In an episode of the show Malcolm in the Middle the ranch where Francis worked played host to a traveling murder mystery troupe that ended up driving away most of the guests as they were unsuspectingly drawn into the storyline. If you’re considering throwing your own murder mystery party you can avoid this scenario by carefully planning the evening’s events. I have successfully put together murder mystery parties and been an active participant every Halloween for the past fifteen years.
Come Up With a Plot
Two months before All Hallows’ Eve our group of friends decide who will be responsible for putting together the event. Obviously, you don’t have to take it that seriously but it’s a good idea to decide who will handle the details. Last year’s plot was inspired by the show Top Chef. In the past, we have had parties inspired by horror movie sets, vampire movies and keg parties gone horribly wrong.
For those of you that don’t have a warped imagination like I do look to your local bookstore for inspiration. I suggest the works of Agatha Christie or Sherlock Holmes for inspiration or anyone else where you can keep the setting of the party to a single scene. Single-scene settings are necessary as you don’t want your guests traipsing all over town.
Decide On the Place and Costs
We have been fortunate to use a friend’s house that sits on over five acres for our parties. This gives us plenty of room to work with and can allow for a lot of outside scenes (weather permitting). If you don’t have farmland or acreage readily available make sure the setting is a decent-size house. Remind your guests that, while the party may be set at a Victorian mansion or a haunted restaurant, it’s actually someone’s living quarters so act accordingly.
Your costs will vary depending on plot and setting. This can be an expensive undertaking if not properly planned. If you feel uncomfortable asking your guests to chip in cash see if they can bring their own favors or food.
Come Up With Characters
If I’m running the mystery I make sure that I’m the victim. It works best if I’m “out of the way” and can readily answer questions and make sure the story is running smoothly. If you’re not experienced consider not playing at all until you’ve had a couple parties under your belt.
Characters can be the most fun part of the process. Make sure it’s something the person will have fun playing and will be actively involved in the story. Nothing can bring a murder mystery party to a halt than someone who isn’t having fun.
Send Out Invitations
For the horror movie setting the “director” made up a press kit that included a poster for the movie and a press release that trumpeted the initial filming. Previously they had sent out invitations that were sealed in wax for a mystery that had a more formal setting. Make sure you give your guests enough advance notice so they can mark their calendars and arrange childcare if necessary.
Have Fun
Enjoy it! It doesn’t have to be perfect. Remember, this is a gathering of friends and family. If it doesn’t go totally according to plan don’t let it bother you. The most important of a murder mystery party, or any party for that matter, is to relax and have fun.
