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If you’re looking for a fun, memorable event without spending a fortune, a murder mystery party can be just the ticket. You don’t need fancy decorations or to spend a ton of food either. Comparatively, it’s one of the cheapest (but most fun) events you could possible host.I’ve run my share of events and learned a few tricks along the way that save cash while still delivering a night to remember.
Setting the Scene Without Breaking the Bank
Start by finding a venue that doesn’t cost you extra. Your own home, a friend’s place or even a community space can work well. Choose your most spacious room to give guests some space to mingle. If possible – dim the lights to set the mood. Simple adjustments like rearranging furniture or hanging inexpensive drapes can add a lot to the atmosphere. A few props here and there can give your space that secretive touch. Print out some free murder mystery posters to put up on your wall. Look for items you already have. Old books, thrift store finds, and quirky decorations can add character without a spending a cent.
We also have a bunch of free wine labels that you can customize to fit your wine, spirits or non-alcholic drinks. Simply print them out and glue them over the current labels to age all your drinks down.
It’s the little details that add up. Use background murder mystery music to jazz up your atmosphere. Make sure the volume doesn’t overpower conversation, but is loug enough to create an atmostphere. This simple approach turns a basic room into the scene of a thrilling mystery.
Choosing a Murder Mystery on a Budget
There are tons of murder mystery cases that you can find online, with a range of prices. To keep costs down, consider using a printable murder mystery game. This cuts down on expensive shipping costs that can multiply if you’re buying an international game.
Printable games allow you to only print out the items that you need, and can allow for some online customizability. Instruction pages can be read directly from your phone, and you’ll really only need to print out the character sheets. I’d recommend having these professionally printed on cardboard paper. It’s not much more expensive, and will make them last even if drinks are spilled on them. If that’s not possible – regular paper is absolutely fine, just make sure to print out duplicates for emergencies.
Our murder mystery Shadows Over Shrouded Island is a popular non-scripted game revolving around a mission to secret island. You are the host who is planning the trip, and choosing who will accompany you. Every other character has their own secret reason for wanting to come on the trip. It’s up to everyone to try to figure out why every other character wants to join the trip, and whether they have good or bad intentions. While this is going on, there are 3 murders that take place – with a variety of clues and red herrings found immediately after each murder. Characters will need to chat and exchange information in order to get to the bottom of these murders.
Food and Drinks
Good food and drink can set a friendly tone for your night. Look for options that provide simple, satisfying bites. Think finger foods that match the theme. Mini sandwiches, cheese cubes and a handful of crackers work well. Personally, I prefer to order a few pizzas and have guests simply grab a slice when they’re hungry. Bulk buying disposabe plates at discount stores saves money, and serving items from bowls and platters keeps things laid-back. If you serve drinks, you could make some alcoholic and non-alcoholic punch bowls for the table. These are super tasty and don’t require a lot to make. Use ingredients that you already have on hand and skip the expensive extras.
When I have more fussy friends over – I simply have everyone bring over their favorite snacks and drinks to share. Everyone will have something that they enjoy, and we all have a great night without breaking the bank.
How to Run a Killer Murder Mystery on a Tight Budget
Focus on the essentials – a good murder mystery, the right mood, and a positive attitude. Use what you have, borrow some items or repurpose them. Your creativity and willingness to try new ideas create the memorable night everyone talks about later. Keep the event flowing naturally. There’s no need for strict schedules or complex timings. Let the game move at its own pace. It allows you to adjust as the night goes on, taking advantage of the energy in the room. The most important part is to not takes things too seriously. Things will go wrong, drinks will be spilled, character sheets will be lost, you could even have a power outage. Murder mystery games are all about having a good laugh with friends, don’t sweat the small stuff – your friends will be having a much better time than you think they are.
This type of event is also a great way to bring people together. Every step you take – from planning the plot to arranging the scene – pays off in the laughter and excitement of your guests. Running a murder mystery doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and your smart planning shows that fun isn’t measured by how much money you spend, but by the creativity you bring to the table.
