A Whimsical Guide to Your Mardi Gras-Themed Wedding

Written of behalf of Le Pavillon at Parc Lafayette
Special Event Venues in Lafayette LA

The Magic of a Mardi Gras-Themed Wedding

​Imagine a wedding full of rich colors, upbeat jazz music, and a vibe of celebration that never ends. A Mardi Gras-themed wedding brings all the excitement, fun, and tradition of New Orleans to your big day. It’s not just about throwing a party—this is an experience your guests will remember for years. And with Le Pavillon at Parc Lafayette, your dream Mardi Gras wedding can come to life in a space that’s as vibrant and festive as the theme itself.

1. Setting the Stage: Choosing the Right Reception Venue in Lafayette

​Picking the right place to host your wedding is the first step in bringing the Mardi Gras vibe to life. Whether you choose Le Pavillon's Grand Ballroom or the Colonnade, you can transform these spaces into something truly magical. Think rich colors, draping chiffon, and twinkling lights. If you're planning an outdoor celebration, Le Pavillon's Colonnade offers plenty of walkable space to bring the New Orleans feel into the open air. Whichever you choose, ensure it can handle the lively energy of a Mardi Gras-inspired wedding.

2. Designing the Look: Decor, Colors & Style

​Mardi Gras is all about bold color, and the signature purple, gold, and green will give your wedding an instant festive feel. Think beads, feathered masks, and glitzy touches throughout the venue. Design the tables in colorful linens - gold chargers - and accents, and use Mardi Gras masks as centerpieces. For lighting, add additional elegance with strings of twinkling lights to complement the grand chandeliers. This is your chance to play with color and flair in a way that feels both whimsical and classy.

3. Dress the Part: Fashion & Attire

​Your bridal look can capture the essence of Mardi Gras too! Think tulle, lace, and something that shines—whether it's sparkly accessories or a pop of Mardi Gras color. The groom can go for a tailored suit with a fun twist, like a colorful pocket square or a themed boutonnière. For your guests, you could invite them to join in the fun with Mardi Gras-inspired outfits. Whether it's vintage masks, beaded necklaces, or something else, you'll have your guests adding to the spirit of the celebration.

4. Entertainment is Everything: Bringing the Fun

​What's Mardi Gras without a little fun? Keep your guests entertained with a brass band to lead a second-line parade. It's a New Orleans tradition that will add excitement to your wedding. You could also have fun carnival-style games, like ring toss or a prize wheel, for guests to enjoy. To keep the party going, choose between a live jazz band or a playlist full of jazz and upbeat Mardi Gras tunes that will encourage attendees to dance the night away.

5. Food & Drink: Classic Mardi Gras Fare with a Gourmet Twist

​When it comes to food, Mardi Gras-themed treats are a must. Imagine delicious gumbo, mini po'boys, jambalaya, and of course, King Cake for dessert. You can also have fun with upscale takes on carnival-style snacks like churros, beignets, and pralines. For drinks, serve classic cocktails like the Sazerac or a fun Mardi Gras punch. Don't forget interactive dessert stations, like a candy bar or chocolate-dipped treats that will leave your guests with a sweet taste of New Orleans.

6. The Ceremony & Sentiment: Balancing Fun with Meaning

​While Mardi Gras brings a sense of excitement, your wedding ceremony should still have that meaningful, emotional touch. Incorporate small elements of the theme—like Mardi Gras-colored programs or unique seating arrangements—while keeping the focus on the vows. Soft lighting and a few floral accents can add a romantic touch, balancing the festive vibe with intimacy.

7. Photo Ops & Keepsakes

​A Mardi Gras wedding offers some fantastic photo opportunities. Set up a fun photo booth with Mardi Gras props like feather boas, beads, and masks for guests to enjoy. Capture beautiful moments with the venue's vibrant backdrop, or get a few classic couple shots with Mardi Gras-inspired elements. As keepsakes, give guests personalized masks or "admit one" tickets as a thank-you. These unique touches will help your guests remember the fun long after the day is over.

8. Planning Tips & Vendor Coordination

​A Mardi Gras wedding is all about making sure everything runs smoothly. Le Pavillon's experienced team can help coordinate all the logistics, from managing your vendors to making sure everything is set up on time. They're here to make sure you can enjoy your big day without worrying about the details. With their help, you can focus on soaking in the joy and excitement that come with such a unique celebration.

A Wedding They'll Never Forget

​A Mardi Gras wedding at Le Pavillon at Parc Lafayette promises a day filled with laughter, unforgettable memories, and plenty of sparkle. With the right balance of color, music, and tradition, your celebration will be a true reflection of the Mardi Gras spirit—fun, lively, and full of heart. Le Pavillon provides the perfect setting for your big day, offering a space where bold ideas come to life, and your guests get to experience something truly special.

​Ready to start planning your Mardi Gras wedding? 

​Contact Le Pavillon at Parc Lafayette today to make your dream celebration a reality!

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FAQs (frequently asked questions)

What's the best time of year for a Mardi Gras-themed wedding in Louisiana?

• Mardi Gras season in Louisiana typically kicks off in January and runs through Fat Tuesday (which usually falls in February or early March). If you want to fully embrace the festive Mardi Gras atmosphere, hosting your wedding during this time is ideal. However, if you prefer to avoid the crowds and higher costs, late winter or early spring is also a great time to host a Mardi Gras-themed wedding while still capturing the spirit of the season.

Can we have a brass band or second-line parade at our wedding?

• Absolutely! A brass band and second-line parade are iconic to New Orleans and Mardi Gras celebrations. Many wedding venues in Louisiana, including Le Pavillon at Parc Lafayette, are happy to accommodate these lively traditions. A brass band will elevate the energy of your ceremony or reception, and a second-line parade can give your guests a true taste of the Mardi Gras experience as they dance through the venue in celebration.

How can we mix elegance with the playful spirit of Mardi Gras?

• Mixing elegance with the fun of Mardi Gras is all about balance. You can incorporate the bold Mardi Gras colors—purple, green, and gold—into your decor, but keep it refined with luxurious materials like chiffon or velvet, gold accents, and soft lighting. Elegant table settings with gold chargers and fine dinnerware can be paired with playful touches like bead garlands or feathered masks. The key is to keep the vibe lively but still chic.

What are some affordable options for entertainment at our Mardi Gras wedding?

• While live bands and large-scale entertainment are always great, there are also more affordable options that capture the Mardi Gras spirit. Consider a DJ with a Mardi Gras playlist, featuring jazz, brass band music, and classic New Orleans tunes. You could also rent small carnival-style games (like a ring toss or prize wheel) for your guests to enjoy. Additionally, having a few roaming performers like a juggler or magician can add an element of fun without breaking the bank.

What food and drinks work well for a Mardi Gras-themed reception?

• For the perfect Mardi Gras-themed menu, focus on classic New Orleans comfort food. Serve up dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, mini po'boys, and crawfish étouffée. For dessert, you can't go wrong with King Cake, pralines, beignets, or even mini funnel cakes. Signature cocktails like the Sazerac, Hurricane, or a Mardi Gras punch will keep the party going. Interactive food stations, such as a candy bar or chocolate-dipped treats, are also a fun and sweet addition to the celebration.

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