Halloween has come a long way from its origins as a pagan harvest festival to celebrate the end of summer. Now it’s as much an excuse to throw a big party as it is for trick or treating. Like any party you will need a sound system, lighting and some special effects to make it a memorable event. And there are plenty of party supply and prop stores to add to the fun.

Black Lights

These give a ghostly look to any party with the ultra violet glow basking guests in luminous purple light. They can also be used to project against the front of a venue or house for a spooky effect. Now available in LED they are a lot safer and easier to handle. Wash panels, bricks and tubes can be discretely placed to maximize this “glow in the dark” effect. Use UV reactive paint on props or as body paint to accentuate the effect! Great fun for kids and grown ups!

Low Fogger

The classic low-lying fogger effect has Monster Mash written all over it. The fog clings to the ground and swirls like a graveyard as you walk through it. Add some fake headstones to your front yard or entrance way and watch your guests scream in delight.

Wash Lighting

This is used to cast big washes of light against a wall to highlight architectural features of a building or just to cast a big colour. Imagine a wall dripping with blood or with luminous green slime… colour can really set the theme and tone of the party.

Animation Lasers

Most animation lasers have a selection of graphics that can be used for theming purposes. Jack ‘o’ lanterns (a hollowed out pumpkin to you and me) and other spooky graphics can be accessed and programmed into your laser. Or you can use a standard scanning laser to access vivid colours. Ghoulish green is a great colour for Halloween but there are rabid reds and vivid blues that will leave guests spellbound.

Props

There are heaps of party and prop outlets that sell everything from fake blood capsules through to graveyard headstones, severed arms and legs, bats, witches cauldrons, skeletons and other creepy stuff. You can make some “bloody” punch and even theme your food. Again there are plenty of party planning websites with lots of ideas on offer online.

Costumes

Make sure you encourage your guests to dress the part as the more everyone gets into the theme the more enjoyment. Costume shops can rent a costume for a night, or get creative at your local party store or $2 shop and make a costume. Vampires, werewolves, zombies, mummies, skeletons, Frankenstein through to superheroes, there are stacks to choose from. Costume Box has a huge selection of props and costumes and sell online.

Horror Movies

There are some classic scary movies that you could screen at your Halloween party for a scary backdrop. This could be in a dedicated room, or why not run the movie without sound and play party music instead. Freddie Krueger from Friday 13th is always a favorite or screen the actual movie Halloween! Projectors are available for hire and are easy to operate. Screens can be rented as well or just shoot against a white wall.

Halloween Karaoke

Hiring a karaoke machine can be another fun way to celebrate Halloween especially if you have some appropriately spooky songs to sing along to. Here are some ideas. What other tracks can you think of?

• I Put a Spell on You – Screamin’ Jay Hawkins
• Lil’ Red Riding Hood – Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs
• Monster Mash – Bobby Boris Pickett
• Purple People Eater – Sheb Wooley
• Love Potion Number 9 – The Clovers
• Sympathy for the Devil – Rolling Stones
• Thriller – Michael Jackson
• Highway to Hell – AC/DC
• The Beautiful People – Marilyn Manson
• Closer – Nine Inch Nails