How To Host Murder Mystery Themed Parties

When I was young, parties generally consisted of a barely set jelly, some cheese and pineapple on sticks and a disco DJ playing Agadoo and the Birdie Song. Even celebrity soirees were a much more low-key affair than they are today. Sometimes it seems that without a guest appearance from an A List celebrity, it's not worth popping the cork on a bottle of Cava. All is not lost though, themed parties are becoming an increasingly popular way to entertain guests, and now accessing props is easier than ever, it is possible to throw a party to rival the rich and famous. This is a brief guide to hosting your own murder mystery themed parties.

The great thing about a murder mystery themed party is that it has the potential to last all weekend, not just for an evening. In addition to that, taking on the persona of a character can be a wonderful ice breaker for guests that don't know each other that well. Some people choose to organise or attend these events as a hobby, which is testament to the success of holding a murder mystery party.

To set the scene, you first need to find a suitable script. These scripts can be set in any place and in any era. So whether you fancy dressing as a Victorian dandy, a 1920s flapper or indulging in an exotic Eastern mystery in a harem, then the choice is yours. Once you've selected the script, it is time to get the invites out and start ordering everything you need to set the scene.

You may need to consider venue hire depending on the amount of space you already have available. One of the most popular solutions for themed parties is to hire a marquee. This allows a dedicated space to be decorated according to the theme, and the sense of a completely separate space means that the guests can keep in character. There are of course many venues that can be hired for themed parties, from hotels and country houses to city centre clubs.

To ensure full immersion, ensure every last detail is correct for the theme. Look at books, and do some historical research to get the right aesthetic setting, or ask the advice of a dedicated themed party organiser. These companies often have complete sets for kitting out a venue and making it look authentic, saving you a lot of much needed time.

Finally, make sure that all the guests have a copy of the script and an itinerary well before the event. To really make your murder mystery themed party go with a veritable bang, insist that everyone turns up already in character and well aware of how the evening or weekend is going to progress.