How-to Mardi Gras Costume

Ahh, Mardi Gras. The wholesome holiday where we can all come together in joyful celebration of, well, the spirit of Party On.

The best thing about Mardi gras is the costumes and masks. It's like the hardcore Halloween that works to sweep away the Winter blues in a flurry on confetti and brass horns.

The Mask:
You can take on Mardi Gras this year with a mask that not only looks fabulous but is custom-made to fit your very own face.

• Use this Paper Mache Mask photo tutorial to get you started with a blank mask that is fitted to your own face. From here, you can paint it, or add feathers.
• Make a Feathered Mask A feather-covered mask is not only impressive, but it can be easy to make. I've put together some simple diagrams to get you full-coverage plumage. Caw!

The Color Scheme:
It's not a must, but I thought I should mention here that the traditional Mardi Gra colors are purple, green and gold. In 1892, Rex, the King of Carnival, chose the Mardi Gras colors.

• Purple symbolizes justice.
• Green is for faith.
• Gold stands for power.

Check out our Mardi Gras Stencils and Mardi Gras Party Hats for basic color inspiration. Decide just how much justice, faith and power you want to portray.

The Costume:
Here are a bunch of full costume tutorials for you to use with your mask. Most of these call for household objects and cheap materials.

• Fairy Costume
• Mermaid Costume
• Flapper Costume
• Marilyn Monroe Costume
• Playboy Bunny Costume
• Disco Costume
• More Wild Costumes to Make

Finishing Touches:
To enhance your disguise, try adding these wigs, wings, and accessories:

• Make a Tiny Top Hat
• Make a Feathered Party Hat
• Ruby Slippers or Glittery Shoes
• How-to Yarn Wig
• How-to Fairy Wings
• Make Dragon Wings
• Yarn Party Hair
• How-to Belt Pouch
• Make a Hooded Cape

Costume Inspiration:
The important part is to remember not to be yourself. Wear a wig, try on some stilts... the sky is the limit, and we should all have a day to celebrate that. Here is some inspiration from experienced revelers. Party on, Wayne!

• Photos from Bourbon Street
• Mardi Gras 2005
• Mardi Gras 2007
• Mardi Gras 2009