Hosting a masquerade party or costume party for adults requires a little more planning than a dinner party. Use these tips to plan theme parties for married couples.
Use Printable Party Invitations
Before sending invitations out for costume parties or a masks party, decide which day and what time the event will be held. If the costume party will be held on Halloween, for example, couples with children will need a slightly later start time in order to take their children trick-or-treating after dark. Holding the party on the Saturday closest to Halloween can avoid conflicts with other activities if most of the invitations are going to couples with kids. It’s best to clearly state on the invitation that children are not invited to the party – if this is the case – to avoid any confusion. Consider if the party will have a theme, like 80s costumes, or if all costumes are welcome.
For masquerades, it’s best to give at least one month’s notice prior to the event since this type of party often requires more planning on the part of the attendees who will want to choose the best masquerade costumes. Start by sending out a save-the-date notice about six weeks prior to the party. Follow up with the invitation about four weeks prior to the event. Printable party invitations offer the flexibility to customize the invitation.
Details for a Masks Party
There are a few details to consider when planning a masks party. The first is whether it will start as a silent masquerade party where guests have the opportunity to mingle and try to guess each other’s identity. For this type of party, it’s best to set a firm start time and a specific amount of quiet time. This information should be included on the invitation.
The hosts may wear masquerade masks, but should introduce themselves as they greet guests at the door in case any guests are in need of assistance during the quiet time. Providing guests with small write-on whiteboards or chalkboards allows them to make guesses and communicate their suspicions to their spouses without breaking the silence.
Many couples will want to provide their own masks as part of their costumes. Hosts should have extra masquerade masks on hand for those who show up with costumes that don’t include masks or those who bring guests. Be sure to end the silent time and have all guests reveal themselves before dinner begins.
Masquerade & Halloween Party Decorations
Decorating the house for a masquerade or costume party starts with the proper lighting. It is important to use candles sparingly and safely for these types of parties as many costumes are made of materials that easily melt or catch fire. Having candles on the fireplace mantel can be romantic. Candles on the buffet table can be dangerous as couples reach across to serve themselves. For safer alternatives, use colored light bulbs, dimmer switches and strings of Christmas lights or party lights to achieve the best results.
Decide whether guests will be served a sit-down dinner or whether it will be a buffet-style event. Dessert parties and wine tastings can be fun alternatives to traditional dinner parties. Use table runners or tablecloths, Mardi Gras beads, music and other decorations to set the mood.
Hosting a costume party or masquerade masks party for married couples can be a fun way to spend the evening on Halloween, New Year's Eve or Mardi Gras. Give guests enough notice to allow them to find special costumes and make arrangements for babysitting if children are not invited. Send guests home from masquerades with masks, beads, chalkboards and small bottles of wine. Send Halloween costume party guests home with their own treat bags of specialty candy or homemade caramel apples.
For more articles about costumes, read Make Cheap Costumes for Halloween Parties, Make Halloween Costumes for Couples from Boxes and Movie Costumes for Married Couples.
Genna Cockerham - Genna Cockerham has been writing online since November 2008. She served as Marriage Feature Writer from December 2008 to February ...
Join the Conversation