First Time Hosting a Murder Mystery Party? You’ve Got This! How to Stop Worrying and Start Hosting

Feeling nervous about hosting a murder mystery party? You’re not alone!

If you’re reading this, you’re probably equal parts excited and anxious about your first time hosting a murder mystery party. Maybe you’re worried you’ll forget something, or that your friends won’t get into it, or even that you’ll somehow “mess it up”!

Take a deep breath!  And exhale… You’ve already done the hard part, because once you know you want to be the one hosting a murder mystery party – there are loads of firms out there waiting to help you.  Including us!

Why You Don’t Need to Stress

• Our games are made for beginners hosting a murder mystery party. You don’t need acting skills, a theatre degree, or even a loud voice. If you can read, you can host.  We were first time murder mystery party virgins too – we know how it feels and we’ve created our packs with you in mind.
• Everything you need is in your kit. From invitations to character sheets to step-by-step guides, we’ve got you covered.  We even have a free help sheet on planning that you can download directly here:  FREE Murder Mystery Party Planning Checklist (Printer ink friendly version HERE)
•  Your friends are here for fun, not to judge you.  (Unless you’re taking part in a Come Dine with Me programme  – and if you are – you wouldn’t be the first contestant we’ve helped either!)  But if you’re not in a competitive cook off, then remember, your friends are just as anxious as you, and they’re rooting for you and are excited to try something new too.  And if it all goes wrong (which it won’t) then you’ll have something to laugh about for years.
• Support is just a message away. Our team has helped thousands of people hosting a murder mystery party for the first time. Got a question? Contact us or check our “How to” section for guidance on hosting specific styles of game.

Quick Start: Skim, Don’t Cram

It’s tempting to read every word in the host guide and try to memorise it. Don’t! Give it a quick skim, get a feel for the flow, and know you can refer back to at any point.

Concentrate on things in order sorting out the most important stuff first.   The best hosts are relaxed and flexible, not perfectionists.  So use our check list above to help plan the party, and take things one step at a time.  You don’t even need to order a game before you start planning, you can use the downloadable “save the date” invitations today, they’re free to download from each party page.

Once the guests are confirmed and you know what you’re cooking – then spend more time with the host instructions so you what happens when.  You can be flexible.  If the meal is ready 10 minutes before the guests, just pause the interrogations and roll out the next course early.  Parties should be relaxed and fun.  So stay flexible.  If you end up eating all the food and playing the game later – then that’s totally fine!  It’s your party.  Go with the flow!

“I was really nervous before the party.  But once the game started, everyone got so into their characters it sort of just ran itself.  I just had to keep things moving and play the video at the right time. It was honestly easier than hosting a regular dinner party! ”

Pro Tips for First Time Hosting a Murder Mystery Party

• Set the mood with simple decorations (candles, themed music, and DIY signs).
• Keep food easy – the goal is for you to have fun with your guests too unless, that is, you enjoy being Cinderella.
• Don’t worry about mistakes. If you forget a clue or someone reads the wrong line, or gets into a muddle in the rounds, just laugh it off. It’s all part of the fun!
• Don’t take things too seriously.  If you have to stop / pause / read out the instructions to the room at large as no one “gets it” – then do that.  Break character.  Be yourselves.

Ready to pick your first game?

Check out our Best Murder Mystery Games for Beginners or see customer reviews for inspiration.