How to plan a murder mystery party

So you're thinking of throwing a murder mystery party? These parties are a great alternative to a regular dinner party and if done properly your guests will be talking about them for years.
The first step to throwing a murder mystery party is picking a game pack. You can buy them at any shop that sells board games and from lots of websites online. Each game is different so make sure you pick one that has a theme you like. Each game is also made for a certain number of players, so pick one that suits the number of guests you want to invite.
It is very important that you make sure everyone you invite is able to make it. If someone doesn't show up it can ruin the whole game. Call people before you send out invitations to make sure they are available. Once you have a verbal confirmation from people for a certain date and time, then you can send the written invitations. Most murder mystery parties have the invitations already with them.
It's important to invite people who are going to willingly participate and be enthusiastic. Even one person who is 'too cool' to join in properly can ruin the party for everyone.
Most murder mystery game packs come with pre made characters that you will need to assign to your guests. The best way to do this is to tell them who they will be playing in their invitation. This allows your guests time to get to know their characters and get a costume ready. Having everyone dress up really adds to the atmosphere and enhances the immersion.
Generally the party packs come in two varieties. The first kind can be played around a dining room table. This obviously needs to be big enough for all of your guest to sit and eat around comfortably.
The second kind requires more space, usually a house or community/school hall.
Make sure you take this into account when buying your murder mystery pack.
If you're playing round a table a three or four course meal is best as game rounds can be played in between courses.
For a larger game that require more space a buffet is usually the best option. This allows your guest to mingle and scheme easily as sometimes this can be hard to do round a table.
It's important you read through the rules before your guests arrive. Familiarizing yourself with the game will make it easier to deal with problems if they arise. There is usually a time for scripted dialogue followed by accusations and then a time for unscripted dialogue. Don't read through your guest's character booklets as knowing everything about them can ruin your fun, it's supposed to be a mystery after all.
For a children's party a theft or disappearance is better than a murder. The children's parents should help them with a costume and to understand their character.
Usually a children's party will be more scripted than an adult one. This can help the children gain confidence and with memorizing stuff as they may need to remember some loosely scripted lines.
The most important thing is to have fun! As long as you and all the guests enjoy themselves who cares if the evening didn't pan out as intended?

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