Party Planning Tools
Dressed To Kill
Guest Info
Ellis Vexley — Gala Chairperson. The ice-cold monarch of couture returns to rule the carpet. Ellis patience for scandal is thinner than ever… and some guests are already skating on it.
Quinn Ren — Pop Superstar. A metallic-clad legend who expects nothing short of perfection. Quinn has no shame in calling out anyone who dulls the shine.
Sutton St. James — Thematic Icon. The unrivaled guardian of Gala fashion arrives ready to judge—lovingly, ruthlessly, and without restraint. Ignore the theme at your own risk.
Zion Kyros — Rapper & Designer. A boundary-breaking provocateur known for explosive entrances.
With his estranged wife also attending, sparks may fly before the flashbulbs do.
Brooke Lyle — Actor. A beloved starlet stepping back into the spotlight amid rumors and headlines. Is
this a comeback—or the start of something far messier?
Reese Renshaw — Actor. The effortlessly charming half of a Hollywood power duo. Reese brings wit,
warmth, and a look styled by their superstar spouse.
Hayden Cole — Director & Actor. A rising creative force cutting through controversy with unapologetic
confidence. Hayden arrives ready to show that no rumor can steal their spotlight.
Jordan Lys — Actor & Co-Chair. The red-carpet darling brings trademark charm to co-chair du-
ties. Jordan is set to dazzle—even if their partner isn’t pulling the same weight.
Veronica Vega — Influencer & Co-Chair. Reality royalty turned fashion wildcard, Veronica storms
in ready to claim her place among the elite. Buzz about a new romance only adds fuel to the cameras.
Riley Rae — Actor & Style Icon. A critics’ favorite with a flawless fashion streak. Tonight may be
the moment Riley outshines every veteran in the room.
Skye Martin — Pop Singer. After years in hiding, Skye’s long-awaited comeback starts now. Re-
venge era or reinvention? Either way, all eyes are watching.
Vail Vega — Model. A rising fashion star emerging from their family’s spotlight. With a new perfume
line ready to launch, tonight could be Vail’s true breakout.
Jamie Hale — Indie Actor. Hollywood’s newest obsession arrives in a head-turning designer look. Fans hope Jamie delivers another magnetic, scene-stealing moment.
Parker Beckett — Comedian. A lovable wildcard bringing chaotic charm and genuine devotion to the carpet. Cameras adore Parker—nobody ever knows what they’ll say next.
Vaughn Vega — Parent Manager. The powerhouse behind the Vega brand is here to protect the family
empire. With both children attending, Vaughn is watching—and maneuvering.
Bailey Crowe — Designer. A dramatic visionary ready to reclaim the spotlight. With a new muse and old grudges, Bailey is arriving fashion-first and fearless.
Taylor Foxx — Designer. A hungry rising star eager to prove they belong with couture’s elite. Taylor’s bold designs—and even bolder clients—have tongues wagging already.
Morgan Fontaine — Designer. A master of ethereal couture whose presence alone sends imitators scrambling. Morgan’s muse this year is expected to stun.
Casey Everhart — Tabloid Titan. The sharpest nose for scandal in the business. If Casey is smiling, someone’s reputation is in danger.
Shawn Calder — Red Carpet Specialist. The excitable voice of red-carpet glamour returns to narrate every glittering triumph and delicious disaster. If Shawn gasps, prepare for headlines.
*** Some characters may not be included in all versions.
Newsletter
Met Gala Highlights
- Rihanna’s Yellow Guo Pei Gown (2015)
Instantly became the most recognizable Met Gala moment ever and proved one person could dominate the entire night.
- The Elevator Fallout (2014 Met Gala After-Party Era)
While the incident happened after the gala, the Met became permanently tied to the Beyoncé/Jay-Z/Solange drama, proving the real chaos happens off-camera.
- Lady Gaga’s Four-Look Performance (2019)
Turned the carpet into theater and blurred the line between guest and performance art.
- Rihanna as the Pope (2018)
Sparked massive conversation about religion, fashion, and provocation — equal parts reverent and controversial.
