Read the Rules Carefully

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When you find a Halloween costume contest that you want to enter, your first instinct might be to start brainstorming ideas right away. But hold on a minute; before you start thinking about costumes and props, read through the contest's rules thoroughly. Maybe even more than once.

It doesn't matter how great your Halloween costume is if you get disqualified on a technicality. So jot down guidelines for entry, the goal of the contest, the end date, and other pertinent details to make sure that your entry will be accepted.

While you're at it, also think about the costume contest's sponsor. You may have a leg-up on the competition if your contest entry ties into the right theme.

For example, if it's a costume contest at a friend's party, think about in-jokes or things that the group has in common. If the sponsor is a big corporation, think about whether your costume could take the company's products or image into account.