Party Planning Tools
Till Death Do Us Part
Guest Info
A Night of Love, Marriage and MURDER!!!
Gangster Glossary and $$$
Talk the Talk: Gangster Glossary
Download this guide to help when dealing with the Father of the Bride and his Associates at the wedding
Be prepared to use you money!
AT THE PARTY, YOU WILL BE GIVEN FAKE MONEY TO DO WITH AS YOU PLEASE.
Here are some ideas on how to spend and collect money at the party! Keep in mind, there is an award at the end for the person who accumulates the most (fake) wealth!
Blackmail
Bribery
Extortion
Lie, Cheat, Steal
Pickpocketing
Pilfer “dead” bodies
Demand to be tipped for your services
Scheming with others
Creating a “worthy” cause
Collecting money for a “worthy” cause
Give up $ to keep your secrets
Pay others to divulge their secrets
Buy/sell drinks served at the party
Sell something you’ve made/brought to the party
Sell information you know
Sell information you overheard
Sell information you made up
Hold something for ransom
Any Creative Means You Can Think Of!!!
For the Bridesmaids...
Always a Bridesmaid….
WHERE TO FIND THAT PERFECT DRESS:
• Use (or borrow a friend’s) old bridesmaid’s dress
• Scour the second-hand shops and garage sales
• Try the clearance racks in a department store right after a high school dance (like prom or homecoming)
• Dress up any outfit or gown by adding beading, cording, fancy fabrics, fringe, etc. (Stich witchery and hot glue make great non-sew adhesives.)
• Not the right color? Take a can of spray paint to the dress.
CONSIDER:
• Coordinating with the other bridesmaids coming to the party to match.
Italian Wedding Traditions
Traditional Italian Wedding Traditions
In an Italian wedding, the reception will begin with a cocktail hour where the bridal party and the guests separate for an hour and are served cocktails. During the cocktail hour food is served buffet style and the bride and groom will usually take this time to have photographs taken.
After cocktail hour the guests gather in the main dining room. The bride and groom enter and are formally introduced as husband and wife for the first time. The newlyweds then take the first dance with the wedding party soon joining in and then the rest of the guests. After some dancing, everyone is seated and speeches are given by family and friends and everyone joins in a champagne toast to the bride and groom.
Food is served throughout the reception, usually a three-course meal with plenty of dancing in between and then it is time for the bride and groom to cut the wedding cake just before the dessert course begins. Sicilian custom includes what is called “Venetian Hour” where a huge selection of pastries, fruit, cakes, and coffees are served on what is called a “Venetian Table” amidst much celebration.
After dessert is served there is more dancing and then gifts are given to the bride and groom. A tradition in Southern Italy is for the guests to give envelopes of money to the newlyweds who give a small token of appreciation called a wedding favor. In Northern Italy there is no tradition of envelopes with money, but the wedding favor is still given.
Costume Gallery
Costume Ideas
From Blushing Brides to Gregarious Guests and Feisty Family Members
For Till Death Do Us Part, you can find a lot of the elements to your outfit in your closet and the key to “making it special” could be that over-the-top wig or that extra prop or accessories you add to make it HIL-ARIOUS!
GUESTS:
FANCY OUTFITS
• Tuxedos
• Suits
• Bridal gowns
• Bridesmaid’s dresses (find at a local Goodwill or thrift store)
ANYTHING TO SHOW WEALTH
• Gold cane
• Expensive jewelry
• Pink stalls
• Fur coats
• Feather boas
• Watch piece
• Suit with jacket
• Bowtie
• Top hat
• Money tucked into places, like a lapel, hatband, etc.
ADD TO ANY OUTFIT
• Boas
• Wigs (think any variety)
• Facial hair
• BLING!
• Gold or silver accessories of any type
• Fancy headdress
• Cigarette extension holders
• Props of any sort!
