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.
Step 1: Pick Frightfully Fun Categories
"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.
Step 2: Choose the Voting Panel
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.
Step 3: Create Bone-Tingling Ballots
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.
Step 4: Set the Spooky Stage
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.
Step 5: Cast the Votes
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.
Step 6: Award Honorable Mentions
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.
