What to Wear to a Mardi Gras Party

Mardi Gras is a time-honored tradition full of vibrant colors, lively music, and rich cultural history. Whether you're hosting a small gathering or a grand bash, throwing a Mardi Gras party requires a balance of fun, tradition, and respect for the holiday’s roots. From king cakes to costumes, every detail matters when planning the ultimate celebration.

If you want to capture the spirit of Carnival season, here are 10 essential do’s and don’ts to ensure your Mardi Gras party is a success!

1) DO: Serve Traditional Mardi Gras Treats

No Mardi Gras party is complete without delicious Louisiana-inspired food. Mardi Gras is a feast before the fasting period of Lent, so indulgence is key! Be sure to serve these classic dishes:

King Cake – The star of any Mardi Gras celebration, this colorful cinnamon-flavored pastry is decorated in purple, green, and gold sugar. It's not just a dessert; it's a tradition!

Jambalaya – A one-pot dish with a mix of rice, sausage, chicken, and shrimp, seasoned to perfection.

Gumbo – This rich, hearty stew, thickened with okra or roux, is a New Orleans staple.

Beignets – These deep-fried dough pastries covered in powdered sugar are always a crowd-pleaser.

Po’ Boys – A classic Louisiana sandwich, typically stuffed with fried shrimp or roast beef and dressed with lettuce, tomato, and mayo.

Offering authentic Mardi Gras fare will immerse your guests in the spirit of New Orleans!

2) DON’T: Forget to Hide the Baby in the King Cake

One of the most exciting Mardi Gras traditions is the hidden baby inside the king cake. This tiny plastic baby symbolizes luck and prosperity, and whoever finds it is responsible for hosting the next year’s party.

However, if you’re serving the cake, be sure to warn guests about the baby before they take a bite! Some bakeries leave it out for safety reasons, so if you’re baking your own, place the baby inside after baking to avoid melting hazards.

3) DO: Decorate in Purple, Green, and Gold

Mardi Gras wouldn’t be the same without its signature colors! These hues were established by the Rex Organization in 1892 and each color carries meaning:

Purple represents justice.
Green symbolizes faith.
Gold stands for power.

When decorating, incorporate these colors through tablecloths, balloons, banners, and streamers. You can also add feathers, masks, beads, and fleur-de-lis symbols to enhance the festive atmosphere.

4) DON’T: Throw a Mardi Gras Party Without Music

Music is the lifeblood of New Orleans and a crucial part of any Mardi Gras celebration. Your playlist should reflect the city's rich musical heritage. Be sure to include:

Jazz classics – Louis Armstrong, Dr. John, and The Preservation Hall Jazz Band.
Zydeco & Cajun – Buckwheat Zydeco and BeauSoleil.
Brass band jams – The Rebirth Brass Band and Trombone Shorty.

You can also host a mini second line parade where guests grab umbrellas and napkins to dance around the room in true New Orleans style!

5) DO: Encourage Costumes and Festive Attire

Mardi Gras is all about bold, flashy, and creative costumes! Whether guests dress in masks, sequins, or full-on jester outfits, encourage everyone to embrace the spirit of the season.

If you want to take it up a notch, set a costume theme such as:

Masquerade Ball
Royal Court
Bayou Bash

And don’t forget the beads! Have plenty on hand for guests to accessorize with throughout the night.

6) DON’T: Overdo It with Beads and Throws

While throwing beads and trinkets is a staple of Mardi Gras parades, there’s a right and wrong way to do it. Here’s what to avoid:

Throwing beads too hard – No one wants to get smacked in the face with plastic beads!
Littering – Be mindful of where your beads and throws end up; clean up after the party.
Tossing items at guests who aren’t expecting it – Some people may not want to participate in the bead frenzy.

A good rule of thumb offer beads politely or place them in a communal bowl for guests to grab at their leisure.

7) DO: Serve Signature Mardi Gras Cocktails

Mardi Gras and cocktails go hand-in-hand. Some must-serve drinks include:

Hurricane – A fruity rum-based cocktail that’s a Bourbon Street staple.
Sazerac – A classic New Orleans drink featuring rye whiskey, bitters, and absinthe.
Voodoo Punch – A fun, colorful cocktail made with fruit juices and rum.

For non-drinkers or kids, create a festive King Cake Mocktail using cream soda, cinnamon syrup, and whipped cream.

8) DON’T: Forget to Plan for Safe Transportation

If alcohol is involved, ensure your guests arrive home safely. Remind them to:

Use a designated driver
Call a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft
Stay overnight if needed

A responsible host ensures their guests have fun AND stay safe!

9) DO: Incorporate Mardi Gras Traditions

Adding authentic Mardi Gras traditions will elevate your party experience. Some ideas include:

Mask-Making Station – Let guests decorate their own masks with feathers, glitter, and sequins.
Mini Parade – Have guests form their own second line and dance around the house.
King Cake Ceremony – Make a big deal of announcing who found the baby in the cake!

Bringing in these traditions will make your party feel more immersive and exciting.

10) DON’T: Ignore the Meaning Behind Mardi Gras

While Mardi Gras is about celebration, it’s also deeply rooted in history and tradition. It originally marked the last big feast before Lent in Catholic traditions and has evolved into a grand cultural festival.

To honor Mardi Gras properly:

Learn about its French and Creole roots
Respect its religious significance for those who observe Lent
Appreciate New Orleans' heritage and local traditions

Celebrating with knowledge and respect ensures that Mardi Gras continues to be a cherished event for generations to come.

Celebrate Mardi Gras with Randazzo King Cakes

Hosting a Mardi Gras party is about embracing the joy, culture, and traditions that make this holiday special. By following these do’s and don’ts, you’ll create a celebration that’s festive, respectful, and truly unforgettable.

Of course, no Mardi Gras party is complete without a delicious Randazzo King Cake! Order yours today to bring an authentic taste of New Orleans to your celebration.