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If you’ve ever thrown a Halloween party and felt like the costume contest flopped, or worse, no one even participated-you’re not alone. But here’s the good news: learning how to host a Halloween costume contest guests will actually get excited about is totally doable. You just need the right mix of creative energy, a few thoughtful touches, and a sprinkle of spooky magic.

I’ve hosted my fair share of Halloween parties over the years, and what I’ve learned is that a great costume contest can take your gathering from fun to unforgettable. People love showing off their creativity, when they know it’ll be celebrated. So let me walk you through exactly how I make sure everyone not only joins in but actually looks forward to the contest.

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Step One: Tease the Contest in the Invite

A successful costume contest starts before guests walk through the door. When you send out your invitations, whether it’s a text message, Facebook event, or a themed paper invite, be sure to hype the contest early on.

Here’s what I like to include:

👻 “Costume Contest! Win prizes for ‘Spookiest Duo,’ ‘Best DIY,’ and more! Judging starts at 8:30 PM: don’t miss it!”

Adding a bit of anticipation builds momentum and gives guests a clear reason to dress up. Trust me, people will start planning ahead, especially if they know their effort could earn them a fun prize.

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Step Two: Choose Creative & Inclusive Costume Categories

If your costume contest only has one vague category like “Best Costume,” you’ll lose half your crowd before it begins. Why? Because not everyone wants to compete on the same level. Some people DIY, some go for spooky, some want to be funny or low-effort clever.

So give them options.

Here are some of my favorite costume contest categories over the years:

• Most Original DIY – For your friend who crafted a cardboard vending machine or turned their child into a tiny sushi roll.
• Spookiest Costume – All the horror lovers and makeup artists will go wild for this one.
• Best Pop Culture Reference – Memes, movie characters, celebrity moments? Yes, please.
• Funniest Costume – Ideal for guests who love a good pun.
• Best Couple or Duo – Encourage partnerships like Morticia & Gomez, Wayne & Garth, or even unexpected combos like Sriracha and Soy Sauce.
• Best Group Costume – Think Wizard of Oz, Ghostbusters, or Bridgerton cast.
• Most Likely to Give You Nightmares – I use this one to spotlight creepy prosthetics or ultra-haunting masks.
• Cutest Kid Costume – If little ones are part of the fun, don’t forget them!

Choose 5–6 categories max so it doesn’t get overwhelming. Print them and display them clearly at the party to get everyone excited.

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Step Three: Design an Eye-Catching Display

As guests walk in, you want your party to scream Halloween magic, but also organized fun. I always set up a “Costume Contest Central” display near the entrance, the bar, or snack table.

Include:

• A printed sign with the costume categories
• A ballot box (decorated like a haunted mailbox or a mini coffin)
• Halloween Pens or markers for voting
• Photos or framed flyers of last year’s winners if it’s a tradition

This display becomes a conversation starter and ensures people know how the contest works.

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Step Four: Decor That Brings It All Together

If you want your party and costume contest to feel like an event, don’t skip the decor. A cohesive Halloween atmosphere makes guests feel immersed in the experience, and more likely to get into the spirit of things.

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Here are some of my favorite decor tips to build that vibe:

Lighting is Everything

• Hang fun pumpkin lights or ghost lights for a classic nostalgic mood
• Add flickering LED candles along tables, shelves, and walkways
• Use spotlights or uplights to create drama, especially around your photo area

Table Decor & Party Zones

• Use black gauze table runners, fake spiders, and mini cauldrons
• Create a snack or drink station labeled “Witch’s Kitchen” or “Potion Bar”
• Add creepy labels to drinks like “Bat Juice” (cranberry spritz), “Witch’s Brew” (green punch), or “Zombie Elixir” (bourbon-based cocktail)
• Use some fun halloween drink markers so that your guests drinks don’t get mixed up

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Signature Touch: Decorate the Contest Area

I usually create a small “stage” or corner where contestants can walk, pose, or be announced. Drape black sequin curtains, add cobwebs, use a fog machine for drama, and hang a sign that says something like:

🎭 Costume Contest Runway: Walk If You Dare!

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Step Five: Set Up a Killer Photo Booth or Polaroid Wall

A Halloween costume contest without photos? Missed opportunity. Your guests spent time planning these outfits, give them a spot to show them off.

Build Your Photo Booth:

You don’t need a full booth, just a decorated backdrop and a phone tripod works wonders.

