Afraid throwing a costume contest will scare your budget? Have no fear — these easy step-by-step directions help make it happen. The fun and budget-friendly contest will delight even the most opinionated zombie.

“Best Overall Costume” award is so standard. Add new, zany categories — they’ll spice the party right up! A few suggestions include:

• "Most Likely to Spend the Night in Jail"
• "Most Likely to Scare"
• "Most Affordable Costume"
• "Best Group (or Couple’s) Costume"
• "Most Creative Use of Glitter"

Include your categories on your invitations. It’ll give guests much-need costume-preparation time.

How will you determine the Halloween-costume winners? Here are some popular judging methods:

• Lone Judge: This is the quickest and simplest voting method. Choose your lone judge wisely; you’ll need an unbiased candidate.
• Panel of Judges: This is the next quickest voting method and has a lower chance of bias than the single-judge option. You can prepare criteria on which the judges should base their decisions, or simply let them choose the costume they like best.
• Peer Voting: This method takes the longest, but everyone has a say in the decision! Everyone should write down their favorite costume on a piece of paper. The party’s host then tallies the votes.
• Applause Meter: Whoever gets the loudest cheers wins. However, beware if noise is an issue.

Peer voting can be simple and fun. Have each guest affix a number to their costume as they arrive. Then guests can indicate the costume number they’re voting for. Looking for a Halloween-themed option? Label cauldrons with each category and have guests slip paper ballots inside.

Guests need some showoff time. Let them strut their stuff in a designated area. Set up a rug and special lighting — small purple and orange decorative lights make a great backdrop. It’ll allow everyone to get a good view before voting begins.

For peer voting, remove the cauldrons or collect the paper entries. Then, tally the votes.

If you’re using a lone judge, panel judges or applause meter, have contestants parade across the designated area. Next, rate the crowd’s applause or announce the winners.

Choose Halloween costume prizes that complement the costume categories. For example, “The Most Likely to Spend the Night in Jail” category winner might receive a gift card to an inexpensive restaurant. There, they can enjoy their “last meal.” Other budget-friendly prize ideas include scary DVDs, black candles or skeleton statuettes.