What should I expect at Mardi Gras ball?

We are in the thick of Mardi Gras Ball season in New Orleans. Mardi Gras Krewe celebrations range from formal, black tie balls to themed, costumed events to extravaganzas. And everything in between.

Each invitation to a ball will come with a dress code. More formal events will of course require a lady to wear a long dress and a man to wear a tuxedo. Some will even require tails and gloves. Other, more casual balls will usually come with suggestions but not requirements. One may see terms like festive attire or wigs encouraged. It’s important that you follow these guidelines as closely as possible as the host and krewe has taken the time to ensure their event is going to look like they envisioned.

Mardi Gras balls are not just fun they are a spectacle for the eyes and ears. Much like we expect glitz and glamour from parades like Endymion their coronation ball and extravaganza are also filled with beautiful decorations and music. Balls like the Blush Ball thrown by the Pussyfooters are less formal but still just as alluring. One can also be sure that the costumes and dance numbers will keep you enthralled all night long.

This is my second year in the Prima Donnas and my friend Amanda’s second year in the Krewe of Nyx. Both of us got involved with our krewes the same year and it has been a lot of fun to share experiences. While my krewe’s signature throw is a beaded bra Amanda’s krewe throws handmade purses. Our krewes are similar in the handmade throws but very different when it comes to the balls we attend.

The Mystic Krewe of Nyx

Nyx always throws a formal ball which means ladies are required to wear long dresses and men a tuxedo. Their ball also requires that all attendees stay masked until the presentation of the court is finished.

This year they changed things up a little and are requiring everyone in attendance to wear white and black only. The list of requirements on dress code was long and you can tell the event hosts have something amazing up their sleeves.

Amanda chose white because, well why wouldn’t you choose to wear white!

Prima Donnas

Prima Donnas ball is not formal. I hate to use the term casual because it is far from it. I’ll say its festive and fabulous. Costumes, glitter, wigs, rhinestones and more are encouraged. Our krewe is small in comparison to Nyx so everything is on a smaller scale than their ball.

I had intended to wear all pink this year from my wig to my toes but then I came across these amazing sequin pants and I just had to make my whole outfit around them.

The most important thing to remember is that there is no wrong way to celebrate Mardi Gras. Including things like this…

Fringe and Co. will be hosting a sequin second line Saturday, February 2nd from 3:00 to 5:00. Check out all the details here and come meet me out there wearing your sequin finest!

So many events… so little time. It’s going to be epic!

XO,

Tippy