February 26, 2009

Mardi Gras Vacation - Wedding Inspiration


I just got back from my Mardi Gras vacation in New Orleans. It is one of my family traditions and I really try to make time for it every year. Mardi Gras is classic time for me. The weekend has been full of good things to eat, beads, dubloons, good music and happy, jolly people.

I got to meet with a couple I will be working with in planning their wedding. As a consultant, I truly want my focus to be in helping couples remember what all of the excitement is about, as well as plan all of the great details for their special day. The union of two people who love each other and choose to be joined together is something to be celebrated, and nobody does a celebration better than New Orleans at Mardi Gras time.

This couple isn't considering it but have you ever thought about a Mardi Gras themed wedding? It could be really fun to do and know matter what your budget, the sky is the limit. And you don't have to be New Orleans to have a Mardi Gras themed wedding. Somethings to consider when planning a Mardi Gras themed wedding:

Attire - Bride and Groom can be in very regal attire, much like a king and queen with the wedding party wearing very ornate masks or simple masks.
Cake - An ornate cake with lots of white or creme with gold touches, or fleur-de lis decor
Colors - The classic Mardi Gras colors: Green- Purple- Gold
Favors - Mardi Gras beads, (you can get them with specific emblems if you really want to go over the top). Gold coins with couples monogram and wedding date (Chocolate covered with gold foil to look like a dubloons)
Reception Ideas - Have a jazz band or a zydeco band - "Second Line" dancing - Serve creole, cajun food, such as gumbo, or jambalaya.


I love New Orleans (it's my birthplace after all), and all of the comforts, traditions and classic architecture you can find there. For example, nothing is more comforting than creole and cajun cooking, and the traditional architecture and design found in some of the local buildings, really lends itself to any design element you could want. Whatever you choose to do for your Mardi Gras or New Orleans themed wedding, just know that you can't go wrong if you stick to the overall plan of "Laissez les bon temps roulez" ...Let the good times roll.