Masquerade Party Ideas for the Perfect Masked Bash

You could throw a costume party, but you’re looking for something classier. You want something a little less “bobbing for apples” and a little more “drinking champagne with pinkies in the air.” You’re looking for a masquerade ball — and you need all the best masquerade party ideas to bring your glam event to life.

A masquerade party is the precursor to the modern-day costume party, but this elegant affair isn’t just for Halloween or Mardi Gras. Dressing up while donning masks makes an excellent party theme for bat mitzvahs, New Year’s Eve, fundraising galas, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and sweet 16s.

Whatever the occasion, we want to help you celebrate. To create a masked ball that’s better than you imagined, use this guide to find the best masquerade party themes, decorations, food, and invitations. 

Masquerade Party Ideas and Themes 

Did you think that “masquerade” was the theme? Well, that’s just a starting point. Here are a few ways to take your masquerade theme and make it bigger, better, and even more stylish.

Color Schemes 

For photo ops that pop, pick an eye-catching color scheme. Classic options include an all-white masquerade, black-and-white masquerade, or black-and-gold masquerade. But you don’t have to limit yourself to the classics. If you’re throwing a 50th birthday party and the guest of honor’s favorite colors are watermelon and chartreuse, make it a watermelon-and-chartreuse masquerade party. 

Plan your party and table decor to match your color scheme, and consider handing out matching masks as party favors. You can give guests black or white masks for a black-and-white ball or hand out gold masquerade masks to match a black-and-gold theme. For a fun activity, you can also set up a craft party table where guests can DIY their masks with cut-outs, sequins, and feathers.

Mardi Gras 

A masquerade theme and a Mardi Gras party go together like jazz and New Orleans. Mardi Gras masks are a traditional part of the celebration, so it’s the ideal way to celebrate the holiday.

To make everyone feel like they’re in the French Quarter, host your masquerade ball on or around Fat Tuesday. Encourage everyone to wear purple, green, and gold, hand out beaded necklaces as a festive party favor, and use some of these Mardi Gras decoration ideas to bring your party theme to life.

Great Gatsby 

There’s nothing quite like the glitz and glitter of a Gatsby gala. Celebrate the Roaring Twenties by serving champagne out of a coupe and mixing up a few bootlegger cocktails.

Add in some Art Deco decor (think bold, geometric patterns and metallic hues) and encourage guests to match their masquerade ball mask with their favorite flapper outfit. Continue the theme across your tables with golden tablecloths, elegant glassware, and a 1920s-inspired menu.

Venetian Masquerade 

Celebrate the origins of the masquerade ball by throwing a traditional Venetian masquerade. Encourage guests to find their own artisan Venetian masks or use them as part of your party decor. 

Music and dancing were integral parts of traditional Venetian celebrations, so find a playlist with classical Italian music, or go all out and hire a string quartet. Bonus points to any guest who shows up in 16th-century attire.

Black Tie 

If you’re a fan of fancy dress, set the fanciest dress code of them all: black tie. This is a fun way to tie in the elegance of a sophisticated, sit-down dinner with the mystery and suspense of a masked ball.

Encourage your guests to show up in their best evening clothes, like a tuxedo or ball gown, and enjoy a delicious dining experience, with time to hit the dancefloor later on. Sure, this type of soiree can cost a pretty penny, but the memories will be priceless.

Holiday Party

From New Year’s Eve to Halloween and everything in between, consider throwing a masked party with a holiday theme.

Host a Christmas or holiday masquerade celebration and ask guests to don costumes in sparkly red, green, and silver hues. For an October bash, forget the Halloween costumes. Instead, invite everyone to come to your holiday party dressed in elegant orange and black ensembles, then pass out masks upon arrival. Whatever time of year you choose, let the season inspire you. 

Murder Mystery Party

A mask conceals your identity, and what better pairing for a masked celebration than a murder mystery dinner party. This theme is ideal for a big birthday celebration or if you simply want to get together for an evening of mystery with your friends.

Set the stage for a murder mystery experience and invite your closest friends to join in. Let them know their character in advance, so they can show up dressed the part, and hand out a matching mask on arrival.

Masquerade Party Decorations

Masquerade parties let you express your glam side. First of all, sequins are always a good idea, but here are a couple of other ways to set the masquerade mood with your decorations.

