Okay so this will be my first year to hopefully pull off a haunt. I'v always loved Halloween ever since I was a little kid. I see that most people pick a theme.

I can't decide that because every year there's so much neat new stuff that comes out it's hard to stick with just one thing. So I guess my question is this,
if you pick one solid theme, is that what your budget goes to? For example, If you were doing all haunted pireates, would you only spend money on that kind of stuff?

Sorry it's a silly question but sometimes it's just too hard to say no to al those other cool props.

The answer would be yes & no.
You should plan for things that can be used every year, for example: strobe lights, fogger, black lights. Keep these things in mind when doing your planning & budget. If the budget is very tight, then stick to it... don't over spend. Things can be made for cheaper than store bought. If you spread prop building out over the year, then it will also help too.

Thanks Haunty. I guess I'm just saying there's to much cool stuff to just be able to stick with one theme in general. It's a given on lighting and stuff cause that can be used year round. It's just hard to stick with one thing lol. And It's not like I have a budget I just use that to guied me. Anyways we will see. It might help to come up with a theme before hand.

I never pick one theme. I just buy what I like. We do a haunted house walk through every year for my sons Halloween party and the kids love it. We have different scenes but not one theme. I take my boys to the stores all through October and they throw stuff in the cart they like. No theme necessary Ithink. I do agree with Haunty though There are some basics everyone needs. Like lighting, fog, music, These are sort of like staples. Oh yes If you can get and FCG I highly recommend it. I just got one this year and I cant wait to put it up. Im in the process now of building a crypt for it. Ill post pics when its done. Good luck

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Linus: You've heard about fury and a woman scorned?
Charlie Brown: Yes, I guess I have.
Linus: Well that is nothing compared to the fury of a woman who has been cheated out of tricks or treats!

that's mama. That's a great idea to just make incorparte what ever I like!

I'll do that.

Thanks!

Depending on your space for your haunt, I would definitely recommend a mixed theme. You don't want your visitors to become bored with your haunt. Keeping a mixed them and sectioning off area themes will give you plenty of growth ideas. One year everyone may be into Pirates, the next year (can depend on popular movies) something else. You can always move things around to focus your haunt on the popular theme for the year. Plus if you are creative...it gives you lots of avenues for new ideas. This forum has some of the best ideas I've seen anywhere. So mix it up and have fun!

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Spectorized

Yes thats exactly what we do, we have one big haunt and we section it off each section has a black curtain you have to go through and then wella' you are in a new theme. People really seem to like it and it does give a little something for everyone. Everyyear we mix it up also so nothing is in the same place as last time. Good luck again and remember post pics. People here really love pics

__________________
Linus: You've heard about fury and a woman scorned?
Charlie Brown: Yes, I guess I have.
Linus: Well that is nothing compared to the fury of a woman who has been cheated out of tricks or treats!