16 Steps for Hosting an Epic Mardi Gras Themed Party

Showpad’s New Orleans all-company kickoff meeting went above and beyond with a three-venue extravaganza planned by LadidadiXM. The night began with an on-theme cocktail reception, complete with costumed showgirls and a Second Line band.

Next, guests enjoyed an awards dinner hosted at Mardi Gras World where real-life parade floats were incorporated into the décor.

A party is all in the details. This New Orleans-inspired launch party, directed and photographed by Mateo & Company, captured the spirit of Mardi Gras at every angle.

Custom installations by Social Llama Events recreated Bourbon street right here in Dallas. Guests enjoyed balloon ceiling décor (reminiscent of Mardi Gras beads), sumptuous beignet bites by Culinary Art Catering, and riveting entertainment acts.

Planned With brought this Mardi Gras-themed party to life with costumed performers and vibrant entertainment. Engaging acts included a second line parade, stilt walkers, tarot card readings, and costumed performers with “wearable trays to pass out masks, crowns, and beads to guests.”

The food was just as on theme with char-grilled oysters, crawfish, a beignet stand, and other delicious bites.

We could look at photographs of this Mardi Gras-themed holiday party all day long. While the soaring blow-up Mardi Gras jester definitely stole the show, we also love the Bourbon Street signage spelled out in Hollywood-style bulb lighting. A luxe lounge area with fleur-de-lis carpeting gave guests one more reason to hang around at this dynamic celebration.

Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans set the scene for this stylish travel agent FAM trip. The spirit of New Orleans, beautifully captured by Mateo & Company, was present at every turn.

Gas lamps brought moody New Orleans-style lighting to the courtyard space while purple and gold décor gave a subtle nod to Mardi Gras, itself. Live entertainment and delicious cuisine kept the party going long after sunset.

LightenUp, Inc. transformed the Gas Lamp Quarter into a Mardi-Gras wonderland with fleur-de-fis projection mapping and colorful uplighting. Illuminated lounge areas and eye-catching geometric installations popped against the night sky. Our love for Mardi Gras beads tripled with one look at the gold, green, and purple string lights suspended overhead.

Nothing brings people together like a shared meal. This Fat Tuesday dinner party kept guests glued to their seats with such gorgeous tabletop décor. Windy City Linen’s marbled runners made a perfect backdrop for purple glassware, silver Mardi-Gras masks, and custom-vintage postcards from New Orleans. King cupcakes and other delicious treats were just the icing on the cake.

This Mardi Gras-themed corporate event gave guests plenty of reasons to cheers, especially with such a glowing bar setup. A giant Bourbon Street sign and candelabras decked with peacock feathers were just a few of the dazzling details included at this celebration. Jambalaya stations and a raw seafood bar kept guests satisfied in true New Orleans style.

When it comes to planning a Mardi Gras-themed milestone birthday with mouthwatering cuisine, Anthony Taccetta Event Design was up to the task. In addition to passed bites, guests enjoyed po’boys, beignets, and spicy jambalaya. Cloth Connection gave celebrants one more reason (think beautiful table linens) to linger at the table and enjoy their meal.

What could make Mardi Gras even more entertaining? How about casino games? Chicago Casino Suppliers hit the jackpot with slot machines, craps, and roulette. Yellow, green, and purple balloons made for Instagram-worthy décor and (believe it or not) fashionable couture.

Entire Productions kept guests enraptured at this Mardi Gras-themed product launch with breathtaking décor, show-stopping entertainment, and unique activity stations. Various stations included face painting, tarot card reading, and even typewriter poets. Of course, guests also had the option of sitting back and letting the entertainment come to them. From a wine bike to stilt walkers, there was a lively performance at every turn.

This event was so good, it deserves a second mention. Hank Lane Music put on an incredible show at this milestone birthday party. Who needs a stage when you can have a Mardi Gras-themed dance floor with gold-stenciled fleur-de-lis? Fire dancers and dueling pianos also kept the party in full swing.

Nothing immerses guests into a celebration like themed costumes. With the help of talented makeup artists and an array of colorful costumes, Clandestine Events and Experiences created a magical destination milestone birthday celebration in The Big Easy. Make sure to see how an on-scene fortune teller and live marching band kept guests engaged from beginning to end — while looking fabulous, of course..

It’s not a Mardi Gras Party without a King Cake. This signature Mardi Gras dessert is a treat for both the eyes and palette with colorful frosting and brioche dough. Firefly Ambiance kept this wedding cake on theme with a delicious King Cake iced in gold, green, and purple. Make sure to see other ways this talented design team executed this fun wedding theme. We especially love the unique ceremonial décor. 

Create long-lasting memories with curated photo ops. We love how a giant-sized crown turns a purple sofa into seating fit for royalty. See how this celebration offered countless unique backdrops for the perfect selfie — and  professional photograph. We especially admire the entryway filled with umbrella ceiling décor and vibrant uplighting.

Think beyond jewelry when it comes to Mardi Gras beads. We love how lush florals by Kim Starr Wise Floral Events and bead-like balloons transformed this venue into a wonderland of color and texture. Badass Balloon Co. used over 30,000 balloons to bring this installation to life. Wow, indeed.