Here is the difference between major, minor and bit parts for a murder mystery themed party.

Major characters

They are central to the plot of the murder mystery themed party as a suspect or integral part of the mystery. They don’t have any extra duties – it is just that their character must be filled to make the party work. They are just like the other characters but they may have discovered a clue, they are a suspect or they are just a character that everybody knows.

Minor characters

They typically support the major characters, at the mystery-themed party but usually, they are not a suspect or an integral part of the mystery. However, people come up with bizarre theories sometimes and remember anybody can be the villain.

Bit parts

They are for folks who are not comfortable being the center of attention. Nobody gets to “just watch” because no audience is allowed. These murder mystery-themed party characters are easy for anybody to play.

Check out our image gallery to see what a murder mystery-themed party looks like! Visit our Facebook page to see what Mystery Mixer guests are saying.

Themes & Attire Suggestions

Select your theme and costume suggestions here.

We know some people will grumble about having to dress up. But we also know that once you are at a costumed event, it is always more fun than a typical party! Dressing as your character will also help you “get into character.”

Pirate Mystery Themed Party

Theme: Pirates from throughout the Caribbean come to Shady Cove every summer for an annual festival. They come to the event to stock up on supplies, share information with other pirates on the location of the Spanish and English Navies, or sometimes to rest, recuperate, and treat their wounds.

What to Wear – While everybody knows how to dress like a pirate, remember you can go all out or wear a bandana. Of course, plastic swords, beads, etc, are inexpensive and can liven up any pirate outfit.

Roaring 20s Murder Mystery Themed Party

Theme: It’s time for the Kacciatore Crime Syndicate’s Annual Meeting in Chicago. Bring your heater.

What to Wear – This party has the ambience of a high-end, elegant event. This is a perfect party for New Year’s Eve, a Rehearsal Dinner, or any occasion where the host wants a more upscale event. Women go all out with their outfits for the event and don’t need our suggestions. But the men typically have a more difficult time. Here are a few tips for the guys:

For men, hats always help a Roaring 20s look. If you only buy one or two things, focus on accessories—they can transform an ordinary outfit:

Minimal Look

A Hat: A Fedora or Flat Cap.
Suspenders and/or a Vest: The vest, in particular, instantly screams 1920s.
A Pocket Watch: Even a cheap costume one on a chain looped through a waistcoat buttonhole adds immediate sophistication.

The easiest option is to use a modern suit you already have and add a few crucial period details.

The Basics:
- Suit: A dark or neutral-colored suit (black, navy, charcoal, or brown). A pinstripe suit is a bonus, but not essential.
- Shirt: A white or light-colored, solid or finely striped dress shirt.
- Tie: A patterned tie (stripes, small dots, or paisley) or a bow tie.
  - Key Accessories to ‘Sell’ the Look:
    - Vest/Waistcoat If you have a vest (even a non-matching one), wear it. A contrasting color can look very period-appropriate.
    - Pocket Square: A bright, patterned, or contrasting pocket square (e.g., solid white) tucked neatly into the jacket pocket.
    - Slicked Hair: Heavily gelled or pomade-slicked hair parted to the side is a convenient and free accessory.

The Great Gatsby Look

The Look: A complete tuxedo or pinstripe suit is the most authentic formal option.
The Basics:
- A black or midnight blue tuxedo/suit.
- A formal white shirt with a wing collar (or simply a regular white dress shirt).
- A Black Bow Tie.
- Optional: A long, faux fur or feather boa (a fun nod to the theme for anyone!).
- Props: A fake cigar or a toy Tommy gun (for the gangster look).

Whatever you decide to wear, we look forward to seeing you at our next event!

SCIENCE FICTION Themed Party

Theme: Aliens from about 10 planets in the solar system are all coming to Planet Zorgan to sign a peace treaty because of a new threat on the horizon.

What to Wear – Our sci-fi party always has a lot of tin foil, and many of the outfits are very creative, typically homemade and not store-bought. We can’t give you suggestions here, since what you wear will depend on which planet your character calls home. Each planet has different characteristics and may dress differently. So you will have to wait until you see the character list to really get a feel for what you should wear.

Soap Opera Mystery Themed Party

Theme: The Soap Opera theme is very similar to what you might see on programs like Days of Our Lives, The Bold and the Beautiful, or General Hospital. In this theme, everybody lives in the town of “Soap,” where there are plenty of mysterious things going on.

What to Wear – This is an easy theme to dress for, and most people come in typical business attire. Some of the women may wear more jewelry and dress more upscale. However, the clothes most people wear might look like a typical Chamber of Commerce event.

ROCK N ROLL Murder Mystery Themed party

Theme: Get a backstage pass to Tina Terrific’s “Scream, Wiggle & Moan” World Tour. But you don’t have to look like a rock star. There are also record label executives, entertainment lawyers, concert promoters, ticket agents, insurance agents, roadies, groupies, etc. – anybody you would see backstage at the world tour for a famous rock star.

What to Wear – This theme is easy to dress for – you can pretend to be a rock star and come as a long-haired, tattooed rocker. You also might come in business attire as the attorney for a record label.

Holiday Mystery Themed Party

Theme: The Holiday Party takes place in the North Pole. Every year on December 28, Santa throws a big end-of-the-season party for his staff. This year, for the first time, he is inviting people from the nearby town of Frigid. Frigid is where all the people who support Santa’s mission live. So there are carpenters, plumbers, a few restaurants, and a hospital. Santa has also decided to invite all his friends – the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny, Mother Nature, etc.

What to Wear: This party is one of the most flexible when it comes to attire. If you like to dress up, you can find a pair of holiday antlers and come as a reindeer, or come as an elf. Of course, if you come as the Tooth Fairy, we will leave that to your imagination. But the critical part to remember about this event is that if you are the type of person who really would rather not dress, you can come as the Mayor of Frigid in typical business attire. Or you could come as Harry the Heater Guy (who might wear a tool belt) or as a doctor from Frigid Hospital.