- Kim Kardashian’s Wet Look (2019)
Not just the dress — the reveal of extreme corsetry, breathing restrictions, and body discourse dominated post-gala coverage.
- The Met Gala Bathroom Smoking Club (2017)
A now-legendary mirror selfie featuring A-listers breaking rules, proving rebellion is as iconic as couture.
- Zendaya’s Joan of Arc Moment (2018)
A perfectly executed character transformation that showed how fully committing to theme can elevate status overnight.
- Pete Davidson & Ariana Grande’s Surprise Met Moment (2018)
Their whirlwind engagement era brought unexpected tabloid energy to a traditionally curated, controlled event.
Costume Gallery
Hairstyles
Hairstyles
- Sleek low bun
- Hollywood waves
- High polished ponytail
- Slicked-back straight hair
- Soft glamorous curls
- Structured bob
- Voluminous blowout
Make Up Ideas
Makeup Ideas
- Smoky metallic eyes
- Classic red lips
- Glossy nude glam
- Sharp winged eyeliner
- Soft gold shimmer makeup
- High-shine highlighted skin
- Bold monochrome eye look
Accessories
Accessories
- Statement jewelry
- Metallic clutch
- Oversized sunglasses
- Silk scarf
- Faux diamond earrings
- Gold or silver cuff bracelet
- Sleek evening gloves
Setting the Scene
Creating An Entrance
Creating An Entrance
- Red carpet runner or red fabric walkway
- Rope or ribbon stanchions (real or DIY)
- Faux paparazzi camera cutouts near the door
- Metallic balloon cluster in gold and silver
- “Crime Scene” style accent tape framing the doorway
- LED uplighting aimed at the entry area
- Glamorous framed welcome sign
- String lights outlining the entrance
- Mirrored or metallic welcome table near the door
Inside Your Party Space
Inside the Party Space
This has a lot of things that should be in color scheme, setting the table, or lighting. This is meant more for ideas on things like specific decorations like fashion posters, or other gala themed decorations.
- Mirrored or reflective table décor
- Magazine or tabloid-style displays placed around the room
- Printed gala signage placed on walls and doors
- Fashion-themed posters or runway prints displayed around the room
- Framed fashion-style signage
- Defined mingling zones using décor or furniture placement
- Central display area for clues or party materials
- Mirrored décor pieces used on flat surfaces
- Subtle “crime scene” accent tape details
Create A Photo Spot
Give your guests an unforgettable souvenir by setting up a photo area where they can capture a picture of themselves in character.
A few suggestions:
- Pick a place where there will be good lighting.
- Make sure there is enough room to fit everyone into the frame.
- Consider what the background will look like. Some gala background suggestions are:
- “Welcome to the Gala” signage layered over fabric or curtains
- Faux paparazzi wall with camera graphics and flash icons
- Velvet drape backdrop with subtle string lights
- Area near windows for natural light
- Blank wall behind a cocktail or bar table
- Magazine-cover collage wall styled like a fashion spread
- Step-and-repeat wall using printed gala logos or patterns
- Accessories and decorations can make a difference. Have some extra props for your guests to pose with.
Some suggestions include:- Gold stanchions or rope barriers
- Faux paparazzi cameras
- Metallic balloons
- Gold picture frames
- “Crime Scene” tape accents
- Faux diamonds or rhinestones
- Glitter trays or mirrored décor pieces
For individual shots of guests,
- Designate someone to be in charge of pictures as your guests arrive.
- This is a fun way to set the mood and get everyone comfortable.
- You can ask one of your guests to be in charge of this as of their character.
- If you want “mug shots” of everyone, use the suspect board, included with your mystery extras materials.
For a group picture,
- Take a group picture just before the introduction is read or right after the solution is read (before people may start heading out).
- These are two times when you can count on everyone being around and attentive.
