Escape room event checklist

An escape room outing needs more planning than booking a room and turning up. You need a confirmed group, dietary details, transport, a meal or snacks, and a clear arrival plan. Start by securing the escape room and restaurant, then work through invitations, registrations and logistics. On the day, allow time to check reservations, chill drinks, set out food and explain the rules before the game begins.

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

  • Book the escape room

  • Reserve restaurant

  • Create the participant list

  • Send invitations

  • Process registrations

  • Collect dietary requirements

  • Confirm attendance

  • Arrange transport

  • Share route details

  • Check reservations

  • Check the shopping list

  • Do the shopping

    2 people

  • Chill drinks

  • Set out snacks

  • Collect decorations

  • Wrap the gift and card

  • Note emergency contacts

  • Check the venue in advance

  • Set up tables and chairs

    2 people

  • Hang decorations

    2 people

  • Set out dishes and cups

  • Arrange snacks on platters

Event

  • Receive participants

    2 people

  • Serve welcome drinks

  • Explain the game rules

  • Take group photo

  • Play escape room

    8 people

  • Refill drinks

  • Serve snacks

  • Present gift

  • Travel to the restaurant

    8 people

  • Oversee dinner

    2 people

  • Check the Bill

  • Escort the return trip

    2 people

Aftercare

  • Pack leftover food

  • Collect waste

    2 people

  • Clear tables and chairs

    2 people

  • Wash dishes

    2 people

  • Clean the venue

    2 people

  • Remove decorations

    2 people

  • Return materials

  • Finalize supplier agreements

  • Check lost and found items

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

  • Foldable tablesqty 2
  • Folding chairsqty 8
  • Tableclothsqty 2

Tableware

  • Reusable cupsqty 16
  • Platesqty 16
  • Cutlery setsqty 16
  • Wine glassesqty 8
  • Serving plattersqty 4
  • Serving utensilsqty 4

Equipment

  • Coolersqty 2
  • Ice cube traysqty 2
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Chargersqty 2
  • Power banksqty 2

Kitchen

  • Cutting boardsqty 2
  • Chef's knifeqty 2
  • Bread knife
  • Kettle
  • Coffee maker
  • Thermos
  • Cooler bag

Decorations

  • Balloonsqty 20
  • Garlandqty 2
  • Table décorqty 2
  • Name badgesqty 8
  • Gift bag
  • Map

Cleaning

  • Waste binsqty 2
  • Dishwashing tub
  • Spongesqty 4
  • Tea towelsqty 4
  • Towelsqty 2
  • Broom
  • Dustpan and brush

Catering

  • Groceries

Tips

  • Book the escape room before inviting people, then reserve the restaurant for the expected group size. Leave at least 30 minutes between the planned end of the game and your restaurant booking.
  • Send invitations as soon as both bookings are confirmed. Set an RSVP deadline 7 days before the event so you can process registrations, collect dietary requirements and confirm the final headcount.
  • Check transport and share the route details at least 3 days in advance. Include the meeting point, arrival time and a backup plan for anyone delayed or travelling separately.
  • Prepare drinks and snacks before participants arrive. Chill drinks several hours ahead, pack coolers or a cooler bag, and allow 20–30 minutes to arrange platters, cups and serving utensils.
  • Check the venue in advance and charge the speaker, chargers and power banks the day before. On arrival, allow 30 minutes to set up tables, chairs, decorations and welcome drinks before receiving the group.

Frequently asked questions

How early should I book an escape room for a group?
Book the escape room at least 3–4 weeks ahead, especially if you need a specific date or several rooms. Reserve the restaurant at the same time so the group has a complete plan.
When should I send escape room invitations?
Send invitations immediately after the escape room and restaurant are booked, ideally 3–4 weeks before the event. Give guests 7 days to RSVP and use the final week to confirm attendance and dietary requirements.
How much time should I allow before an escape room starts?
Ask participants to arrive 20–30 minutes before the booked start time. This gives you time to receive late arrivals, explain the rules and handle registration without reducing the game time.
What should I prepare for an escape room party with food and drinks?
Prepare drinks, snacks, cups, plates and serving utensils before guests arrive. Chill drinks for several hours, set out the food 15–20 minutes beforehand, and keep dietary items clearly separated.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.

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