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When Halloween rolls around each year, it brings ample opportunity to win prizes through online costume contests, contests hosted by local businesses, and even friends' parties. If you'd like to win prizes this year, follow these five easy steps to learn how to win Halloween costume contests.

When you hear about 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 from the contest 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 sponsor's product or image.