• LARGE hats
• Fake eyelashes
• Fake breasts
• A fake weapon of some sort – exposed or not
Always a Bridesmaid
WHERE TO FIND THAT PERFECT DRESS:
• Use (or borrow a friend’s) old bridesmaid’s dress
• Scour the second-hand shops and garage sales
• Try the clearance racks in a department store right after a high school dance (like prom or homecoming)
• Dress up any outfit or gown by adding beading, cording, fancy fabrics, fringe, etc. (Stitch witchery and hot glue make great non-sew adhesives.)
• Not the right color? Take a can of spray paint to the dress.
CONSIDER:
• Coordinating with the other bridesmaids coming to the party to match.
Till Death Do US Part Party Decor
How to create that perfect wedding reception party feel!what you can do!
Decorating Your Party Space
• Adorn the venue with white wedding bells.
• Create a wedding arch (see some below).
To make your own balloon arch, check out this link!
• Raid the dollar store, craft store, garage sales, everywhere that has inexpensive wedding decorations. Stock up on sales!
• Recycle old wedding decorations – you can use your own, a friend’s, or look for used ones on craigslist.com
• Create your own table decorations from anything you have.
– Vases with sand and candles
– Silk flowers
– Table numbers
– Candles
• Flower it up! Fake rose petals can go a long way… as can silk flowers.
Check your local dollar store and discount store for silk flowers, candles, vases, etc.
LIGHTING!
• Paper lanterns are also a good light source that can double as a decoration.
• String white twinkly lights in sheer fabrics and hang for both lighting and decoration.
Theme Decorating Ideas
Decorating Ideas
To Make a little more Theme-Centric, You could:
• Arranged the Entryway like a hotel lobby with signs pointing to “The Giovanni & Simpson Reception Room.”
• Have a guest book for all of your guests to sign in! Encourage them to make comments about the party.
• Create a wedding ceremony stage, complete with an aisle for the bride to walk down.
• Use the staged area to make announcements such as the greeting, investigation report, evidence presentation, etc.
• Create a dance floor for the reception.
• Do the first dance, dance with the parents, slicing the cake and other wedding traditions.
If serving dinner, have a head table where the bridal party will sit.
– Place a “Just Married” sign on it (included with mystery).
– Balloon arch over it optional!
– Seat other guests by where their characters should sit (with their “family” members).
– Use place cards, included with mystery, at table settings.
• Have wedding favors for your guests
– Wrap candy in tulle fabric and tie with a bow! Add a little “murder” to them by dipping the ends in red fabric paint and letting them dry.
• Have bubbles available for your guests to shower the happy couple with.
• The wedding toast! Toasting glasses rimmed with “blood” (instructions with mystery – pictured below).
• Get monogrammed napkins and such with Becky and Stanley’s monograms.
• Create wedding programs! Have the programs lying about to help people remember who all of the characters are from the mystery.
• Have disposable cameras sitting out on the tables so that the guests at the wedding can capture some great candid pics of the night.
• Have a wedding arch – you can place it on your wedding area or someplace else for pictures. To create a balloon arch, follow these directions!
Creating Your 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.
• You can make it as elaborate or simple as you want.
• Accessories and decorations can make the difference. Have some extra props on hand that your guests can pose with.
• An easy way to create a background is to use a “scene setter.” These affordable rolls of images transform your room instantly and make for a good backdrop to your picture.
• Use props like wedding bells, columns, balloon arches, wedding arches, lavish chairs, anything you can think of, to create a staged area for pictures.
• Make sure there is enough room to fit everyone into the frame.
• For individual shots of guests, designate someone to be in charge of pictures as your guests arrive.
Consider your character list and which character would fit the role of taking the picture. Ie, if you want mug shots, perhaps ask the investigator to be in charge of taking the pictures.
• If having a party with 20 guests, you may ask Ronnie Rhymer to take the pictures.
• For a group picture, take one 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.
