Hosting a Murder Mystery Play at Home: A Memorable Evening
Last weekend Shaun and I hosted the most epic Murder Mystery play ever! It was a night filled with laughter and tons of excitement.
Are you looking for a unique and entertaining way to spend an evening with friends and family? Hosting a murder mystery play in your own house can be an exciting and memorable experience. In this blog, we'll share our own adventure of hosting a murder mystery play and provide you with some tips on how you can do it too.
Create moments that bring out the kid in you
The Idea Takes Shape
After Shaun's 50th Birthday Party we realised that had a new found love for hosting so we decided to host an annual theme party. Huntsville is officially the longest place we've ever lived in our adult lives and after the many military moves we realized that we spent a ton of time working but not enough time connecting with others. The idea all started with a casual conversation and a ton of action. Soon we found ourselves brainstorming ideas for our next special get-together, something beyond the usual dinner parties and movie nights that we've experienced. That's when the idea of hosting a 1920's murder mystery play at home popped up. It promised an interactive and thrilling evening that we all could enjoy.
Seeking Professional Help
We quickly realized that organizing a murder mystery play on our own could be quite challenging, with the need for a compelling storyline, characters, and props. So, we decided to hire a professional company (Murder Mystery Company) specializing in these events. This turned out to be a game-changer! They took care of all the intricate details, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Choosing a Theme
One of the first things we did with the help of the company was to select a theme for our murder mystery play. There were several intriguing options to choose from, ranging from classic whodunits to historical mysteries. We finally settled on a 1920s gangster-themed murder mystery wedding, which added a touch of glamour and intrigue to the event.
Sending Out Invitations
Once we had a theme in place, we sent out invitations to our friends and family via punchmonkey. The invitations were designed in the style of a vintage movie poster, creating excitement and anticipation for the upcoming event. Each guest received a character description and backstory that they were to embody during the play.
Setting the Mood
The company we hired not only provided us with character descriptions but also
supplied hats, and a sound system to set the mood for our murder mystery play. Then we took on the job or transforming our home into a speakeasy, complete with dim lighting, jazz music, and period-appropriate décor. The cake was especially important to me so naturally we decided to go with a classic red velvet cake that matched the murder theme and KindaSweetCakes overdelivered as always. We knew we needed a great backdrop for photos so we hired Makeitpop by Marjorie Noel. Marjorie is a local Mompreneur who named her business after her late father. Marjorie set up a BEAUTIFUL balloon display in our living room to add the perfect touch of 1920's elegance to our home. The attention to detail really helped immerse everyone in the 1920s ambiance.
The Big Night
The day of the murder mystery play finally arrived, and excitement was in the air. As guests arrived, they came dressed in character, which added an extra layer of authenticity to the event. I can't describe how amazing it was to see everyone laughing and being silly. The atmosphere was electric, with everyone eager to unravel the mystery!
Unveiling the Murder
As the evening progressed, the murder took place, and it was up to us, the guests, to
investigate the crime. Shaun and I were totally unaware of who the actual killer was. Each character had their own secrets and motives, and it was fascinating to see how the storyline unfolded. The professional actors from the company guided us through the investigation, providing clues and opportunities for us to interact with one another.
Teamwork and Intrigue
What made the event truly special was the level of engagement it required from everyone. We found ourselves working together, forming alliances, and, at times, even suspecting our closest friends. The atmosphere was filled with suspense, laughter, and surprise as we pieced together the clues and tried to identify the murderer.
The Big Reveal
After hours of intrigue and investigation, the moment of truth arrived. It was time to reveal the murderer. The tension in the room was palpable as the actors from the company led us through the final moments of the play. The reveal was a thrilling climax, and it was met with gasps and applause.
Memorable Moments
Looking back on our murder mystery play, we can confidently say that it was one of the most memorable gatherings we've ever hosted. The combination of a captivating theme, professional assistance, and the active involvement of our guests created an unforgettable experience.
How You Can Host a Murder Mystery Play at Home
If you're interested in hosting your own murder mystery play at home, here are some tips to get you started:
1. Choose a Theme: Pick a theme that excites you and your guests. There are countless options, from historical eras to fictional settings.
2. Hire a Professional Company: Consider hiring a company that specializes in murder mystery events. They will provide you with everything you need, from character descriptions to props and decorations.
3. Send Out Invitations: Create engaging invitations that set the tone for the event. Include character descriptions for your guests.
4. Set the Stage: Transform your space to match the theme of your play. Pay attention to details like lighting, music, and décor.
5. Get into Character: Encourage your guests to come dressed as their assigned characters. This adds to the fun and immersion.
6. Enjoy the Experience: Embrace the intrigue and teamwork as you and your guests work together to solve the mystery.
7. The Big Reveal: Make sure the climax of the play, where the murderer is revealed, is well-executed for maximum impact.
Hosting a murder mystery play at home can be a fantastic and memorable experience
for you and your guests. With the help of a professional company and some careful planning, you can create an evening filled with excitement, intrigue, and laughter. So, go ahead and plan your own murder mystery play – it's a night your friends and family will cherish for years to come.