Throwing a murder mystery party can seem like an expensive undertaking. There is the initial purchase of the game, sourcing the perfect costume, and all the little and larger extras that go along with hosting a party like this.
While you certainly can go as big as you want with your budget, there are many ways that you can cut costs and throw a killer party without breaking the bank.
Buying the game
You don’t need to go out and look for the most expensive kits to get a complete and compelling game. Our murder mystery party games include everything you need from a host guide and playing materials to fun extras like drink labels, cocktail suggestions, and tips for keeping the party going once the killer is found.
We have many different games available for digital download, including those best suited to play on a site like zoom, and this means that we can offer you a better price point than if you got a physical boxed up game. You can print out what you need yourself, or even play along on your phone or some other device, it is up to you.
Make sure to keep an eye out for special offers, deals, and seasonal discounts for an extra saving!
Finding the right outfit
Each murder mystery has a different theme, and comes with personalised costume suggestions for you to look at. This doesn’t mean that you need an actual ball gown to play our Bridgerton-inspired game, for instance, or an astronaut’s outfit for our space-themed game.
Instead, think about one prop, or one clothing item, that would really add to your look and help your other guests to see who you are. Consider gloves and a fan, a chef’s apron, fangs, or a bucket hat, and pair them with whatever you have in your wardrobe that best fits. Charity shops are the perfect spot to find a bargain, and you never know what you might find if you take a look.
You don’t need to rent a professional costume to have a great night, and any effort that you put in will go a long way to helping you get in the mind-set of your character. Check out our costume recommendations included in your character booklet, have some fun with them, and you are sure to be dressed to kill!
Food, drink, and decorations
There are many ways that you can get your place prepared for an unforgettable party without spending a fortune. One of the most impactful ways to help get your guests in the spirit is with tasty and themed cocktails, and we provide you with some recipes that are fairly cheap and simple to make, and that look and taste fabulous.
You can also decorate your room in keeping with your theme, and there are many ways to do this without costing an arm and a leg. You can print off pictures from the internet, for example of stars and planets to decorate the ‘windows’ of the space shuttle in our space themed game.
You could set the room up like a school cafeteria or a banquet, hang old CDs so that they shine, or get a load of cheap crockery from a charity shop to serve your drinks in. We include some suggestions like these in all of our games to help you prepare for the perfect party, and don’t forget the free Spotify playlist to help inspire you and your guests!
Play your own way
In the end, it is really up to you how much you want to dive into to any theme and game that you buy. Some groups in the past have gone all out with themed cakes and nibbles, party decorations, and more, while others have simply used the character scripts included and still had a blast.
Our games do include everything that you actually need to host and play a killer mystery party, and after that, it is up to you to see which extras you might want, and how glammed up to get. Remember, charity shops are your friend and you may have a family member, friend, or neighbour who might be able to help with costumes and props from the past.
Some of Grandma’s costume jewellery might be perfect for our 1930s manor house mystery, while Mother could have the 80s outfits to make for a truly epic night! However you wish to dress up and play, good luck, and happy sleuthing!