If I purchase a package, can I count on help if I need it? Are there support services?
Yes. Yes. Yes. Any assistance you need is part of our package. We offer unlimited consultation and assistance whenever you need it. We don't just send you the materials and say "now you're on your own," we want to insure that your event is as wonderful and memorable as we know these parties can be.
What if some of my guests have questions about their roles or participation?
They are welcome to contact us anytime.
What if I order for a certain number and find that I need additional kits later on?
You may place a supplemental order for additional parts.
What is the turn around time if I order additional parts? How close to the party date can I place a supplemental order?
We can usually turn around supplemental requests within one to two days time. You can generally order additional parts safely the week before your party.
I am planning a mystery party, will I know who the killer and victim are ahead of time?
Not unless you want to. We supply two specially labeled envelopes with the identities of the killer and victim for the planner only. If you decide that you want to know either one before hand, you may open the appropriate envelope and find out. Otherwise, just set the envelope(s) aside.
I want to hand pick the person to play the victim, can I do that and still not know who the killer will be?
Yes, simply open the victim ID envelope, but not the killer's. In this way you can still be surprised by whodunit.
How do I cast the roles?
By using the special Planner's Cast of Characters included with each party. The cast is customized to your numbers. The Planner's Cast gives you descriptions of all the characters along with additional inside information with regard to which roles we think are best played by the more outgoing guests, the middle of the road guests, the major and minor roles, and so forth. We also list the "saftey net" roles which may be cut if need be and which characters have duties to carry out such as the "entertainers" and what they are assigned to do. Additional guidelines are also included in your Planner's Guide. And, you are always welcome to call us for assistance with this process.Most planners find that casting their party is one of the most enjoyable tasks they undertake.
What about casting the "victim?" Does the person who gets bumped off get left out of the fun after that?
No. We have a very special role for the "victim" to play. But, we'll tell you all about it when you order. (We don't want to give away secrets to your potential guests.)
I am planning a birthday party, any ideas on how to make it special for the birthday guest?
A popular plan is to stage the birthday celebration "in character." In other words once you pick a role for the birthday person, celebrate the character's birthday and decorate the cake with the character's name. He or she can later claim it was their character and not them that got one year older! People really seem to enjoy this especially for milestone birthdays. It makes for a birthday they never forget!P.S. We have a special birthday award for the birthday person that we'll be happy to include. Just ask for it when ordering.
I have some guests who I want to invite, but their schedules may force them to cancel at the last minute, what can I do?
Assign them roles that can be cut without harming the story line. (They are listed in the planner's cast as part of our built in "safety net.") Alternative: Assign them extra player parts.
What if someone loses his kit?
We will be happy to provide a replacement kit or fax a dossier to you or your guest.
Must all of my guests dress in costume? (I know some won't want to dress up.)
No, your guests may come as they wish. Most guests will at least dress in keeping with the theme of the party to some degree and in some fashion that blends in. For example: a plain outfit with an accessory in keeping with the theme such as a plain dress with feather boa (for the gangster theme) or dark trousers, dark shirt, and bright tie (for the gangster theme). These are costumes that aren't really "costumes" at all.All of our themes provide easy to assemble outfit and accessory ideas to help those who do not wish to go all out. In practice, when people see how easy it is to dress in character, they usually do so after all.
And for those who do wish to "go all out," your guests receive plenty of detailed ideas in dressing, accessorizing, even hair and makeup.
Also read costuming FAQ's below.
While many of my guests are outgoing types and will want to play roles, I am concerned about my shy or "low key" friends, what should I do?
Remember, we purposefully build in all sorts of character types to play from the most outrageous (major roles) on down to the low key, supporting cast members. With all of the built in flexibility in our cast, we assure you that you won't have any trouble finding or assigning roles for all members on your guest list. And if you ever have a guest you just can't find a part for, contact us and we will work with you to get you a suitable role for them.
Do the guests have lines to memorize, like a play?
No. The guests improvise their parts based on what they learn about them in their character dossiers. All of the characters are designed to be easy and fun to play. They get a character to crawl into, not a script to memorize. This is just a grown up game of "let's pretend." Acting skills are not required. A desire to have fun is.
Is there anything my guests would find "off color" or in very poor taste in one of your mysteries?
No. We have taken care to make our mysteries accessible and fun for all ages and types of guests. Our mysteries are not gruesome. They fall into the classic old fashioned "whodunit" genre. If you have any areas of concern, call us and we can go over any of this with you.
Are these mystery parties suitable for children?
They are generally suitable for children ages 12 and up. Birthday parties are a favorite occasion for for this age group.
How difficult is it to dress in costume for these themes. Are some more or less difficult?
