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Nicole Catatao
Nicole Catatao | 5 Jul 2023

10 Mardi Gras Party Ideas and Tips

You may be asking yourself how in the world you are going to be able to commemorate a celebration known for wild parties and larger-than-life crowds without jumping on a plane to New Orleans. Don’t fret; we’ve got you covered. Learn more about what a Mardi Gras party is and check out our tips on how to do a Mardis Gras party below, from decorations to outfits for your Mardi Gras party.

What’s a Mardi Gras Party?

Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is a carnival celebration that takes place the day before Ash Wednesday. This celebration is most popularly celebrated in New Orleans. The tradition is to indulge in heavy foods and sweets before the Lenten season. While the occasion has religious undertones, today, many people from all religions take part in the fun party aspect that Mardi Gras offers today.

1. Creole Inspired Venues

To throw the perfect Mardi Gras inspired party or event, the first thing you will need is a Creole-inspired venue. So, what exactly does a Creole event venue look like exactly? Think French-Colonial built for heat and humidity. Two-story, rectangular house, often with cast-iron wrapped large balconies, draped in hanging plants, painted in bright and fun colors. When selecting a venue, look for ones either with balconies or outdoor space with plenty of greenery for your backdrop. 

 

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2. Guest List

There is no debating that you want to invite all of your friends and family who know how to embrace a good theme party and will let loose and have some fun. How large or small your guest list ends up being will be dependent on which venue you end up selecting and how many people the space can hold. 

3. Invites

The easiest way to send out invitations for an event that has an in-person and virtual option is to use E-Invites. This way, guests can choose which option they feel most comfortable with, and you can link to your virtual party as well as ask virtual guests for their addresses so you can send them their party packages. Have fun with it! There are a ton of websites out there that offer free or low-cost E-Invite options with tons of customization options.

4. Cajun or Creole Menu

Traditional Cajun or Creole cooking is the way to go for your Mardis Gras party menu. If you’re planning to show off your chef skills, go for a classic gumbo or jambalaya recipe. It’s easy to make these meatless or even vegan if you have guests with dietary restrictions. Even better is if you use your event as an excuse to support your local Cajun or Creole restaurant. Some Mexican restaurants offer Cajun options as well. If you go with catering, you can go the extra mile and send individual meals to your local virtual guests. Do some research and choose the best option for your event.

5. Mardi Gras Party Games

You can’t have a fun Mardi Gras party without fun Mardi Gras party games! Some fun games you can include in your party are:

  • Mask Decorating Competition: Have a mask decorating station with craft supplies like blank masks, beads, feathers, sequins, and drying glue. Have each guest decorate a mask and hold a competition after. The person with the best-decorated mask can win a fun prize, like a bottle of champagne, Mardi Gras-themed cupcakes, or a gift card to a local restaurant.
  • Mini Carnivale: Set up fun carnival game stations, such as mini basketball hoops that can be set up on a door or mini bowling using a softball and 20-ounce soda bottles for pins.
  • Mardi Gras Trivia: Play a round of trivia that has questions based on Mardi Gras history and traditions. Gift the winner with a fun prize!

6. NOLA Cocktails

It’s no secret that cocktails are a very important part of any proper Mardis Gras celebration. Go with a few traditional NOLA cocktails like the iconic Hurricane, made with light and dark rum mixed with passion fruit juice, orange, lime, and grenadine. Remember to serve it in a classic hurricane glass and garnish with a Maraschino cherry. This drink is also super easy to make as a mocktail. Just combine the fruit juices and top with soda water! 

7. Mardi Gras Party Decorations

When it comes to choosing decorations for your Mardi Gras party, the general rule of thumb is the more festive, the better! Get to your local party supply store and stock up on everything green, purple, and gold. Make your guests feel like they’re partying on Bourbon Street with beads, feathered masks, party hats, streamers, noisemakers, and more! Toss those bead necklaces around to all your guests throughout the night!

8. Mardi Gras-Themed Outfits

Wondering what to wear for a Mardi Gras party? When it comes to what to wear for a Mardi Gras party, you can’t go wrong with having your guests wear official Mardis Gras colors! Wear green, purple, and gold beads. Jester hats, carnival masks, and glittery or sequined clothes are also great party outfits for those who want to go all out. Then you can crown your two best-dressed guests as the official King and Queen of Bourbon Street.

9. Jazz Music

Last but certainly not least, let’s talk music. The official music of Mardis Gras is, of course, jazz music. Hiring a traditional Jazz band would transport you and your guests to New Orleans. If hiring a full band isn't in the budget this time round, make a jazz playlist mixed with funk and brass band using whichever streaming music service you prefer. You can also search for Mardis Gras playlists on Spotify or Amazon Music. 

10. Mardi Gras Party Themes

A party is more fun when it has a great theme! While you can’t go wrong opting for the classic Fat Tuesday or carnival themes, you can put a unique twist on the celebration by picking other fun themes. You can pay homage to the origins of Mardi Gras by opting for a French theme and serving French food and wine. You also can choose a Roaring Twenties theme and have guests dress in flapper dresses and other 1920s styles.

 

It's time to locate your Mardi Gras inspired event venue

Use EventUp to browse thousands of restaurants, hotels, and unique venues. With the advanced filters, you will be sure to find and secure the perfect Mardi Gras venue for your party!

 

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