How to be a guest at a murder mystery party
We have written a case-load of blogs on how to host a murder mystery, but there are surprisingly few that give clues on how to be a guest at one. For those who have played and hosted murder mysteries themselves, you know that the key part of any party is to show up and have a good time.
But for those who prefer to plan out their evenings, here are a few of our top premeditated tips and tricks to have you killing it the next time you are invited to a mystery night…
Dress to kill
The right outfit can help you get into character and really set the tone for the night to come. Whether you are dressing as a flapper heading for a secret speakeasy soirée or if there’s a murder on the dancefloor with bucket hats and white boots in one of our 90s themed mysteries. Your outfit will help you to feel part of the theme.
A clear costume can help others remember who you are, wearing an apron as a chef, for example, or a dressed in your finery as this season’s diamond in our Bridgerton-inspired game. This doesn’t mean, however, that you have to break the bank and buy an outfit fit for Queen Charlotte! You would be amazed at the costumes you can throw together from your wardrobe or a charity shop visit. (Check out our blogs on costume suggestions for more tips and tricks!)
Play the game Prop-erly!
Along with your outfit, bringing the right prop along can help you get into character and set you apart from the crowd. In your character booklet you will see a description of the role you are to play. For many characters, this will include a prop suggestion that suits your role. For instance, you may bring a fan to hide coyly behind, or a feather boa that you use in your Speakeasy dance routine!
You may be a reporter with a pad and pen taking notes, a chef with a rolling pin to wave, or a wizard with a wand. A prop is an excellent tool, showcasing a part of your personality and giving the group something to focus on. It is perfect way for anyone who is a little nervous about the performance side of a mystery party. Let your prop ‘prop up’ your acting while you simply read out what you need, or go all out and ad-lib, act up, and put on a show, it’s up to you!
The devil is in the details
Now that you are dressed, armed with a prop or two, and ready for action, we come to the actual murder mystery evening. If you are hoping to catch every false alibi, unravel the evidence, and spot every falsehood, the best hack is to take notes. You can incorporate a notebook into your character if it fits, or don’t be afraid to scribble along the sides of your character book, make a table of people’s whereabouts and so on.
In each of our games there are multiple clues that point you to the killer, from clashing alibis to physical evidence to clear (if sometimes rather silly) motives. Keep your eyes and ears open, read through the evidence a couple of times and you will catch your killer.
Have a ball!
The number 1 rule for how to be a guest at a murder mystery party is simple. Have fun! The only thing your host will want from you is to show up and have a good time. Don’t sweat the small stuff, worry about your acting abilities (or lack thereof), or feel too nervous. Whether you read your answers plainly or with accents, bells and whistles, you will get the information across no matter what.
Another key point that surprises many guests is that you don’t have to catch the killer to have a good time! We have even had a real detective fall for a red herring, and he still had a ball! Play your character your way, grab a drink and be silly, or take notes and catch the killer. Go with what makes you comfortable, and you are sure to be the perfect guest at your murder mystery night.
Now you know how to be our guest, why not try being our host?! Check out our many fabulous and fun themed mysteries, complete with host guides to take you through each step of throwing a party to die for!