Dressing is easy. Remember, your guests are not obligated to dress in costume. Some, of course, will want to go "all out" in the costuming department, but others will simply dress in keeping with the theme or their character. We provide ideas and suggestions so that guests can assemble an outfit by rummaging around in the back of their closets or go all out. We also provide ideas for accessories, hair, and make up. Some guests will dress like their character by simply "accessorizing" a basic outfit to give it the flavor of the theme they are attending. For instance: a feather boa for a flapper, a gangster hat and suspenders for a hood. The degree to which your guests dress is always up to them.All of the themes are surprisingly easy to dress for, especially with the included suggestions and ideas. Of course, some, like the fifties theme and the C&W theme are very easy since so much of the clothing is still worn today. The Victorian theme is basic "old fashioned." The gangster theme is classic and clothing is readily available. The circus/carnival relies on fun, humor, and color. Some of the themes can be staged as "timeless" black tie events, such as the 1930's Gangster and 1940's Casablanca, as well as the Victorian theme.
And remember, a few accessories can turn any "plain" outfit into a character costume!
Do all of the themes accommodate dinner or food being served?
Yes. All were designed to include food and beverage service as part of the event and is worked right into the story line or setting.
What is the best type of food service to have at a mystery party?
Any type you wish is fine. One of the most popular choices is to have a buffet style of service, but there are many variations and we recommend you contact us or refer to the actual Planner's Guide that comes with your package or is ordered ahead of time as part of our Advance Planner's Kit.
What if we want to have dinner separately and not include it in the party itself?
This is also an acceptable option.
Must the party be staged all in one room or area?
No. You may stage it in one room or spread out over several rooms and/or areas.
Can the party be staged outdoors?
Yes. Or a combination of both. Such as at a pool side patio leading into a recreation room.
Can the party be staged in less than 4 hours?
Yes, but you should allow at least 2 1/2 hours to get the full benefit of all the fun activities.
Who stages the party? Who runs it?
The party is designed to stage and run itself and it does! In reality this works because all of your guests, by virtue of the fact that they are playing out their roles are running the party for you. Guests have things to do (like the doorman who checks passwords, the entertainer who "sings") or chores to carry out (like the concession tray hostess, or gaming table operator) or duties to perform (like the killer) and more. Not only does this mean that everyone is running the party, it means that everyone has a way to plug into and feel like a part of the fantasy. It is this involvement that is generating so much of the fun and excitement!
Who starts the party? How does it begin?
The party begins as guests walk in the door. They arrive "in character" and step into the fantasy theme you are hosting. (A little decorating will help set the stage. ) You greet your guests "in character" and they respond in kind. The activities begin and you're off and running. It's that simple.
Is there a beginning, middle, and end?
Yes. It is already built into the design of the event. We take care of that for you. All of the timed events are timed to the momentum of the party and all characters need to know anything pertaining to this do. The event flows through its stages to eventual conclusion. It is very clever we admit, but we have been refining these for a very long time now.
What if I need the mock murder to occur at a specific time?
We can do that, just let us know and we will tailor the time for crime to your schedule.
I am a "hands on" host and I want to know as much as possible about the party as I can (timing, plot, who does what when, etc.), can yo do that?
No problem. We can tell you ALL, if you wish.
Can you write a custom story for our group?
The answer is yes and no. Yes: given enough lead time and $, we can do anything. And, no: there isn't usually enough time or $ to make this practical for most planners.What we can do and what we have found to work the best for most planners is to take an idea you have for for either particular character types or a theme element /plot line and "work it into" one of our existing stories for you. In that way, you still get a tried and true party theme and the new features you would like to have. The advantages are obvious: Tried and true format, theme element you desire, less costly, quicker turn around time.
What is the cost for this type of customizing?
Depending on complexity, it ranges from no additional charge to a fee commensurate with the additional work involved. We can give you a quote when you make your request.
I have a couple of very young children who would like to attend the party for a little while before their bedtime, can this be accommodated?
Yes. We can help with "accessory roles" suitable for small children at no charge. In this way, they will feel like they are part of the fun.
I have disabled guests attending, can they participate?
Yes. We can help you select roles that would be enjoyable for all types of guests.
I have guests who wish to play opposite gender characters ("in drag"), can this be done?
Yes. Remember you will be in charge of assigning the roles. Assign them accordingly.
What about my gay and/or lesbian guests?
No problem. Again, you will be assigning the roles based on your knowledge of your guests. Feel free to assign them according to your best judgment and what you think your guests will most enjoy. Should you need assistance with this or changes in your cast, please contact us. We are happy to make any needed modifications.
Murder by Mail intends that all guests should enjoy their participation in our mystery parties regardless of their national or ethnic origin, race, religion, or sexual/gender orientation. If you need any assistance or have questions pertaining to this policy, please contact us.
Murder by Mail does not sell our client list or make it available for rent in order to respect our clients privacy.
Copyright notice: © 1999 Murder by Mail, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, No part of this may be reproduced or copied in any manner whatsoever for any purpose without written permission from Murder by Mail™.