Observed with fun and flavor in North America, South America, the Caribbean and across Europe, this holiday is full of magic, mystery, excitement and of course, dancing and music. Take some tips from this extremely showy date to add sparkle to your wedding celebration.
Mardi Gras, New Orleans Style
In the United States, most individuals equate Mardi Gras with New Orleans and the amazing spectacle performed by locals and visitors there each February. For a U.S.-style Mardi Gras wedding, try these ideas:Green, purple and gold. The colors green, purple and gold are most often associated with Mardi Gras, particularly in shiny materials, “gems” and fabrics. Dress your bridesmaids and maid of honor in one of these jewel colors, and have your groom and his ushers wear deeply dyed carnations on their lapels. Add matching touches to your wedding reception decorations and centerpieces. Your invitations, too, can include these dramatic colors.
Masks. Dancers and those taking part in parades often wear the highly decorated, beautiful masks associated with Mardi Gras. Place decorative masks as part of your centerpieces, or have a mask available to each guest for a special ball dance during your reception.
Beads. Beaded necklaces are a popular accessory for Mardi Gras. Wear colored beads interspersed with pearls for your bridal and bridesmaid jewelry. Wind beads around your floral arrangement vases or drape them from the backs of the wedding reception chairs.
Dancing and dancers. Dancing (along with plentiful food and drink) truly says “Mardi Gras.” Add delicate dancer imagery to your wedding invitations, slide show presentations and thank-you notes.
Music. Think jazz and jazz fusion. Take a few classes beforehand in dancing that goes well with the particular style that is traditional New Orleans jazz, then teach your guests so they can join in the fun. Look for music from traditional jazz artists, including Al Johnson (Carnival Theme) and the Olympia Brass Band, as well as modern jazz fusion sounds from artists like The Nu Jazz Orda (I Luv Me Sum Mardi Gras).
Central and South American Mardi Gras
Carnival (pronounced “car-nee-vahl”) is amazingly popular in Rio de Janiero, Recife and Salvador, Brazil. Literally thousands attend these festivities every year.To add South American celebratory flavor to your Mardi Gras theme wedding, look for highly decorated and colorful gowns for your bridesmaids and a splash or two of color on your wedding dress (perhaps in the form of ribbons or a colorful headpiece and veil). And try salsa or punta music at your wedding reception to complete the South American theme.
The Caribbean nations add their distinctive musical flavor to the weeks-long celebration. Adding a wonderful island-style steel pan drum group will make your wedding reception unforgettable and deliver a beat your guests can't help but dance to. Look for (or request from the band) reggae, calypso and zouk music styles.
Mardi Gras in Europe
Each European country that celebrates this holiday does so in its own unique way. However, common themes include balls, masques, jugglers and an abundance of food and drinks. Wear a ball gown style wedding dress and have your groom wear a tux and tall hat. And have ball music available for a wonderfully romantic last dance with old-world charm.The season and date that celebrate the last bit of merriment before a more serious-minded (and highly traditional) holiday offer virtually limitless ideas for your wedding stationery, adornments and decorations. Let your imagination run wild for the most beautiful and memorable wedding your guests have ever had the pleasure of taking part in.
