We got this idea from one of the most epic Halloween weddings we've featured, Sharon and Kevin's three-themed gothic wedding. We definitely got caught up in one of their ideas: a murder mystery rehearsal dinner! The best part of getting people into a themed party like this is that it's going to give guests a reason to talk to one another and let their guards down. Apparently they even kept up the characters after the party! Let's hear from Sharon on how it went down...

In lieu of a rehearsal dinner, we started off our weekend with an interactive film noir murder mystery party the night before. We designed the Cliffside Lodge to be a 1940s bar and restaurant. Our guests were assigned characters ahead of time and everyone dressed the part. There was a primary "murder" but all guests were able to acquire the means, or hire someone who did, to kill someone else who may have known too much. We had more people than roles RSVP to this party, so we had to create additional characters and story lines on the fly. Everyone had a secret, and every one of them was revealed by the end of the night. The event served as a great way for our guests to get to know each other. The next day, our guests were calling other guests by their character's names.

You could totally apply this concept to any other party, too, like a shower, bachelor/ette, engagement party, etc. There are a couple of ways to set one of these up. You can purchase a pre-made script from game stores or Amazon or hire a murder mystery company with actors who get everyone involved. Either way can be a real hoot if you're into it.

Miss this wedding the first time around? Time to see it all!