Planning for the Perfect 2009 Halloween Costume

If you’re planning a costume for a Halloween party or event, such as a costume contest, there are a few things to consider besides just the details of the costume itself. A great costume is really not so great if you’re so uncomfortable that you can’t even enjoy the party. The environment can be important.

Where is the location of the party? Is it inside a heated building or outside in someone’s garage? What is the weather like this year? Is it a Halloween heat wave or a Halloween deep freeze?Is it raining or snowing? Will you have to be standing or sitting all night? Is there a lot of open area for a bulky costume or are you going to be cramped in someone’s basement family room. How easy will it be to use the bathroom? If you are drinking alcohol, this is something to keep in mind. How user friendly is your costume?Will people be able to see enough of you to talk and interact with you?How well will you be able to see what’s going on around you and will there be any issues with costume makeup?Who is giving the party? Obviously your choice of costume might be different depending on whether you are partying at a bar with your college buddies or at your boss’s house.

If you are thinking of entering a 2009 Halloween costume contest, how can you improve your chances of winning? Find out what the judging criteria are, or if there are different categories? If there are any available, see if you can get your hands on some pictures of previous year’s winners, to get an idea of what the judges are looking for. Find out if the contest is being judged by kids or adults. What kids think is scary, original or funny is different from what an adult would pick. And obviously, if kids are present, risque and politically incorrect costumes will not win you any contests, and you might even be asked to leave.

Once you’ve researched the contest, brainstorm like crazy. Enlist the help of any creative friends or relatives. Most costumes that win contests are not the fanciest or most expensive, store-bought costumes. They are usually homemade costumes that are funny, original and that someone obviously put time and care into making.

If you really want to win a Halloween costume contest; you need to do more than just show up, you’ll also need to “sell yourself” at the party. Do more than just look the part, you should also act the part. Be in character from the time you arrive until the winner is announced. Mingle and talk to as many people as you can during the party. People will be more likely to vote for you if they’ve talked to you beforehand.

One of biggest and most obvious obstacles to costume planning is procrastination. We always think we have more time than we really do, so don’t wait till the last minute when you’ll be forced to “throw something together.” It will show and you probably won’t win that 2009 Halloween costume contest either. Above all, have fun. That’s what Halloween is all about.