With music, treats and dancing galore, could there be any better inspiration for your own wedding than the festive Mardi Gras celebrations of New Orleans (we think not!)? Sarah Hall of Joel Event Catering is sharing creative ways to infuse a little of that free-spirited fun into your own special day, from colorful cuisine to the best brass bands around!
Color (or “Cullah” as we like to say!)
The traditional colors for Mardi Gras are purple, green and gold. Not your typical wedding palette, so we suggest recreating it with more subtle cues like purple floral arrangements, gorgeous gilded Venetian masks and green fabric accents (napkins, chair covers).
Creole Cuisine
Some of the best food in our region is associated with Mardi Gras celebrations – jambalaya, etoufee, gumbo and the muddy water favorite, crawfish. To be honest, none of these items make for a beautiful plate in their typical presentation, but this is where our Executive Chef Evan Benson shines – and where you too can be inspired. He elevates Creole dishes into fine dining fare like Blue Crab Beignets with Herb Emulsion, Jambalaya Cakes topped with New Orlean’s Style BBQ Shrimp, Fried Oysters with Merlot Jelly on Brioche Crouton and Truffled Quail Egg Finished with Pink Peppercorn.
Brass Bands + Banjos
While New Orleans literally has a brass band on every corner, it’s a music tradition that exists in most areas of the country. Search for a local brass band, or even a cajun band, that will bring a bit of the bayou sound to your dance floor. And don’t forget the Second Line – that usually takes place on the street between ceremony and reception, but these days it’s totally acceptable to parade around the reception space instead. Your guests will be talking about this experience for years to come.
Bring on the Lagniappe
When looking for those little memory-makers that your guests can take home, consider personalizing a handkerchief, a “lagniappe,” to be waved in the air during your Second Line and taken home as a lovely keepsake for family and friends. Depending on your budget, invest in some beautiful beads to be draped around the room and worn by guests.
Sweet Drinks + Sweet Desserts
You can’t have a Mardi Gras wedding without two things: the Hurricane cocktail and a sugar-dusted, doughy King Cake. Ask your catering team to create a Hurricane from fresh juices – it will make all the difference. And check with a local pastry shop for ideas on how to create a wedding King Cake.
ONGOING GIVEAWAYS + DISCOUNTS…
Williams Sonoma
Animoto
Ada Diamonds
We’re excited to share that Shine invitations is currently offering FREE SHIPPING on orders over $500 (US orders only) as well as a free sample kit featuring the invitation of your choice, color charts, paper samples, and an example Save the Date! Don’t miss out!
THIS WEEK’S DISCOUNTS…
For our California Brides… Discount from The Ranch at Laguna Beach and giveaway from Still Music!
For our New England Brides.. Discount from Long’s Jewelers and don’t miss The Wedding Day Expositions South Shore – Cape and Islands Bridal Show on February 12th!
For our Tri-state Brides… Discount from Femina Photo + Design, and giveaways from NST Pictures, OLLI STUDIO and Sole East Resort!
For our Southeast Brides… Discount from The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village
Event Advice: Joel Event Catering
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