Hey there party-planner, décor lover, and celebration enthusiast, if you might be hosting a ball, gala, or themed event this Carnival season, you’re in the right place. The time to get moving is now, because the Mardi Gras (aka Carnival) ball season is fast approaching, and with good reason: it’s one of the most energized, bold, and immersive event seasons of the year.
At Event Design Build (that’s us), we love Mardi Gras season, the colors, the pageantry, the masks, the live performance possibilities, the movement, the music. Whether you’re planning a classic krewe-style ball or a modern twist on a Mardi Gras themed event (corporate, non-profit, community), we’re ready to help you dream it, design it, build it, and produce it.
Why now is the time to plan
- The Carnival season officially begins with Twelfth Night (January 6) and runs through Fat Tuesday.
- When the theme is bold, think purple, green, gold; beads and throws; masks and feathered headpieces, you want production lead time. Set construction, lighting, stage, AV, décor don’t happen overnight.
- Venue availability, costume rentals, specialty décor pieces and event production crews all get booked early when the focus is Mardi Gras-style.
- This season brings huge energy, fresh ideas and guests expect more than “just” a dance floor. Immersive experiences are now the norm.
What we bring to the table
Here’s how Event Design Build supports you step-by-step for your Mardi Gras or Carnival-themed event:
- Concept & design development: We’ll work with your vision (krewe ball? modern masquerade? corporate gala with Mardi flair?) and pull together mood boards, color palettes, theme elements, and floorplans that embrace Mardi Gras tradition but feel uniquely you.
- Custom set & décor build: From themed arches, backdrops, mask-walls, aerial rigging, to bespoke stage elements, we build it. If you want oversized floats, throw-stations, a bead-toss zone, we can make it.
- Lighting, audio-visual & production: A ball or themed event is more than drinks and dancing. We bring high-impact lighting, video mapping, stage transitions, band/live-music support, DJ staging to make your event look and feel premium.
- Logistics & event management: Smooth transitions matter. We’ll coordinate load-in, vendor schedules, stage timings, breakdowns, so you and your guests just show up, enjoy, and leave with memories.
- Full-service or à la carte: Whether you just need décor pieces, or full production including talent booking and artist management, we flex to your needs.
Not just for Krewe balls!
While the traditional “ball” with a royal court and parade throw-stations is a staple of Carnival, there are plenty of other ways to lean into Mardi Gras themes:
- Corporate Mardi Gras gala: Bring the flair to your brand event masks, beads, themed décor, interactive zones, live entertainment.
- Fundraisers & benefit events: A Mardi Gras theme gives your fundraiser that extra wow-factor and helps guests feel part of something special.
- Community celebrations & parades: Use Mardi energy for your neighborhood event, town hall celebration, family-friendly party. According to Louisiana event listings, there are dozens of parades and family celebrations across the state each Carnival season.
- Themed weddings or milestone parties: Why not throw a masquerade for your big birthday, anniversary or yes, even your wedding? We’ve seen it done and done with style.
Tips to make it shine
- Lock in your venue early: Spaces that accommodate big décor builds, stage, lighting rigging tend to fill when the theme is “Mardi Gras ball”.
- Choose a standout feature: Pick one “wow” installation; oversized mask sculpture, bead wall, a custom float backdrop, this becomes your photo moment and sets the tone.
- Balance tradition with surprise: Guests expect purple/green/gold, masks, beads, but elevate it by adding something unexpected like a modern LED wall, immersive projection, interactive elements.
- Plan throw-stations smartly: If you include bead-throws or trinket giveaways (a Mardi tradition) make sure you plan for safe zones and logistics (how, when, where the throws happen).
- Story-tell through décor: Use your event’s theme to tell a story maybe a “Carnival under the Big Top” or “Mystical Masquerade on the Mississippi” it gives cohesion and guests something to connect with.
- Think about flow and transitions: People will arrive, mingle, maybe enjoy a parade or procession moment, then transition to dancing or entertainment. Plan each phase.
- Work with professionals: Because Mardi Gras themes often mean large scale builds, high ceilings, heavy décor, electrics, rigging you’ll want professionals (like us) who know how to execute safely and stylishly.
Let’s get started
Are you thinking, “Yes, I want a Mardi Gras ball or themed event this season” or “I’d love to explore a Mardi Gras twist for our next corporate gathering”? Let’s talk. We’ll schedule a discovery chat, look at your vision, timeline, budget and start designing something spectacular.
Don’t wait until the last minute. The season is coming fast, and the earlier we start, the more amazing your event will be.
Ready? Reach out to Event Design Build today and let’s turn your Mardi Gras inspired event from idea into unforgettable experience.
Laissez les bons temps rouler — let the good times roll!