There’s no celebration that compares to Mardi Gras, and there’s no city that does it with more heart, history, and flair than New Orleans. For couples planning a wedding during Carnival season, a Mardi Gras-inspired celebration offers the perfect balance of joy and elegance. A Mardi Gras wedding can be festive without feeling over-the-top and meaningful without losing its sense of fun.
When planned thoughtfully, a Mardi Gras wedding feels less like a theme and more like an homage to the Big Easy’s traditions and history.
An Elevated Color Palette
Mardi Gras colors don’t have to mean beads everywhere and bold purple, green, and gold in every corner. The most elegant Carnival-inspired weddings use these hues as accents rather than anchors.
Think rich jewel tones woven into florals, table linens, or stationery. Deep emerald greenery, plum-toned blooms, and soft gold metallics add warmth and depth without overwhelming the space. Muted shades and natural textures keep the palette refined while still honoring tradition.
Pro-tip: Let your venue do some of the work. Historic interiors, antique finishes, and warm lighting pair beautifully with jewel tones and metallic accents.
Subtle Nods to Carnival Traditions
A Mardi Gras wedding doesn’t need to reflect the parade route to feel authentic. The most memorable celebrations incorporate subtle, intentional nods to Carnival traditions that guests recognize and appreciate.
A second line-inspired recessional, a brass trio during cocktail hour, or elegant masks displayed as décor (rather than worn all night) all bring a sense of Carnival season without distracting from the ceremony itself. Even small touches, such as custom napkins in Carnival colors or table names inspired by New Orleans’ historic krewes, add personality and local flair while keeping the focus on the couple.
Why the Lanaux Mansion Is the Perfect Mardi Gras Wedding Setting
Carnival season is lively by nature, which makes your wedding’s setting especially important. The Lanaux Mansion offers a rare balance: just steps from the energy of the city, yet quietly tucked away in a space that feels intimate, refined, and calm.
The Mansion’s historic architecture, elegant parlors, and private courtyards provide a sophisticated canvas. The setting allows couples and their guests to embrace the joy of the season while enjoying a celebration that feels timeless rather than trendy.
It’s a place where festive moments feel intentional, not overwhelming, and where laughter, music, and meaningful moments coexist beautifully.
Creating an Elevated Mardi Gras Experience for Your Guests
One of the greatest joys of a Mardi Gras wedding is welcoming guests into the culture of New Orleans. Thoughtful experiences make the weekend feel immersive without feeling busy.
Cocktails & Cuisine
Consider offering a curated cocktail menu inspired by New Orleans classics. Signature drinks paired with refined takes on local cuisine (think passed hors d’oeuvres inspired by Creole flavors or late-night bites with a New Orleans twist) give guests a taste of the city.
Live Music
It’s an undeniable fact of any celebration: music sets the tone. A jazz trio during cocktail hour or a small brass ensemble to open your reception brings unmistakable New Orleans energy while maintaining an elegant atmosphere.
Welcome Moments
Consider a small welcome gathering or cocktail hour to set the tone for the weekend. It gives your guests a chance to settle in, catch up, and ease into the celebration before the big day.
Where Celebration Meets Luxury
At its heart, a Mardi Gras wedding is about joy rooted in tradition, community, and love. The most impressive celebrations remember that the season enhances the moment rather than replaces it.
When color, music, food, and tradition are integrated with intention, the result is a wedding that feels deeply personal, unmistakably New Orleans, and beautifully balanced.
As a historic New Orleans wedding venue, the Lanaux Mansion offers Mardi Gras weddings that feel both spirited and serene. Our historic home provides a refined backdrop for couples who want to celebrate the season while honoring the significance of the day itself.
From intimate ceremonies to full destination wedding weekends, our team of wedding professionals helps curate an experience that feels effortless, elevated, and true to New Orleans. With planning support, trusted local vendors, private wedding suites, and a setting rich in history, the mansion becomes a part of your love story.
For couples dreaming of a Carnival season wedding that feels elegant and decidedly New Orleans, Lanaux Mansion is where your celebration begins.
Reach out to our team today, and let’s begin planning the Mardi Gras wedding of your dreams.
