Throwing a murder mystery party is the perfect way to entertain friends and family while adding a dash of intrigue to your gathering. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, hosting a themed event, or just looking for a fun evening activity, a murder mystery party offers the ideal mix of creativity, problem-solving, and drama. Below, we've compiled ideas for costumes and accessories, along with party planning tips to ensure your event is a killer success!
1. How to Run the Murder Mystery Game
Begin your party planning by choosing a theme and laying out the rules for your murder mystery game. If you don't have a storyline and characters or have never run your own game before, you can find (or even buy) premade murder mysteries online. After that, you can assign characters, ensuring your guests have enough time to prepare their costumes. Make sure to provide detailed instructions and clues for each round. To keep things flowing, designate a host or game master to guide the action, if you won't be running it yourself.
2. Killer Decor for an Immersive Atmosphere
Sherlock Holmes decor
Transform your venue with decor that matches your mystery's setting. For the Wild West, use hay bales and lanterns. A 1920s party could feature Art Deco designs. For Sherlock Holmes, scatter old books and Victorian/Edwardian-specific medicine bottles. Each theme's atmosphere should feel authentic and immersive.
3. Food and Drinks That Are Deadly Delicious
Create a menu that matches your theme. For a Wild West party, serve chili, cornbread, and sarsaparilla. A Clue-inspired party could include color-coded cocktails and finger foods like "Colonel Mustard's cheese curds". A masquerade calls for champagne and elegant hors d'oeuvres, while a 1920s party might feature Prohibition-inspired mocktails.
4. Twists, Turns, and Fun Activities Beyond the Mystery
Photo booth props
While solving the mystery is the main event, include additional activities to keep guests entertained. A photo booth with themed props, trivia related to your theme, or a costume contest are great options!
5. Mastering the Art of Suspense
Build anticipation by sending guests cryptic invitations hinting at their roles. Use background music to set the mood, such as jazz for a 1920s theme or eerie soundtracks for Sherlock Holmes. As the game progresses, dim the lights or add sudden "plot twists" to heighten the drama.
6. Wild West Murder Mystery Costumes for a Western Whodunit
| Cowboy Costume | Cowgirl Costume | Old West Bartender Costume | Gambler Costume Kit |
| Money Bag Accessory |
Guests can dress as cowboys, saloon girls, outlaws, or the iconic old west bartender. Then add period accessories like cowboy hats, lassos, and toy six-shooters. Consider starting the event by having a sheriff "deputize" everyone. And don't forget to scatter clues that fit the setting, like a torn Wanted poster or a ripped bandanna.
7. Clue Murder Mystery Costumes for a Classic Caper
| Clue Mrs. Peacock Costume | Col. Mustard Costume | Butler Costume | Clue Wrench Prop Weapon |
| Dagger Prop Weapon |
Bring the board game to life with costumes based on characters like Mrs. Peacock, Colonel Mustard, and Wadsworth. (Although, technically, Wadsworth first appeared in the film, and The Butler character only appeared in later special editions of the game. We still think he's a worthy inclusion, especially if played by the host.) If the guests have weapons in your murder mystery game, make sure they include Clue-appropriate accessories like the wrench, the dagger, and the revolver. It may help to assign colors so that your guests recognize each character immediately.
8. Masquerade Murder Mystery Costumes for a Masked Mindboggler
| Men's Aristocrat Costume | Women's Aristocrat Dress | Men's Aristocrat Jacket and Vest | Crow Masquerade Mask |
Set a luxurious tone for your Masquerade-themed murder mystery. Think flowing gowns, tailored jackets, and glittering accessories. Masks can be ornate or simple, depending on your theme. For added flair, provide guests with mystery items, like a secret note, to enhance the intrigue.
9. 1920s Murder Mystery Costumes for a Roaring Riddle
| Women's Gangster Costume | Men's Gangster Costume | Women's Flapper Dress | Feather Boa |
A Roaring '20s murder mystery could include several related costume themes, like gangsters, flappers, and socialites. Think The Great Gatsby and jazz! Period-appropriate costumes include flapper dresses and pinstripe suits, with accessories like pearl necklaces, cigarette holders, and pocket flasks. You can even get your guests in the spirit with some 1920s slang!
10. Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Costumes for a British Brainteaser
| Men's Sherlock Holmes Costume | Women's Sherlock Costume | Women's Sweeney Todd Costume | Men's Jack the Ripper Costume |
A murder mystery based around the world's greatest detective should feature Victorian and Edwardian-era costumes and accessories. That means tweed suits, deerstalker hats, magnifying glasses, and pipes. Guests could even lean into the "murder" theme with costumes based on Jack the Ripper or Sweeney Todd! Consider outfitting them with pocket watches and notebooks to help solve the crime.
A murder mystery party inevitably leads to an unforgettable evening of creativity and fun. Have you hosted one before or are you planning your first? We want to hear about it in the comments! Or let us know about a theme we missed. And come back soon for more party ideas!