Backdrop Ideas:

• Orange or black fringe curtains
• Halloween balloons arranged in an arch
• A wall covered in paper bats, dripping blood decals, or hanging ghosts
• A spooky bookshelf with skulls, candles, and vintage books

Props to Include:

• Witch hats, brooms, boas, and halloween sunglasses
• Speech bubbles with Halloween puns (“Resting Witch Face,” “Creep It Real”)

Bonus: Create a Polaroid Wall

I’ve done this the past two years and it’s always a hit. Guests take a Polaroid of themselves (or you assign a photo helper), and clip them onto a string with mini clothespins.

Above it, hang a sign:

📷 “Wall of Fame: This Party is to Die For”

It becomes both decor and a keepsake for you and your guests.

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Step Six: Offer Prizes That Spark Excitement

Let’s talk incentives. Great prizes don’t need to be expensive, but they should feel like a reward.

Prize Ideas That Work:

• $10–$15 Gift Cards (Starbucks, Target, Amazon, or local shops)
• Funny Halloween Mugs or Tumblers
• Mini Cocktail Kits with Boozy Treats
• Cozy Throw Blankets in Spooky Prints
• Funny Halloween Candles or Incense Sets
• A literal trophy (get one engraved or buy themed ones on Amazon)
• Make DIY Prize Bundles – Like a “Self-Care Witch Kit” or “Pumpkin Spice Survival Kit”

Wrap each prize in a mini gift bag with a ribbon. Presentation = excitement!

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Step Seven: Make Voting Fun and Easy

Now let’s get practical. You need a simple, fair way to vote.

3 Easy Voting Options:

1. Ballot Box Voting:
   • Each guest gets one voting slip upon arrival.
   • They write in names (or costume descriptions) under each category.
   • Drop into a spooky box before a set time (I recommend about 90 minutes into the party).
2. Judge Panel:
   • Assign 2–3 “judges” in advance, co-hosts or kids work well!
   • Give them clipboards and score sheets with each category.
   • Let them announce winners later in the evening.
3. Photo Voting After the Party:
   • Take clear photos of each costume during arrival.
   • Upload to a private Instagram Story or Facebook album.
   • Let guests “like” to vote, tallied up the next day.

Pro Tip: You can also use QR codes to direct guests to a Google Form ballot if you want to go digital.

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Step Eight: Host a Costume Walk or Mini Runway

Don’t skip this, it’s where the fun happens. Even shy guests enjoy this part when the vibe is fun and low-pressure.

Set a time for the walk, usually halfway through the party, after a few drinks and snacks. Create a runway zone (living room, backyard path, etc.) and cue up spooky music.

Have a host (or yourself!) announce each contestant with flair. Think:

“And here comes Lauren as a disco vampire, slaying both hearts and dance floors!”

Guests love it. People laugh, cheer, and even ad-lib fun poses. It gives the contest structure and makes everyone feel included.

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Step Nine: Announce Winners Like It’s an Awards Show

This is the big finale. Don’t rush it or mumble the results in the kitchen while people are distracted. Gather everyone, maybe dim the lights, and hype it up.

You can play music, have “judges” reveal their choices with silly commentary, or even hand out little envelopes like the Oscars.

Give out the prizes, take photos with the winners, and offer a toast, spiked cider or sparkling apple juice works great.

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Step Ten: Capture & Share the Memories

Once the party ends, keep the momentum going. Share a highlight reel via:

• A short Reel or TikTok with costume clips
• A digital gallery with everyone’s looks
• A recap email or thank-you text with Polaroid pics or shoutouts

I even keep a mini scrapbook of past costume contests with the winners, Polaroids, and decor snapshots. It helps me brainstorm new themes every year.

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And The Winner Is..

Hosting a Halloween costume contest guests will actually get excited about doesn’t require a huge budget or over-the-top planning. It just takes a little creativity, some thoughtful prizes, a cozy-but-spooky atmosphere, and a focus on fun over perfection.

Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, this could be the year your costume contest becomes the party everyone talks about. So dust off that cauldron, plug in those pumpkin string lights, and let’s make this Halloween unforgettable.

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Don’t forget to pin this post or share it with your favorite party planner! Let’s make this year’s spooky season full of creativity, laughter, and truly epic costumes. 🎃🕸📸

With love,

Bri & Cat

Another post you may like:

10 Unique Halloween Party Themes That Go Beyond Spooky Basics

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