Setting the Table
Setting the Table
- Metallic table runner
- Black charger plates
- Gold or silver cutlery
- Black or white cloth napkins
- Mirrored placemats
- Crystal or clear glassware
- LED tea lights
- Gold confetti scatter
- Printed name cards in sleek fonts
- Small votive candles in metallic holders
Lighting
Lightning
- Dimmed overhead lights
- Warm white string lights
- LED tea lights
- Battery-operated pillar candles
- Uplighting with floor lamps
- Accent lamps with metallic shades
- Spot lighting on key areas
- Fairy lights in glass containers
- Color-changing LED bulbs set to gold or soft white
- Light-up marquee letters or symbols
Color Scheme
Color Scheme:
- Black, gold, and champagne
- Silver, white, and charcoal
- Black, metallic gold, and deep red
- Ivory, blush, and soft gold
- Black, silver, and emerald green
Gallery Visual Inspiration
Musical Playlists
How to Find the Perfect Playlist for Your Murder Mystery Party
- Start with the vibe, not the genre
Think glamorous gala, high-fashion drama, and after-dark intrigue—music should feel polished, dramatic, and slightly mysterious rather than loud or distracting. - Search smart on Spotify
Use keywords like fashion show music, luxury lounge, modern gala, runway beats, or cinematic pop to quickly find playlists that match the upscale tone. - Use YouTube for ambiance-style mixes
Search for long-form mixes such as fashion week background music, elegant cocktail party music, or dramatic instrumental lounge for uninterrupted background sound. - Explore Apple Music mood categories
Browse sections like Luxe, Chill Pop, Modern Lounge, or Late Night Energy—these are great for maintaining a steady, stylish atmosphere during mingling and investigation. - Try Pandora stations for effortless flow
Create a station based on artists associated with sleek pop, electronic lounge, or cinematic beats and let Pandora keep the mood consistent without manual updates. - Mix instrumental with vocal tracks
Instrumentals work well early in the night, while stylish pop or electronic vocals can be added later to raise the energy without overpowering conversation. - Avoid overly recognizable sing-along songs
Stick to smooth, fashionable tracks that enhance the mood rather than pull focus from the mystery and guest interactions. - Build in subtle energy shifts
Start with polished lounge vibes, then transition to bolder, dramatic tracks as the night heats up—mirroring the rising tension of the mystery. - Test your playlist during setup
Play it while decorating or prepping; if it feels cinematic, glamorous, and keeps you moving without distraction, you’re on the right track. - Use a ready-made option for convenience
For an easy, no-stress solution, use the Night of Mystery Spotify playlist, curated to work seamlessly with the pacing, tone, and atmosphere of murder mystery parties.
And the winner is.....Invites
Host Ideas
- Seal It Like a Scandal
Add a metallic gold sticker, faux wax seal, or embossed sticker labeled “Confidential” or “Gala Access Only” to make opening the invite feel like breaking into an exclusive fashion-world secret. - Red-Carpet Reveal Moment
Slide the invitation into a black or metallic envelope lined with glitter paper or foil. When guests pull it out, the shine mimics flashing cameras and instantly sets a glamorous, paparazzi-ready mood. - Gala Tickets – Add gala tickets (available in your extras!) on top of your invites.
- Tabloid Tease Insert
Include a small printed slip styled like a gossip headline or fashion column teaser hinting at secrets, rivalries, or “rumors swirling around the gala” to foreshadow the drama without giving anything away. - Set up a red carpet entrance
- Have Shawn Calder (or another guest) come early and act as the red carpet interviewer.
- If having a photographer at the event, have them dress in black and act as a paparazzi while taking photos.
More Inspiration
For even more party planning ideas, check out our Lights! Camera! MURDER! Pinterest Board here.
Create A Photo Spot
Creating a Photo Spot
Give your guests an unforgettable souvenir by setting up a photo area where they can capture a picture of themselves in character.
A few suggestions:
- Pick a place where there will be good lighting.
- Make sure there is enough room to fit everyone into the frame.
- Consider what the background will look like.
Some gala background suggestions are:
THESE SHOULD BE MORE LIKE FUN IDEAS OF WHAT THE BACKGROUND CAN LOOK LIKE- “Welcome to the Gala” signage layered over fabric or curtains
- Faux paparazzi wall with camera graphics and flash icons
- Velvet drape backdrop with subtle string lights
- Area near windows for natural light
- Blank wall behind a cocktail or bar table
- Magazine-cover collage wall styled like a fashion spread
- Step-and-repeat wall using printed gala logos or patterns
- Accessories and decorations can make a difference. Have some extra props for your guests to pose with.
