Throwing your first murder mystery party can feel daunting. There is so much to consider, it can be tricky just getting your group of friends and family in one place, and you don’t want the vibe to be deader than the killer’s victim!
Sisters Grimm gives you a complete host guide with each game that spells out each and every detail, answering all of your questions and more, but that document is a lot longer than 5 points! Here we will sum up what it actually takes to throw a killer murder mystery party that will be as lively as it is deadly…
Step 1 – Pick a Theme
One of the most exciting steps for your game but can also feel the most bewildering! Do your guests want to be transported to a particular decade or place? Would you rather be a flapper in the 1920s, a pop star in the 1990s, or sipping tea at a Bridgerton-style ball? You can choose a murder in a manor house or in space, in a high school cafeteria or a potions dungeon inspired by Harry Potter.
The sky is the limit – or not if you choose a space-based mystery! Think about the costumes you might like to wear, the music you like, and go from there.
Step 2 – Choose Your Guests
The number of people you have playing, will affect which game you choose. For example, some are perfect for a big birthday party with up to 20 players, while others are better suited for a smaller group.
Our games can accommodate groups of 4 to 20. But remember, you need to have a vague idea of how many people are coming so you can pick the right size game for you.
Step 3 – Buy the Game
Now you know your theme and rough group size, it is time to buy the game. All our games are set up so that the host can play too. They might have multiple murders, evidence, or be replay-able with different characters as the murderer each time.
You may want a game that is fully scripted and laid out for you, or one where you can mingle and ad lib to your hearts content. Again think about the group you have and what they might be more comfortable with.
Don’t forget to check the reviews to and see what other have done with the game in the past - every murder mystery party is different and you can throw it exactly as you want!
Step 4 – Get Decorating and Dressed to Kill
One of the real keys to a killer party is to go all out. Get all dolled up and think about how your house will look and the atmosphere you are creating. This doesn’t mean that you have to rent professional costumes and spend a fortune redecorating your house, but you can make a big impact with a few well-chosen props.
Depending on your theme, you can organise your furniture to look more like the inside of a train car, leave space in the middle for a dancefloor and dust off the disco ball, or stick up pictures of the stars. You can get bulk props like cowboy hats, flapper headdresses, or 90s bucket hats to tie everyone together.
Any effort you make will help get your guests in the mood and set the vibe for the rest of the night!
Step 5 – Don’t Forget the Extras!
Sisters Grimm games include tons of fun extras to make your night complete. From a Spotify playlist perfectly tailored to the theme, to cocktail recipes, to party packs with games and activities to entertain your group all night. Check out the tips and suggestions in the host guide and you can put together a killer murder mystery night without the hassle in just one easy purchase.