Add Glamour

A classic chandelier (or, better yet, a candelabra) will add instant sparkle to your party. But if your venue (or budget) isn’t chandelier-level, there’s a simpler way to add some shine. Drape glittery garland around the room, fill your centerpieces with confetti, and go for gold cutlery (even if it’s just plasticware). Little touches like these will set a glam tone without breaking the bank.

Include a Photo Booth

Photo booths are always a draw at any party. If you can’t afford to hire a professional photo booth company, it’s easy to set up a DIY version. Just find an empty wall, hang a shimmery backdrop (think sequin fabric or gold streamers), and let people take pics with their own cameras. To make the photos extra fun, add photo booth props that suit your masquerade theme to your list of party supplies. 

Masquerade Ball Food and Drinks

Food and drinks are central to any party planning, and your masquerade celebration is no exception. Here are some pro tips for hosting a most delectable event. 

Appetizers 

You don’t need a full buffet spread or a sit-down meal for an elegant fête. Finger foods and canapés are a fun way to keep the party going since guests won’t have to stop and eat. Put together a few bites that guests can grab as they circulate. 

For a traditional Venetian masquerade, try a northern Italian dish like creamy cod on toasted polenta. For a Great Gatsby-inspired gathering, oysters on the half-shell are a great idea, while you can scare up some delicious Halloween party food for an All Hallows’ Eve-themed affair.

Main Course 

If you’re having a sit-down meal, let guests know on your invitations that dinner will be served. Again, look to your theme for menu inspiration. For a holiday party, have turkey and cranberry sauce. For a Mardi Gras party, choose Cajun classics. For a black-tie affair, serve an elegant multi-course meal. 

Dessert

Whether you’re serving a full meal or a variety of appetizers, you can’t go wrong with bite-sized desserts and sweet treats. They offer a lovely finish without giving guests an extreme sugar rush. Mini cupcakes, cookies, and other single-serve desserts are always welcome, and they’re even better if they match your party theme. 

You can also choose a themed dessert like a king cake for Mardi Gras, a Charlotte Russe cake for a Gatsby party, or a pumpkin pie for the holidays. 

Drinks

Of course, it’s not a party without a few libations. Be sure to have plenty of bubbly on ice (and sparkling cider for those who want to celebrate alcohol-free). You can also consider themed drinks, such as a Hurricane cocktail for a Mardi Gras soiree, a French 75 for your black-tie event, or some spiked eggnog for a Christmas masquerade.

Our Favorite Masquerade Party Invitations 

Now that you have visions of your party dancing in your head, it’s time to create the guest list and send your invites. Here are a few digital invitations to set the tone for your masked affair.

1. Masquerade Ball Invitation

Design: Signature Greenvelope

This Masquerade Ball invite features an intricate mask design on a background that looks like black cardstock. Customize the accent color to purple or green (for Mardi Gras), red or gold (for Christmas), or teal (just for fun). You can also work with a designer to customize it even more. 

2. Bokeh Masquerade Invitation 

Design: Claudia Owen

This bokeh-themed invite is perfect for a black-and-gold masquerade. (It’s also available in a gorgeous sapphire tone or black-and-silver combination.) Customize the script to read “masquerade party,” and your guests will know they’re in for an evening of elegance. 

3. Masquerade Mask Invitation

Design: Claudia Owen

Prepare your guests for an evening of mystery and excitement with this mask-themed invitation. Choose from a collection of striking jewel tones for your mask and matching envelope insert, or work with our design team to feature your own unique color scheme. 

4. Costumes & Cosmos Invitation 

Design: Robinson Creative House

If you want to forgo the formalities and jump right into the fun, the mischievous text and illustrated costume pieces on this creative invitation will set a playful mood. The card comes in orange, green, or purple with a neutral background, making it ideal for a Halloween or Mardi Gras–themed party. 

Put On Your Mask and Get Ready to Party

The masquerade party has been a hit since the 16th century. It’s a timeless tradition not only because it’s exciting to dress up and wear masks but also because it can be adapted in so many ways. From birthdays to bridal showers to New Year’s Eve, you can throw a masked ball any time of year — and for any occasion — and it will definitely delight. 

So why not try something out of the ordinary and give your guests an evening of revelry and intrigue? Whatever theme you choose, there’s a masquerade invite to match, and you’re sure to have a night to remember.