Some suggestions include:- Gold stanchions or rope barriers
- Faux paparazzi cameras
- Metallic balloons
- Gold picture frames
- “Crime Scene” tape accents
- Faux diamonds or rhinestones
- Glitter trays or mirrored décor pieces
For individual shots of guests,
- Designate someone to be in charge of pictures as your guests arrive.
- This is a fun way to set the mood and get everyone comfortable.
- You can ask one of your guests to be in charge of this as of their character.
- If you want “mug shots” of everyone, use the suspect board, included with your mystery extras materials.
For a group picture,
- Take a group picture just before the introduction is read or right after the solution is read (before people may start heading out).
- These are two times when you can count on everyone being around and attentive.
Utilize the Extras!
Utilize the Extras
Planning Inspiration
For even more party planning ideas, check out our PINTEREST BOARD LINK
Utilize All the Extras
Whatever you decide on; BE SURE TO UTILIZE ALL OF THE EXTRAS THAT COME WITH THE MYSTERY —
These are one-of-a-kind designs, ideas, templates and more that Night of Mystery has developed to help you throw your own unique and authentic mystery party.
Included will be:
- WELCOME POSTER
- WELCOME BANNER
- GALA TICKETS
- FASHION POSTERS
- ROOM SIGNS
- DESIGNED MENUS (you can personalize with your menu items)
- AND MORE!!!
Win a Free Party
Each month we highlight one of our customers who has posted on our blog and award them a FREE party!
To get your $5 coupon AND be entered in the Party Of the Month contest for a chance to win a FREE party, please email — [email protected]
Don’t forget to add all the important details and party highlights that made your party one to remember! We love to hear about all of the hard work you, as host, put into your party. From the decor to the food, costumes, whatever. As well as how you and your guests acted (and reacted!) throughout the night! Everything that made your party one your guests will never forget — tell us about it! And be sure to attach some pictures!!!
Upon submitting, we will email you back a coupon to use for $5 off your next party AND enter you in our “Party of the Month” contest, where you could win a FREE party! Once submitted, you will not have to resubmit, but will be entered EVERY MONTH until your party wins!
Tips
If you still have question, the Frequently Asked Questions page at Night of Mystery is a great resource or you can contact us.
Because of this, WE STRONGLY SUGGEST you get a guest count before formally ordering. You can do so by downloading an invitation, inviting your guests and then purchasing your mystery once you have a more accurate number of people attending. Unfortunately, if you find yourself purchasing the wrong sized party, you will have to purchase another version of the mystery for the size you want unless you are moving from the 15-20 version to the 20+ version.
You can download an invitation here before ordering.
Planning Inspiration
For even more party planning ideas, check out our PINTEREST BOARD LINK
Utilize All the Extras
Whatever you decide on; BE SURE TO UTILIZE ALL OF THE EXTRAS THAT COME WITH THE MYSTERY —
These are one-of-a-kind designs, ideas, templates and more that Night of Mystery has developed to help you throw your own unique and authentic mystery party.
Included will be:
- WELCOME POSTER
- WELCOME BANNER
- GALA TICKETS
- FASHION POSTERS
- ROOM SIGNS
- DESIGNED MENUS (you can personalize with your menu items)
- AND MORE!!!
To get your $5 coupon AND be entered in the Party Of the Month contest for a chance to win a FREE party, please email [email protected]
Don’t forget to add all the important details and party highlights that made your party one to remember! We love to hear about all of the hard work you, as host, put into your party. From the decor, to the food, costumes, whatever. As well as how you and your guests acted (and reacted!) throughout the night! Everything that made your party one your guests will never forget — tell us about it! And be sure to attach some pictures!!!
Upon submitting, we will email you back a coupon to use for $5 off your next party AND enter you in our “Party of the Month” contest, where you could win a FREE party! One submitted, you will not have to resubmit, but will be entered EVERY MONTH until your party wins!
Check out some of our past winners here! Night of Mystery POM Blogs
Thanks again for hosting with Night of Mystery and we can’t wait to hear all about your party!!!