Lighting
Y2K Chaos Lighting Decorations Guide
Blacklights:
Glow Factor: Install blacklights to make neon decorations and guest outfits glow, giving the party an authentic 90s vibe.
Placement: Position blacklights around the main party areas, especially near walls with neon posters or the dance floor.
Lava Lamps:
Retro Glow: Place lava lamps on tables, shelves, or corners of the room to create a soft, colorful glow reminiscent of the 90s.
Variety: Choose lava lamps in different colors like purple, red, and blue for a fun, nostalgic touch.
String Lights:
Neon String Lights: Hang neon or multicolored string lights across ceilings, around doorways, or along walls to add a festive, cozy atmosphere.
Patterned Arrangement: Create patterns or shapes with the lights to add an extra layer of 90s flair.
Disco Ball:
Party Centerpiece: Hang a disco ball in the center of the room or over the dance floor to reflect light and create a lively, party atmosphere.
Highlight: Use a spotlight on the disco ball to amplify its effect and keep the energy up.
Glow Sticks:
Decorative Touch: Scatter glow sticks on tables, place them in jars, or hang them from the ceiling for a glowing, colorful ambiance.
Interactive: Hand out glow stick accessories like necklaces or bracelets to guests as they enter.
Neon Signs:
Statement Lighting: Use a neon sign with a fun 90s phrase (“Totally Rad!” or “As If!”) as a focal point in the room.
Guidance: Place neon signs near the entrance or above key areas like the drink station or dance floor.
LED Candles & Lanterns:
Safe Glow: Use LED candles in neon or glow-in-the-dark colors for a soft, flickering light that’s safe and easy to place anywhere.
Hanging Lanterns: Hang neon-colored or blacklight-reactive paper lanterns for a whimsical, 90s-inspired ceiling display.
Empty heading
This lighting setup will transform the space into a vibrant, exciting environment perfect for solving a 90s-themed murder mystery!
Picking a Color Scheme
Y2K Chaos Color Scheme Guide
Primary Colors:
Neon Pink: Use neon pink for tablecloths, napkins, and wall accents to add a bold, energetic touch.
Electric Blue: Incorporate electric blue in balloons, streamers, and lighting for a cool, vibrant vibe.
Lime Green: Add lime green to banners, party favors, and seating for a fresh, eye-catching contrast.
Secondary Colors:
Purple: Use purple in throw blankets, pillows, and posters for a retro, funky feel.
Hot Orange: Integrate hot orange into party props, drinkware, and signage for a warm, lively atmosphere.
Patterns & Accents:
Geometric Shapes: Incorporate 90s geometric patterns in wall decals, table runners, and invitations.
Tie-Dye: Use tie-dye in fabric decorations, napkins, and backdrops for a classic 90s touch.
Checkerboard Prints: Add checkerboard patterns in small details like coasters, placemats, or photo booth backgrounds.
Metallic Accents:
Chrome & Silver: Use chrome or silver accents in balloons, utensils, and centerpiece elements for a futuristic, 90s tech-inspired feel.
Blacklight Reactive:
Glow-in-the-Dark: Integrate glow-in-the-dark or blacklight-reactive paints, tapes, and accessories that will shine under blacklights.
Party Tips:
Balanced Color Distribution: Mix and match the primary and secondary colors throughout the space for a cohesive, vibrant look.
Color-Coordinated Outfits: Encourage guests to dress in the party’s neon color scheme for a fully immersive experience.
Themed Props: Use props like neon-colored sunglasses, slap bracelets, and glow sticks to tie the color scheme into the party activities.
Empty heading
This color scheme will create a dynamic, visually engaging atmosphere perfect for a fun and exciting 90s-themed murder mystery party!
Creating a Photo Spot
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.
Accessories and decorations can make a difference. Have some extra props on hand that your guests can pose with. Some suggestions include:
An easy way to create a background is to use a “scene setter.” These affordable rolls of images transform your room instantly and make for a good backdrop to your picture.
