- The standard colors for the yearly Mardi Gras celebration are green, purple and gold. Choosing the shades of colors is up to the bride and groom, and they may want to take the season into account. Deeper, darker colors look classy in an autumn or winter wedding, while brighter shades are more appropriate for a summer or spring celebration. All three of these colors are strong, so in order to avoid an overwhelming color scheme, brides and grooms may want to consider using one as a primary color and the others as accents.
- Classic black tuxedos are perfect for a Mardi Gras wedding, especially if accent colors are incorporated. Give the groomsmen gold ties or vests in green and purple Mardi Gras harlequin patterns. The old Southern feel of Mardi Gras can be incorporated by using tops hats or tightly fitted tuxedo jackets with tails.
Both knee-length dresses and full-length gowns work nicely for bridesmaids' outfits in a Mardi Gras wedding. Bridesmaids' dresses should be in one of the wedding colors, with accents of the other colors. Green dresses with purple bouquets of flowers or purple dresses with gold beading are lovely and festive options. - Food at a Mardi Gras wedding should reflect Cajun, Creole and New Orleans culture. New Orleans food tends to be spicy and flavorful. Seafood, especially shellfish such as crawfish and shrimp, is used frequently in Cajun cooking, and so is andouille sausage. Some examples of popular New Orleans dishes include jambalaya, gumbo and red beans and rice. The choice between having a sit down dinner or a buffet at the reception is at the discretion of the couple, though both options would work well with the theme.
The famous Mardi Gras tradition of king cake can be incorporated as the wedding cake. King cakes are colorful, festive cakes traditionally served at Mardi Gras celebrations. A small plastic figurine of a baby is hidden somewhere in the batter and then cooked inside the cake. Whoever receives the slice with the plastic baby will have good luck for the rest of the year. - Mardi Gras is full of lights, party floats, beads and performers. Couples can be creative when planning decorations for a Mardi Gras-themed wedding. Try using traditional decorations and centerpieces, but incorporate things such as gold beads or feathered masks. For more adventurous decorating, rent Mardi Gras-style floats, or use Mardi Gras scene-setters on the walls. Jazz music is an important aspect of New Orleans culture, and it can be incorporated into Mardi Gras wedding decorations. Try making or ordering life-size silhouettes of jazz musicians. These stands, painted in all black, add an artistic element to Mardi Gras decorations.
- Mardi Gras is primarily a parade, and the bride and groom can throw their own parade at the wedding. Instead of having the bridal party do the traditional slow walk down the aisle, everyone can parade down together and toss colorful beads to the guests. Or all wedding guests could participate in a similar parade from the wedding site to the reception location. When planning a Mardi Gras wedding, be creative, have fun and as they say in New Orleans, "Laissez les bons temps roulez" or "Let the good times roll."
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