Do Murder Mystery Parties feel Awkward? Not if you play them this way!
Let’s be honest. No one wants to feel put on the spot at a party. If you’ve ever worried that murder mystery games are awkward, cringey, or too theatrical…you’re not wrong! Sometimes they are.
But they don’t have to be. When done right, a murder mystery can feel welcoming, inclusive, and genuinely fun, even for shy or introverted groups. In this post, we’ll show you how to play a murder mystery game that feels relaxed, comfortable, and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Setting the Crime Scene
For anyone planning to host a murder mystery party, the right set up can head off any awkwardness right from the start. Each Sisters Grimm game comes with a bespoke Spotify playlist full of killer hits to create the perfect atmosphere for your party. From haunting orchestral versions of modern tunes for our Bridgerton-inspired game to hairbrush hits from the 80s in Camp Deadwood, these songs are sure to set the scene.
The right lighting can also make a big difference, with bright, cold lighting making your guests feel more put on the spot. Try using lamps instead to create a cosier feel as softer lighting tends to make people feel more comfortable.
Dress up but dress comfortably
Your outfit can really help you to get into character and embody the role you are playing. A flapper dress to play the 1920s show girl, a stripy shirt as a pirate, or a bucket hat in the 90s can make you feel more like you are someone else. And hopefully to channel that character’s confidence while you are at it!
One big mistake that many mystery guests make is to go all out with their outfit and leave themselves feeling more awkward than before. Wearing too little can leave you feeling exposed while too much can feel stifling. Make sure that you feel comfortable and confident in your outfit and that should reflect in how you feel at the mystery night.
Give props to props!
One of the key hacks for feeling less awkward in general is to have something to do with your hands, and that is super easy to do at a murder mystery party. Each of our character descriptions includes a suggested prop, something you can use to feel more in character. They will complement the role that you are playing and can also give hints on how to act.
For instance, a journalist might have a notebook and pen so that you can scribble down ideas or things people have said to stay busy, or a debutante might have a fan to fan themselves with. These props can give you something to do and a way to interact with the other guests outside of simple questions.
Your Character Booklet is your lifeline
Our absolute top tip and the most important thing to remember when you are playing a murder mystery game is that your character booklet is your best friend and saviour! If you get stuck on what to do, find yourself just standing there or struggling to think what to do or say, check your character booklet and it will set you right.
In each of our games, your character booklet will let you know where you are and what you should be doing. For a fully scripted game like our Ton’s Tea Party, you will have every question and response in order along with information on who your character is and how to play them.
For our evidence based games you will find questions and answers, a to-do list, and even a few secrets that give you extra hints on how to act.
Join the murder club
Just remember, you won’t be alone at this party, and odds are you won’t be the only one feeling nervous or out of place. Whether you decide to fake it ‘til you make it with over-the-top acting and a fab outfit or you stick to your lines and opt to focus on solving the mystery, you won’t be playing alone.
Your host will be keen to keep things fun and stop the atmosphere from being as dead as the murder victim. Stick to your character booklet, let the host set the tone, and keep in mind that others are probably feeling the same as you and you will be just fine! And if you have any questions or are looking for more top tips, check out our many blogs and contact us anytime.
