Forget basic email invites—kick off the suspense from the moment your guests open their mailbox. Create themed invitations that match the tone of your mystery. For example, a vintage telegram for a 1920s Gatsby-style mystery or a sun-soaked postcard for a tropical crime scene. Include hints about their character’s role, costume suggestions, and maybe even a cryptic clue to build excitement before the event begins.
Pro Tip: Use wax seals, old-timey fonts, or aged paper to make your party invites look extra authentic. Or, even send the invites in a bottle!
Transform your party space into the world of your mystery. Use decor to reflect the setting—candles and cobwebs for a haunted house, neon lights and metallic streamers for a Y2K rave, or palm trees and tiki torches for a tropical paradise. Small touches like framed “wanted” posters of suspects, crime scene tape, or evidence markers add a layer of realism that makes guests feel like they’re inside a living crime novel.
Pro Tip: Night of Mystery includes party extras (think designed posters, room signs, banners and more) to help decorate for your murder mystery. Just print and hang to create that extra ambience to your gathering.
The right soundtrack can set the mood and enhance the drama of your mystery. Play era-appropriate music to transport guests back in time or create suspenseful ambiance with subtle background sounds like distant thunder, creaking floorboards, or whispers in the dark. Platforms like Spotify have ready-made playlists for just about every theme you can imagine.
Bonus: Add sound effects for pivotal moments like the reveal of a crucial clue or a shocking twist! Check out Spotify lists here!
Encourage your guests to go all-out with their costumes by offering prizes for categories like:
Best Dressed
Most Creative Costume
Best Character Transformation
Give out trophies, themed gifts, or even personalized certificates for a little extra motivation. Watching your guests fully embrace their characters will enhance the fun for everyone.
A signature drink menu inspired by the mystery’s theme can add a touch of elegance and creativity. For a 1920s party, serve classic cocktails like The Bee’s Knees or Sidecar. Hosting a tropical-themed mystery? Whip up Mai Tais, Pina Coladas, or refreshing Mocktail Mojitos.
Creative Touch: Give each drink a mysterious name like The Poisoned Martini or The Suspect’s Secret Sip.
Add an extra layer of fun (and flavor) with interactive food stations that match the theme of your party. Not only do these stations serve delicious treats, but they also encourage guests to mingle and take breaks from the mystery-solving action.
For example:
DIY Taco Bar for a tropical mystery setting
Gourmet Popcorn Station with unique flavors for a Hollywood whodunit
Customizable Cupcake Decorating Station where guests can create their own sweet masterpieces
Bonus Touch: Label the stations with fun, themed names like “The Crime Scene Snack Bar” or “Detective’s Delight Dessert Table” to keep the vibe playful and on-brand without adding extra mystery elements.
Create a photo booth where guests can snap photos in character. Provide themed props such as magnifying glasses, feather boas, fedoras, or police hats. It’s a fun way to break the ice and give your guests something to remember the night by.
Pro Tip: Have a suspect board prop (included with mystery) and offer printable “mugshot” signs for that perfect post-mystery selfie.
End the night with an award ceremony to recognize guests who made the event extra special. Consider categories like:
Best Actor (Most convincing performance)
Super Sleuth (First to solve the mystery)
Drama Queen/King (Most over-the-top theatrics)
Wealthiest Player (Amassed the most fake money with their bribery and scheming)
While there are awards for each of these included in the mystery, some guests go above and beyond by offering prizes for the winners to make these awards extra memorable.
Provide personalized props for each guest based on their character’s backstory. Maybe the mob boss has a cigar prop, the detective gets a notebook, or the glamorous heiress carries a pearl necklace. These little details help your guests get into character faster and feel more connected to the story.
Tip: Send a small item with the invitation for guests to bring along to the party—it’s a clever way to ensure everyone’s prepared!
Send your guests home with a little memento of the night. Mystery-themed favors could include:
Mini magnifying glasses
“Detective Kits” with notepads and pens
Personalized glasses from the night
Small bottles of wine or champagne toasting the bring down of a killer!
Not only do favors add a thoughtful touch, but they also give guests a physical reminder of the unforgettable time they had.
A murder mystery party is already a thrilling way to gather friends and family for a night of suspense and fun. But with these unforgettable party extras, you’ll craft an experience that’s immersive, exciting, and truly unforgettable. Whether it’s the perfect soundtrack, jaw-dropping decorations, or interactive clues, these party add-ons will have your guests begging for an invite to your next mystery night.
Ready to plan your next unforgettable party? Let the sleuthing begin! 🔍
