Throwing a murder mystery party sounds like a blast… until the questions start piling up like bodies at the scene. If you’ve ever thought, “How hard can it be to plan a murder mystery?”—let’s just say it can go from clue to chaos real fast. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to play detective alone. If you’re thinking about hosting a mystery dinner party or team-building event, The Murder Mystery Company makes it thrilling, seamless, and stress-free.

Let’s crack the case of the top 10 questions people ask—and how hiring the pros makes all the difference.
1. How long should a murder mystery party last?
Most mystery dinner parties run between 2 to 3 hours. Long enough for everyone to get into character, uncover secrets, and figure out whodunnit—without needing an intermission. When you hire professionals like The Murder Mystery Company, they’ve already fine-tuned the timing so every twist hits just right. Professional actors will arrive prior to guest arrival so they are fully in character and prepared to welcome attendees as they enter. During the pre-show social hour, they’ll engage guests through interactive mingling while also providing a clear introduction to how the experience works. Most themes run approximately two hours, though select options are available in a 90-minute format.
2. How many guests do I need?
You don’t need a mansion full of suspects. Most murder mystery party games work great with as few as 8 or 10 people—but scale easily for larger groups. If you’re planning a corporate event, wedding rehearsal dinner, or big birthday bash, a company like ours can tailor the mystery to your headcount. No awkward standing around or running out of character cards. Our actor packages are designed to align with specific guest counts, ensuring each attendee receives the right level of engagement and guidance throughout the experience.
3. Do we have to dress up?
Costumes aren’t required—but they’re highly encouraged. And honestly, dressing up makes everything more fun. A 1920s flapper dress, a suspicious monocle, maybe a feather boa? Yes, please. We’ll help set the tone with theme options like a masquerade ball, roaring speakeasy, or rock-n-roll battle of the bands. With suggestions for costume and decorations for each of our themes, we can make sure everyone has an understanding of the assignment before even stepping onto the crime scene.

4. Who runs the show?
You could try corralling your cousin into being the host… or you could bring in a professional actor who’s trained to guide the story, improvise with guests, and keep things running smoothly. The Murder Mystery Company provides skilled performers who double as entertainers and facilitators. Your job? Just show up and enjoy.
5. What if someone doesn’t want to play?
No pressure! Our interactive mystery games offer roles for every personality. Social butterflies can take on suspect roles, playing one of the colorful characters who potentially dunnit, while others can enjoy observing and investigating. Our actors adjust based on your vibe, so no one feels out of place—even if they’ve never played before. As long as there are at least eight willing suspects ready to play their part, you’ve got all the clues you need for a successful party.
6. Is it kid-friendly?
Some themes are great for the whole family, while others are more adult-focused. Whether you’re throwing a mystery game night for a group of teens or a murder mystery dinner party game for grown-ups, we’ll match the theme and content rating to your crowd. Just ask us about the “Kids,” “Adults,” and “No Restrictions” versions of our shows!
7. What do I need to prepare?
If you go the DIY route? A lot. But when you hire The Murder Mystery Company, we bring everything you need: the plot, the props, the character assignments, the pens and papers, and professional actors to lead the experience. All you need to do is pick the date and the place—and maybe handle the grub. It’s highly encouraged to decorate, but it’s not mandatory to have a killer time.

8. Can I host it at home?
Absolutely. You can also host it at a restaurant, event space, or even the office. Whether you’re planning a murder mystery game night with friends or a full-on corporate event, we’ve made it work in every kind of space as long as it’s fully private. Hosting at home is a popular option, offering full control over the environment and providing maximum comfort for you and your guests as they immerse themselves in the mystery.
9. Will people actually participate?
They always do. Once the mystery kicks off, even the shyest guests can’t resist getting involved—especially when someone at the table might be a suspect. Our hosts are trained to draw people in, not call them out. You’ll be amazed who turns out to be the life of the party!
10. Can I just let someone else handle all this?
YES. That’s the whole point. Planning a murder mystery event doesn’t have to be a logistical nightmare. The Murder Mystery Company has done this thousands of times (literally), and we know how to keep the party smooth, immersive, and unforgettable. Our experienced consultants are available throughout the planning process to provide guidance and answer any additional questions—ensuring you never have to solve this case alone.

Let Us Solve the Mystery of Party Planning
If you’re staring down a to-do list and wondering how you’re going to pull off the perfect murder mystery game, here’s a better idea: call in the experts. Let The Murder Mystery Company handle the plot, the pacing, and the performances—so you can sit back, enjoy the show, and maybe even crack the case.
Ready to plan something unforgettable?
📞 Call 888-643-2583 or fill out one of the contact forms on the page you’re viewing right now. Your killer party awaits.