Make sure there is enough room to fit everyone into the frame.
For individual shots of guests, designate someone to be in charge of pictures as your guests arrive.
o, Consider your character list and which character would fit the role of taking the picture. I.e., if you want mugshots, perhaps ask the investigator to be in charge of taking the pictures.
For a group picture, take one just before the introduction is read or right after the solution is read (before people may start heading out).
o These are two times when you can count on everyone being around and attentive.
Empty heading
BACKDROP IDEAS for the 90s-themed
Here are some creative ideas for backdrops for a photo spot at a 90s-themed murder mystery party:
Giant Disco Ball Centerpiece – Hang a large disco ball as the centerpiece of the venue. Use colored spotlights to cast reflections and create a dazzling light show that pulses with the beat of the music. The ball can be lowered to reveal a clue or used as a distraction during the night’s dramatic murder moment.
Neon Graffiti Wall – Create a graffiti wall covered in neon-painted messages, symbols, and drawings. Include suspicious phrases like “They’re watching you!” or “Who’s next?” to hint at the murder plot. Guests can take photos in front of it, adding to the party’s interactive element.
Glowing Tapestry with Y2K References – Use sheer, glowing fabric with Y2K symbols such as “2000”, “the Millennium Bug”, or computer glitch patterns. The backdrop can also feature digital clock motifs counting down to a pivotal moment, adding suspense to the setting.
Shattered Record Wall – Create a wall display of broken vinyl records, each with a suspect’s name and a cryptic phrase or image that relates to their character. This could serve as a hint board, where guests can piece together the clues throughout the night.
Retro Television Screens Display – Set up a backdrop featuring stacked vintage television screens (real or cardboard replicas). The screens can loop old 90s/Y2K commercials, news clips, or a pre-recorded “breaking news” report about the murder. Consider creating static screens with the victim’s face to heighten the eerie atmosphere.
Glitter Curtain Entryway – Set up a silver or iridescent glitter curtain at the main entrance. As guests enter, they’re instantly immersed in the shimmering, disco-chic world of Club Prism. This could also be where the victim is “discovered,” serving as a dramatic focal point.
Suspended Cassette Tapes and CDs – Hang cassette tapes and CDs from the ceiling at various heights to create a surreal, musical atmosphere. Use metallic or iridescent paint on some of them to catch the light, and consider writing hidden clues on the tapes/CDs that guests can find.
Digital Clock Countdown Projection – Use a large projection clock counting down to midnight or a pivotal moment during the night. The clock’s timer can stop or glitch at crucial moments, adding tension or revealing an important clue.
VIP Lounge Area with Murder Scene Details – Create a VIP lounge section roped off with velvet ropes, featuring a “crime scene” layout. Use yellow “Caution” tape, outline the body with glow-in-the-dark tape, and place key clues like a spilled drink, broken glass, or a blood-stained napkin.
Empty heading
These photo backdrops can immerse your guests in the 90s era while tying in the murder mystery theme!
Hosting Themes
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.
Extras Include:
Party Banner
Welcome Poster
Room Signs
Suspect Board
Designed Food and Drink Menus
Photo Props
90s Movie Poster Designs
90s Album Art
Empty heading
And more…….
Gallery Visual Inspiration
Musical Playlists
WEDDING “CLASSICS”: If planning a wedding reception, don’t forget some of the “classics” like the chicken dance, the hokey pokey, the cha-cha slide, macarena and more!
MIX IT UP! Weddings are popular for having a variety of music played by a DJ. Make a mix of your favorite songs to have your crowd dancing and sleuthing at the same time. See section above for dances you will want to make sure are on your mix list.”The Wedding Singer” soundtrack is one to consider. Here is a list of the top 200 songs for wedding receptions!
MOBSTER MUSIC- Since the father of the bride has some questionable ties to organized crime, you might want to look to such soundtracks as The Godfather, The Sopranos and Bugsy to add a soundtrack to your own party!
