LizztLIZZT
enLanguage — English

Murder mystery dinner checklist

A murder mystery dinner needs more than a menu and a set of characters. You also need time to assign roles, prepare clues, explain the rules, and keep dinner moving while guests investigate. Use this checklist to work from the venue and guest list through shopping, food preparation, room setup, and the final checks. The biggest problems usually come from late character information, unclear game instructions, and clues that are not packed in the order they are needed.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

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

Preparations

  • Reserve venue

  • Confirm date and theme

    2 people

  • Compile guest list

  • Send invitations

  • Process registrations

  • Collect dietary requirements

  • Create menu

    2 people

  • Choose a murder scenario

    2 people

  • Assign characters

    2 people

  • Send character information

  • Write out the game rules

  • Create clues and hints

    2 people

  • Write out the running order

  • Create decoration plan

  • Confirm attendance

  • Check the shopping list

    2 people

  • Do the shopping

    2 people

  • Set out non-perishable ingredients

  • Cut vegetables and herbs

    2 people

  • Prepare dessert

    2 people

  • Set up table settings

  • Pack and label clues

    2 people

  • Select background music

  • Ventilate room

  • Set up tables

    2 people

  • Set up chairs

    2 people

  • Decorate tables

    2 people

  • Prepare game materials

    2 people

  • Chill drinks

  • Prepare dinner

    3 people

  • Set up the reception table

Event

  • Welcome guests

    2 people

  • Explain the rules

  • Serve aperitifs

    2 people

  • Guide the first game round

  • Serve starter

    2 people

  • Guide the second round of the game

  • Serve the main course

    3 people

  • Refill drinks

  • Facilitate the final game round

  • Reveal the culprit

  • Serve dessert and coffee

    2 people

Aftercare

  • Collect tableware

    2 people

  • Sort waste

  • Wash dishes

    2 people

  • Clear tables and chairs

    2 people

  • Remove decorations

    2 people

  • Clean the room

    2 people

  • Check game materials

  • Store game equipment

  • Return rental items

What to bring

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

Furniture

  • Tablesqty 6
  • Chairsqty 26
  • Coat racksqty 2
  • Buffet table
  • Tableclothqty 6

Tableware

  • Dinner platesqty 30
  • Deep platesqty 30
  • Dessert platesqty 30
  • Water glassesqty 30
  • Wine glassesqty 30
  • Coffee cupsqty 26
  • Knivesqty 30
  • Forksqty 30
  • Spoonsqty 30
  • Teaspoonsqty 26
  • Serving plattersqty 8
  • Dessert serving traysqty 4

Kitchen

  • Cooking potsqty 4
  • Frying pansqty 2
  • Cutting boardsqty 3
  • Chef's knifeqty 3
  • Measuring cupsqty 2
  • Serving spoonsqty 6
  • Serving tongsqty 4
  • Oven mittsqty 2
  • Aluminum foilqty 2

Equipment

  • Coolersqty 3
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Extension cordsqty 2
  • Power stripsqty 2
  • Printer
  • Laptop

Game materials

  • Character cardsqty 26
  • Directional cardsqty 40
  • Ballot slipsqty 26
  • Pensqty 30
  • Envelopesqty 40
  • Notepadsqty 26

Decorations

  • Candlesticksqty 8
  • LED candlesqty 24
  • Red table runnersqty 6
  • Name badgesqty 26
  • Decorative photo framesqty 6

Lighting

  • Atmosphere lightsqty 4

Cleaning

  • Waste binsqty 3

Catering

  • Groceries

Tips

  • Send character information at least 7 days before the dinner so guests have time to read their background and prepare any requested details. Keep a few spare characters or adjustments ready for cancellations.
  • Write the running order around the meal: allow roughly 20–30 minutes for each game round, with clear points for serving the starter, main course, and dessert. This prevents the investigation from being interrupted by kitchen work.
  • Prepare and label every clue in advance, using envelopes or packets marked by round. Keep them separate from the dinner table so guests do not see evidence before it is introduced.
  • Finish shopping and non-perishable setup 1–2 days before the event. On the day, prepare vegetables, herbs, and dessert ahead of time, leaving only serving and final cooking during the dinner.
  • Set up the room at least 2 hours before guests arrive. Check that there are enough chairs, plates, glasses, cutlery, serving dishes, and clear power access for the speaker; ventilate the room before the first arrival.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan a murder mystery dinner?
Start at least 3–4 weeks ahead. That gives you time to confirm the date and theme, invite guests, collect dietary requirements, assign characters, and send the game information at least 7 days before the dinner.
How long does a murder mystery dinner take?
Allow about 3–4 hours for the complete event, including the meal and investigation rounds. Add at least 30 minutes before guests arrive for final food preparation, clue placement, and room checks.
When should I send murder mystery character assignments?
Send each assignment 7–10 days before the event. Include the character information, what guests should prepare, and the basic rules, but hold back clues that are meant to be revealed during the dinner.
What should I prepare the day before a murder mystery dinner?
Shop for ingredients, check the full equipment list, prepare non-perishable ingredients, and make the dessert if it keeps well overnight. Also label the clues, confirm attendance and dietary requirements, and review the running order.

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.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

Organize for free and invite your contacts!