Murder mystery evening checklist

A murder mystery evening needs more than a game kit and a guest list. You need time to assign characters, prepare clue envelopes, confirm dietary requirements and set up a room where everyone can hear the instructions. Use this checklist to work from the scenario and invitations through to dinner, drinks and the final sound check. It also helps you spot the details that are easy to leave until the last hour.

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

Choose the game theme and scenario
Order game supplies
Send invitations
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Reserve venue and tables
Create final participant list
Assign roles and characters
2 people
Check the rules
Prepare Clues and Envelopes
2 people
Make name badges
Select Evening Music
Determine the menu and portions
2 people
Check the shopping list
Collect game materials
Do the shopping
2 people
Chill drinks
Prepare snacks
2 people
Prepare dinner
3 people
Set up tables
3 people
Set up chairs
2 people
Decorate tables
2 people
Set up the game area
2 people
Test sound and music
Set up the buffet and drinks
2 people
Give the game leaders a briefing
2 people

Event

Welcome guests
2 people
Explain Characters and Rules
2 people
Serve welcome drinks
2 people
Serve starter
2 people
Guide the first game round
2 people
Serve the main course
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Guide the second round of the game
2 people
Serve dessert
2 people
Guide the finale and voting
2 people
Announce the winner
See off guests
2 people

Aftercare

Clean up food and waste
3 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Take down tables and chairs
3 people
Clean the venue
2 people
Sort game materials
Return materials

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 24
Buffet table
Stoolsqty 4
Tableclothsqty 6

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 30
Dessert platesqty 30
Drinking glassesqty 36
Wine glassesqty 30
Coffee cupsqty 24
Cutlery setsqty 30
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knifeqty 3
Mixing bowlsqty 4
Serving tongsqty 4
Coolersqty 3

Equipment

Kettle
Coffee maker
Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Game materials

Murder mystery kit
Player foldersqty 24
Clue envelopesqty 24
Name badgesqty 24
Ballotsqty 30
Ballpoint pensqty 30

Decorations

Table décorqty 6
LED candlesqty 12
Themed decorations

Lighting

String lightsqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 3
Hand soap dispensersqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Choose the scenario before sending invitations, then give guests a clear reply deadline. You need the final participant list before assigning characters and preparing player folders.
Prepare character assignments, name badges, ballots and clue envelopes at least one day ahead. Keep each player’s materials together so late arrivals do not disrupt the opening.
Plan the meal around the investigation rather than serving everything at once. Set out snacks first, then serve dinner when the game allows a break, and keep drinks chilled before guests arrive.
Check tables, chairs and the game area before decorating. Leave enough space for players to move, read clues and hear one another; test the Bluetooth speaker and any extension cords during setup.
Put the murder mystery kit, rules, pens and spare materials in one clearly marked place. A 10-minute rules check before guests arrive can prevent confusion once the first clue is opened.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan a murder mystery evening?: Start planning at least 3 to 4 weeks ahead. Choose the scenario, reserve the venue or room, order game supplies and send invitations early enough to collect replies and dietary requirements.
When should I assign characters for a murder mystery party?: Assign characters after registrations close and the final participant list is confirmed, usually 5 to 7 days before the evening. This gives you time to check the rules, prepare folders and make name badges.
How much food and drink do I need for a murder mystery evening?: For drinks, allow roughly 2 to 3 servings per person during the first hour, then plan refills for the rest of the evening. Prepare snacks for arrival and choose dinner portions based on the confirmed guest count, including dietary adjustments.
When should I set up the room for a murder mystery evening?: Set up tables, chairs, decorations, the buffet and game area 2 to 3 hours before guests arrive. Chill drinks earlier, and complete the sound and music test at least 30 minutes before the start.

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.