Where Should You Start?

In our tutorial, we will start with Part I: a party prepping guide that will help you start the experience with a bang. After that, Part II helps you focus on the party itself, including points on how to keep guests entertained and help everyone have an enjoyable time. Finally, Part III includes some useful tips on finishing up your get-together and sending guests on their way with smiles on their faces.

Let's get started!

I. How to Plan a Murder Mystery Dinner Party: Planning, Plotting, and Scheming

Okay, maybe you aren't actually plotting and scheming, but having a solid game plan is a must. Let's look at what you should do to get the ball rolling!

Finding the Perfect Party Kit

Most murder mystery dinner parties usually get started with a party kit. Typically, the kit will include:

• interesting character personas
• a murder narrative
• tasks that need to be completed to solve the mystery.

Some kits are funny, others are spooky, and the really good ones are a mix of both!

Remember to choose a kit that works well, fits your living or hosting space, and sounds intriguing and entertaining. Also, keep in mind to select a kit that accommodates the number of guests you're planning to have over.

Alternatively, you can also choose to just follow a script, and you can find many great examples online. However, a script will only offer you a story, so it might be trickier to get costumes, decorations, or even all the clues you need. Therefore, you need to take quite a few additional details into account as well.  
 
You can begin your search for murder mystery party kits by taking a look at the following best-sellers:

Supplies and Things You’ll Need

There are several items that you're definitely going to need before you can start your party. Your kit will specify exactly what you'll require, but we will try to provide some general guidelines of what the objects will be. Additionally, we'll explain what will always be necessary, in any case, and no matter the kit. Fortunately, most kits will include just about everything for your party.

Check out some of the key supplies and aspects that most murder mystery dinner parties will call for below.

Setting Up for the Party

Now that you know what you need, have gathered everything up, and sent the invites, it's time to get down to business! Let's see what you must always do before a murder mystery party.

II. How to Plan a Murder Mystery Dinner Party: The Actual Party

So, you've set everything up and your guests are arriving. Now, after you've worked hard, you're ready to party harder! 
 

• Explain the Rules Clearly to All Guests

Wait until everyone has arrived, then read the rules of the game and ensure that everyone has understood what it's about. Some kits include roles in the invitations, but most kits will assign roles on the spot.

The character aspect of the party can vary a lot, as you can choose to assign the roles before the party, or during it. You can also let your guests decide who they will portray. Just as when you assign the parts yourself, guests can take their pick before or during the party.

No matter which way you choose, make sure that everyone is happy with the parts they get so that all your guests will have fun.  
 

• Follow the Kit's Directions as Closely as You Can 

If any directions require hiding clues or other such activities, make sure to follow them as accurately as possible. Therefore, you'll be making sure that even a complex story will go down without a hitch. 
 
Also, make sure to check the requirements checklist well before the party, so that you can gather everything with enough time to spare.  
 

• Stay in Character the Whole Night

Try to stick to your role throughout the night. Staying in character will not only make things more entertaining, but it'll also help the guests play their part too. If everyone follows the rules and roles, the entire dinner can be far more interesting and exciting. 
 
In cases in which every guest was assigned a part before the party, you can turn the fun up a notch and welcome everyone already in character. You can do so at the end as well (if you aren't one of the victims or the criminal, that is).
 

• Mingle and Have Fun

Don't forget! Roleplay, have fun and enjoy yourself. After all, it is a party. Remember to try and help your guests if they need assistance or are having trouble with the script or character. As a result, you can further ensure that they will be enjoying themselves as well!

III. How to Plan a Murder Mystery Dinner: After Your Party

As the party is coming close to a finish, or if you discovered the murderer, you can go one of two ways. You can either stay in character, and do as we discussed earlier, or you can turn on all the lights, break character, and have a laugh. It's up to you!

To make it easier to pick, we advise you to read the room, the mood of the guests and choose the most suitable finale to wrap up the party in style.

Send Home Party Favors

In addition, we recommend sending your guests off with a neat party favor. It can be a prop from the game, a detail from the costume, their character card, or something completely different. Get creative!

Tips & Tricks for Easy Success

That’s It, Folks – Enjoy Your Party!

So there you have it! A start to finish guide that has walked you through the steps of how to plan a murder mystery dinner party that everyone will really enjoy! Do you have any tips & tricks of your own on how to plan a murder mystery dinner party? We'd love to hear them, so do share your experiences in hosting a murder mystery party, or even funny stories from one!

If a murder mystery party is just a bit too much for now, why not start small and plan a slumber party fort first?