Mardi Gras is no longer just celebrated in New Orleans. Parties are popular all over for both adults and families. Finding the right costume can be frustrating at times, and quite expensive. That�s the perfect excuse to make it, yourself �or at least, assemble it yourself.

If you�re invited to a family party, here are some great ideas for you to consider for your family�s Mardi Gras costumes:

• Jester � pull out the old clown costume, and revise it. The colors for Mardi Gras are purple, green and gold. Accent with beads and face paint, and you�re set. This could be for an adult or a child, male or female.
• Mardi Gras Queen � Check out your local party store and put together a purple cape, a crown, and lots of purple, green and gold beads. Match all this up with your old prom dress, and you�re set.
• Mardi Gras King � Use your old outdated tuxedo or get one at the local thrift store. Pick up a purple, gold, or green cape. Add a crown and you�ve got a terrific Mardi Gras costume.

Any of the costumes, above, can be �customized� for an adult only party. You could use a mini-skirt for the Queen and tights for the King. Pick clothing that is more risqu�. You are only limited by your imagination.

When creating your own costume for a child, care should be taken that the clothing and accessories are comfortable, but more importantly, they should be safe. Any regular Halloween costumes that you already have will definitely work for the young ones. There�s no need to locate and buy specific Mardi Gras costumes. Save some money.

There will always be costume stores ready to supply Mardi Gras costumes for any age, size, or shape person. If you want to save money, visit one and get ideas for making your own with items you already have.

Mardi Gras is all about having fun. Pile on the colorful beads and coins, and any attire will look great for the carnival season. If you bring the King cake, you�ll definitely be the star.

Mardis gras costumes for women provide the perfect opportunity for you to give in to your secret wish to be a feather-covered showgirl or a French seductress. The French influence in New Orleans takes full control for the very popular and extravagant holiday celebration, and anything goes. The more elaborate costumes create a convincing persona, so pile on the layers to make it so real that no one can recognize you.

Your costume may transform you into Marie Antoinette herself. A crme-colored satin dress with a very short skirt starts the ensemble that makes you look quite flirtatious. The costume needs a matching underskirt for fullness. Choose a style that has lots of bows and pearls attached. A tall white wig completes the look of the ill-fated queen before she lost her head. If your partner wants to look like a king, then find a costume of Louis XIV for him.

On the other end of the economic scale, a French maid costume may have more appeal for you. A saucy little dress and an apron get you started, and then you can add a hair bow to adorn your hair. No wigs fit with this costume, so your hair can have its own glorious look. To venture into a bit of a risqu look, consider choosing a sexy French Madame as the source of your inspiration. For this outfit, definitely select an off the shoulder costume that has a tight bodice to create the look you want. With a very short skirt, you may want to add thigh-high hose to go with your high heels.

Mardi gras offers the perfect chance to enjoy a wild and crazy celebration. Throw caution to the wind and let the good times roll. Take full advantage of the opportunity to pretend and to fantasize. It is all for fun, and you can enjoy the special activities when you dress the part. A great party awaits, so get dressed and join the fun.