Full of masks, madness, and mysticism, Mardi Gras is the perfect occasion to gather for a murder mystery party. If you've been invited to one, plan your costume to fit in with the themes of the night: the darkness of the parlor mystery, and the wild revelry of Mardi Gras.
Murder Mystery Role
If the hosts of your Mardi Gras murder mystery dinner let you know in advance which character you will be playing, costume ideas will likely immediately come to mind. Many of these boxed games even come with costume suggestions, making it even easier. Whatever your role in the mystery, try to give it a little Mardi Gras twist by using the general dress guidelines in the following sections.
If your hosts want wait until the party to surprise you with your roles, just dress as you would for any Mardi Gras costume party or ball.
Colors
Mardi Gras colors are traditionally green, purple and gold, so costumes and accessories in these colors will always suit this occasion. Classic black and white is another combination that always works at Mardi Gras, particularly when it is done in sequins or beads, or when it's paired with brightly colored accessories. These are the popular colors of Mardi Gras, but revelers can and do wear every color of the rainbow.
Masks
Every guest who shows up at a Mardi Gras dinner party must wear a mask. It can be a partial mask, or it can cover the whole face. The big, feathered masks that cover two-thirds of the face give an air of mystery and are very popular. Half masks shaped like cat's eyes and covered in purple, green, and gold sequins are both festive and glitzy. Or strike a pose with a full-face mask that is highly decorated or that goes with the theme of your costume. You don't have to wear it the whole evening; layer a simpler mask underneath, or bring one along to swap later in the night.
Clothing
The most classic Mardi Gras costumes are the jester, King and Queen, and other costumes that allude to members of a 17th-century royal court. Capes and scepters are common accesories, and feather boas are also popular.
Though royalty is king at Mardi Gras, in the 21st century, almost anything goes, and you might see just about every sort of costume at a Mardi Gras party -- and some party goers wear almost nothing at all.
Whatever you end up wearing, don't forget to top it all off with several strands of Mardi Gras beads in green, purple and gold.
Related posts
Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday is the Tuesday before Lent begins. It is a time for celebration and feasts. Whether you are going to celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans or in your home town, it is fun t...
Mardi Gras is also known as Fat Tuesday.Mardi Gras has been celebrated in Paris since the Middle Ages, but wasn't brought to America by the French until 1699. Since then, Americans have put their...
Use the shapes, colors and textures of Mardi Gras masks as inspiration for your flower and cake decorations.Bring the flair of a New Orleans parade to your Mardi Gras flowers, decor and cake with...
Mardi Gras beadsIf you're heading to New Orleans for Mardi Gras this year, you will be joining the thousands who will line the hundreds of parade routes. You'll want to dress appropriately for Mar...
Celebrate Mardi Gras with a festive bulletin board.Mardi Gras celebrations around the globe kick off the Lenten season with a festival of color, food and fun. If you're designing a bulletin board...
