HOW TO THROW A HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST: A SPOOKTACULAR GUIDE!

How to Throw a Halloween Costume Contest: A Spooktacular Guide!

How to Throw a Halloween Costume Contest: A Spooktacular Guide!

Blog Article

Halloween is the time for tricks, treats, and, most importantly, amazing costumes! If you're planning a Halloween party this year, a costume contest can be the highlight of the night. Not only does it encourage creativity, but it also brings people together for a fun and memorable experience. Here’s how to throw a Halloween costume contest that your guests will rave about!

    best christmas online store

1. Set the Stage for Spooktacular Fun


Creating the right atmosphere is crucial for a successful Halloween costume contest. Choose a location that can accommodate all your guests comfortably. Whether it's your backyard, a community center, or a cozy living room, make sure there's enough space for people to mingle and showcase their costumes.

Decorate your venue with Halloween-themed décor. Think cobwebs, skeletons, pumpkins, and eerie lighting. Use a fog machine or dim lights to add to the spooky vibe. This sets the perfect stage for your costume contest and helps your guests get into the Halloween spirit!

2. Decide on the Contest Format


There are several ways to structure your costume contest. Here are some ideas:

  • Best Overall Costume: This classic category recognizes the most creative or impressive costume.

  • Funniest Costume: Everyone loves a good laugh! Award the guest with the silliest or most humorous costume.

  • Scariest Costume: This category is for the guests who go all out to scare everyone!

  • Best Group Costume: Encourage friends and families to coordinate costumes. Award the best-themed group.

  • Best DIY Costume: Recognize creativity and craftsmanship with a category for homemade costumes.


Make sure to clearly outline the categories in your invitations so guests can prepare accordingly.

3. Set Clear Rules and Guidelines


Establishing clear rules is essential to ensure the contest runs smoothly. Here are some guidelines to consider:

  • Entry Fee: Decide if you want to charge an entry fee, which can go toward prizes or decorations.

  • Costume Limitations: Specify any restrictions, such as no weapons or overly offensive costumes. This keeps the atmosphere fun and safe.

  • Time Limit: Determine how long the contest will run and set a time limit for each participant to showcase their costume.


Communicate these rules clearly in your invitations and at the beginning of the event.

4. Gather a Panel of Judges


A costume contest is only as good as its judges! Choose a panel that represents a mix of opinions. You could include friends, family, or even a few party-goers who aren’t participating. Consider appointing someone with a good eye for detail or creativity to ensure fair judging.

Judges can use a scoring system to rate costumes based on creativity, originality, effort, and overall impact. Make sure to keep the judging criteria consistent across all categories!

5. Promote Your Contest


Generate excitement leading up to your event! Use social media platforms to share teasers about the contest. Create an event page and invite guests to RSVP. Encourage them to share their costume ideas to build anticipation.

If you’re hosting a public event, consider advertising in your community. Post flyers or share posts on local community boards and social media groups. The more people you reach, the more fun your contest will be!

6. Prepare for Prizes


Everyone loves a good prize! Determine what prizes you’ll offer to the winners of each category. These can be anything from gift cards and Halloween-themed goodies to trophies or handmade awards. Consider local businesses that might donate prizes in exchange for promotion.

Make the prize presentation a big deal! Announce the winners with enthusiasm and capture their moment of glory with photos. This adds to the excitement and makes participants feel valued.

7. Create a Fun Voting Process


If you want to involve the guests in the judging process, consider a voting system. Give everyone a voting slip or use a digital platform where they can vote for their favorite costumes. This adds a layer of engagement and excitement as guests anticipate the results.

You can also use a secret ballot system to ensure fairness. Let everyone vote in the various categories without revealing who they are voting for until the winners are announced.

8. Plan for a Costume Parade


To showcase all the incredible costumes, consider organizing a costume parade. This allows participants to walk the stage or designated area, giving everyone a chance to admire their creativity. Provide a microphone for guests to introduce themselves or their costumes, adding a personal touch.

Encourage guests to cheer for their favorites! This creates a lively atmosphere and gets everyone involved in the fun.

9. Capture the Moments


Document the fun! Hire a photographer or set up a DIY photo booth with Halloween-themed props and backdrops. Encourage guests to take photos throughout the night, especially during the costume parade and when winners are announced.

Sharing these moments on social media can create lasting memories. Consider creating a unique hashtag for your event, allowing guests to share their photos and experiences online.

10. Celebrate the Winners


After the voting and judging are done, it’s time to announce the winners! Gather everyone for the exciting moment, and make sure to present each winner with their prize. Highlight what made each winner’s costume special to give recognition to their hard work.

Take group photos with the winners to capture their triumphant moments! This not only gives them a sense of accomplishment but also provides great content for your event recap.

11. Wrap Up the Night with Fun Activities


To keep the party going after the contest, consider planning additional Halloween-themed activities. Host games like pumpkin carving, bobbing for apples, or a Halloween trivia quiz. These activities help maintain the energy and create more fun memories for your guests.

You could also have a dance party with Halloween music. Think classic Halloween hits and modern pop songs that will get everyone on their feet!

12. Follow Up with Guests


After the event, send a thank-you message to your guests for attending. Share some of the best photos from the night and remind them of the fun they had. This keeps the spirit alive and encourages them to join you for future events.

If you plan to host the contest annually, hint at next year's plans to keep your guests excited and engaged!

Throwing a Halloween costume contest is a fantastic way to celebrate the spooky season with friends and family. By following these steps, you’ll create an unforgettable experience filled with creativity, laughter, and fun. From setting the stage to celebrating the winners, every detail contributes to a magical Halloween night.


So, dust off your broomsticks and get ready for a frightfully good time! With a bit of planning and enthusiasm, your Halloween costume contest will be the talk of the town. Happy Halloween!

Report this page