LOVE MUSIC- Find a compilation of love songs perfect for any romantic day. Find it here.
FOR FREE MUSIC- Visit your local library for a number of compilations and artists.
Send an Actual Invite
Some extra special hosting tips for this party!
Creating the buzz about your party is a sure-fire way to get your guests excited about attending.
• Send out your “Save The Date” postcards (included with the mystery) as you would for a wedding.
• Create invites to your party on wedding invite stationary. You can find some inexpensively at your local craft store or office supply store.
Theme Decorating Ideas
Theme Decorating Ideas
To Make a little more Theme-Centric, You could:
• Arranged the Entryway like a hotel lobby with signs pointing to “The Giovanni & Simpson Reception Room.”
• Have a guest book for all of your guests to sign in! Encourage them to make comments about the party.
• Create a wedding ceremony stage, complete with an aisle for the bride to walk down.
• Use the staged area to make announcements such as the greeting, investigation report, evidence presentation, etc.
• Create a dance floor for the reception.
• Do the first dance, dance with the parents, slicing the cake and other wedding traditions.
If serving dinner, have a head table where the bridal party will sit.
– Place a “Just Married” sign on it (included with mystery).
– Balloon arch over it optional!
– Seat other guests by where their characters should sit (with their “family” members)
– Use place cards, included with mystery, at table settings.
• Have wedding favors for your guests
– Wrap candy in tulle fabric and tie with a bow! Add a little “murder” to them by dipping the ends in red fabric paint and letting them dry.
• Have bubbles available for your guests to shower the happy couple with.
• The wedding toast! Toasting glasses rimmed with “blood” (instructions with mystery – pictured below).
• Get monogrammed napkins and such with Becky and Stanley’s monograms.
• Create wedding programs! Have the programs lying about to help people remember who all of the characters are from the mystery.
• Have disposable cameras sitting out on the tables so that the guests at the wedding can capture some great candid picts of the night.
• Have a wedding arch – you can place it on your wedding area or someplace else for pictures. To create a balloon arch, follow these directions!
Utilize ALL the EXTRAS!
Utilize All the EXTRAS!
Make sure to utilize all the Extras in the Mystery.
Name cards for your guests
Personalized menus
Drink charms for all of your guests
Recipe and directions to make some killer chiller glasses
Designed labels to put on champagne bottles for awards
And MORE!
Tips
All of the information regarding how to run your Till Death Do Us Part party can be found online at Night of Mystery. We highly suggest that you take time to look over our website and download the Till Death Do Us Part preview file. Upon reading the introduction file of this wedding murder mystery game, it will give you a better understanding about how the parties are run and what to expect once you purchase a full mystery file.
If you still have question, the Frequently Asked Questions page at Night of Mystery is a great resource or you can contact us.
Since our games are custom written for the size of the party (ie, we don’t just create a mystery with 8 characters and then keep adding more characters to it), each mystery size is unique unto itself. That being said, going from 10-15 version to 15-20 version, will not only add in more characters, but it will change the storylines of the existing characters, and vice-versa in going from a larger version to a smaller one.
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.
For even more party planning ideas, check out our Till Death Do Us Part Pinterest Board here. It is s filled with ideas for recipes, costumes, decorations, etc. for the perfect Till Death Do Us Part party!
Once you order, in your mystery packet you will receive directions and/or printables to make unique and original decorations specific to your party!
Included will be:
– SAVE THE DATE POSTCARD DESIGNS
– SIGNS (3 designs)
• Just Married
• Eat, Drink and be Married/Murdered!
• Reception Sign
– JUST MARRIED BANNER
– DESIGNED NAME CARDS
– DRINK CHARM DESIGNS
– DESIGNED DINNER MENUS (you can personalize with your menu items)
– Champagne Bottle labels to use as awards!
AND MORE!!!
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 nompartyofthemonth@gmail.com
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!!!
