want to play their character and enjoy the evening. Both approaches are okay!

Etiquette Tip: If someone’s getting a little too competitive or hogging the spotlight, gently redirect the game to keep things fun for everyone. A well-timed bonus game or challenge can work wonders to reset the vibe!

7. The Big Reveal: Keep It Engaging

The final round is where everything comes together, so make it dramatic! Encourage players to make their accusations and hold nothing back - they should include motive and how the killer did it. The accusations occur before round three - when the murderer eventually confesses. The game includes a scripted confession, so encourage the guilty party deliver it with flair.

Etiquette Tip: Avoid letting the reveal fall flat. If your players are shy or just really terrible at acting, when they present their solutions, it can drop the energy in the room. Remember in 5th grade when your reading teacher had your classmates read passages to the class?  BORING! So, build up suspense with dramatic pauses, funny one-liners, or even a fake-out before the real culprit is named!

8. Wrap It Up with Style

After the mystery is solved, celebrate the sleuths who cracked the case and give props to the best in-character performances! Snap a group photo to remember the night—just skip any spoiler shots of the "victim" in costume or wearing their sign or the murderer in handcuffs, etc. Let’s keep the mystery alive for future detectives!

Etiquette Tip: If you want to keep the fun going, offer a small prize for the best detective, most dramatic performance, or best costume. Even a simple printed certificate or a silly trophy adds an extra touch!

Final Thoughts

Hosting a mystery party is all about setting the scene, keeping the energy up, and making sure everyone has a blast. With the right balance of structure and flexibility, you’ll create a night to remember—full of intrigue, laughter, and maybe even a shocking twist!

So, grab your magnifying glass, round up your guests, and let the mystery begin!

Would you like help selecting the perfect mystery party experience? Drop your questions in our contact form below—we’d love to help you create an unforgettable night of crime-solving fun! ?✨