How to Incorporate Mardi Gras Colors Without Going Overboard

Purple, green, and gold—no colors are more iconic to New Orleans than the official hues of Mardi Gras. But while these colors are festive and fun, using them in a wedding can feel tricky. How do you embrace the spirit of Carnival without making your big day look like a parade float?

At New Orleans Wedding Planners LLC, we love helping couples strike that perfect balance. Here’s how to incorporate Mardi Gras colors in a way that feels chic, elegant, and wedding-worthy.

🎨 Start with a Refined Palette

Instead of bold, saturated shades, choose softer or richer versions of the traditional trio:

• Amethyst Purple instead of bright violet.

• Emerald Green instead of neon.

• Antique Gold or champagne tones instead of metallic yellow.

✨ This keeps the look elevated while still honoring Mardi Gras tradition.

💐 Florals with Subtle Pops

Florals are a perfect way to add Mardi Gras hues without overwhelming your design.

• Pair deep purple orchids or calla lilies with white roses and greenery.

• Add touches of gold through vases, ribbons, or candle holders.

• Accent with emerald foliage like magnolia leaves or ferns.

✨ Florals give you the freedom to mix bold and neutral tones for balance.

🍸 Signature Details in Food & Drink

Keep your main décor neutral, and let food and drink bring in color.

• Serve a purple-hued cocktail (like an Empress Gin French 75).

• Add green and gold accents to your cake with sugar flowers or metallic brushstrokes.

• Offer a dessert bar featuring mini king cakes or Mardi Gras–themed macarons.

✨ Fashion with Flair

Couples and their wedding parties can add subtle Mardi Gras touches without going overboard.

• Groomsmen in emerald ties or pocket squares.

• Bridesmaids in mixed shades of jewel-toned gowns.

• A bride’s shoes, jewelry, or bouquet ribbon in one of the Mardi Gras colors.

🎭 Décor with a Delicate Hand

Think of décor as an accent rather than the main show.

• Use gold chargers or cutlery for a luxe touch.

• Add purple uplighting during the reception for a dramatic (but temporary) effect.

• Incorporate masks, beads, or parasols only as playful photo booth props—not as primary décor.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to cover your wedding in beads to celebrate Mardi Gras. By thoughtfully incorporating purple, green, and gold into your design, you can nod to New Orleans’ most beloved tradition while keeping your wedding chic and timeless.

✨ At New Orleans Wedding Planners LLC, we specialize in weaving Mardi Gras magic into weddings in subtle, stylish ways. From florals to cocktails, we’ll help you celebrate Carnival season with elegance.