It’s not simply a gigantic game of Cluedo, let’s face it. We frequently receive inquiries from first-time hosts at Masters of Mystery about how to throw a murder mystery dinner party. We understand that some people are naturally good at hosting, while others need a bit more knowledge and direction.
Our murder mystery game kits are made to provide the host all the information and instructions they need to make sure their dinner party runs smoothly. However, we thought it would be fantastic to ask some of our seasoned and novice hosts how they conduct a real party, complete with murder mystery!
These top 10 tips are a combination of our own and our hosts’ fantastic suggestions. The fact that Masters of Mystery creates interactive murder mystery games means that these excellent suggestions apply to that specific genre of murder mystery crime dinner game. A few of the recommendations could also apply to other kinds of murder mystery games.
How a murder mystery dinner should be organized
1. Arrange your dinner gathering.
A murder mystery party doesn’t have to be a huge affair. Being organized is the most crucial factor. A guide to organizing a fantastic mystery party that everyone will enjoy is included with the Masters of Mystery digital game kits!
Particularly if you are doing an in-person murder mystery party, we advise allowing at least two weeks for planning.
Theme
The most fascinating aspects of throwing mystery parties are featuring characters from various eras, backgrounds, or imaginative settings. And the key is to pick the appropriate murder mystery topic early on!
Be careful to take into account the interests of everyone in your group when selecting your theme. Is anyone in your group a Harry Potter fan? Next, decide on a murder mystery party with a Wizarding theme. Is this for a party on Halloween? Next, decide on a party with a monster theme.
Make sure the theme permeates every aspect of the party, including the acting, food, sound effects, costumes, and decorations. There are several options accessible.
Decorate the space.
The atmosphere of the party is mostly determined by the party décor. You organize how the game will be played and how the area will be decorated for your visitors. You can take as much action as you like!
Beautiful ideas abound on Pinterest pages that are worth viewing! Additionally, remember to choose a space that serves as the “crime scene” and contains clues!
Keep in mind that the main goal of your décor is to create the mood for the murder mystery party. You wish to take your visitors to a different era or world. Thus, be sure to schedule events like the best costume contest, background music,
Arrange the Food for Your Party
Formal dinner parties are something that some Mystery Murders hosts like organizing. Finger snacks or spreads are the ideal cuisine to provide during interactive murder mystery games. Finger appetizers facilitate conversation and social interaction among your visitors, which is crucial for the game style.
Incorporating a themed potluck is another fantastic idea. This implies that you don’t have to cook at the last minute and that your guests relieve you of part of the hosting duties!
2. Begin with a few close buddies.
For new hosts, smaller murder mystery games are simpler to run. We think they are ideal for the anxious first-time murder mystery party presenter, as most virtual boxed sets require a group of 4–8 individuals.
You may host bigger murder mystery parties and groups once you’ve hosted one mystery party.
3. Carefully Assign Character Roles
Character assignment is crucial! We advise distributing your invites first. Create a list of confirmed attendees, assign characters, and then recommend costumes.
Guests like role-playing the greatest when the allocated character is a good fit for their personality.
Do your closest pals have a lot of drama? From the character sheet, assign her the role of a movie star! Is your father a nosy person? Assign him the role of butler. Are there any other visitors who are more taciturn? Provide them with additional characters with more subdued roles from the character sheet.
Additionally, you should know that character sheets frequently include each character’s gender. While some characters are labeled as gender-neutral, others are written for certain genders. While some male actors transition into female leading parts, it is possible for female actors to play masculine roles. As long as you informed the players, this is OK as well.
Avoid making a last-minute choice by giving careful consideration to which of your visitors are most appropriate for each job.
Finally, let your visitors to choose their suitable outfit. Additionally, they shouldn’t be forced to wear clothes; instead, let them choose and emphasize how much fun it is. Bring this up to your visitors! Send out invitations with suggested attire.
4. Include all the information in the invitation.
Provide as much information as you can in your invitation. The majority of individuals send out two invitations: a formal invitation with allocated characters and an RSVP. You should help your visitors get into character and provide them with all the information for the evening in your second invitation:
Character sheet/character information booklet (contains background information, character descriptions, and other party companions)
Clue Cards (the clue cards of many characters reveal their secrets.)
Recommendations for good costumes
Rules and gameplay
5. Create name tags
Use your kit’s name tags, print them off, cut them out, or create your own for the night. Your players may go and look for other players, therefore the tags are effective. Keep in mind that many of your friends have ties with these individuals that are disclosed to them in their background information, and they might not be aware of who is who.
6. Introduce those who ought to be acquainted
Presenting a persona to the audience is another crucial duty for the presenter. Married couples can be found in some murder mystery party games.
Occasionally, your guests will show up to the party unaware of who played with whom. Attempting to bring them together at an early age is a terrific concept. Sometimes the invite you issued earlier has this information, but to avoid misunderstanding, introduce yourself first.
7. Before the game “officially” begins, go over the rules again.
In the majority of our games, the murderer discovers their identity right away. It is advisable to go over the rules with the participants again and remind them that only the murderer is permitted to lie; everyone else is told to bluster, shift the topic, etc., but always speak the truth.
8. Present Awards for Murder Mystery Party Games
At the conclusion of the game, many party hosts like giving out prizes and trophies. Many people believe that it’s a terrific way to wrap up the mystery party, but it’s not necessary. Giving your visitors the contest categories in advance of their arrival is a terrific idea. This encourages a little flair and rivalry, particularly in the acting and clothing departments. Here are some other prize ideas:
The best detective (the first to identify the murderer and the reason behind it)
If no one got the answer, the murderer would be the best liar.
Most Likely to Commit a Crime (as the host pointed out, for someone who was included on several ballots but wasn’t guilty)
The players’ choice for Best Costume
The player’s choice for Best Performer