Has anyone ever been to a real masked costume ball?

[Blackjack]

Like a masked Victorian or possibly a 1920's style ball? I've always been interested in those and am considering sponsoring a big one around Halloween this coming year.

 

[AmateisGal]

I've never been to one, but always wanted to go. Unfortunately, that kind of stuff is very hard to come by in my town. I could always hold my own, I suppose, but I honestly don't know too many people that would show up wearing a costume!

 

[Blackjack]

I've never been to one, but always wanted to go. Unfortunately, that kind of stuff is very hard to come by in my town. I could always hold my own, I suppose, but I honestly don't know too many people that would show up wearing a costume!

I would be interested in hearing from someone who has, so I can get a hold on what direction to take with one.

 

[classyguy]

I have also not been to one, however, I am a big Truman Capote fan and he hosted one every year in the 60's. Thought you might be interested in photos of his ball:

http://www.magnumphotos.com Just type in Truman Capote in the search at the top.

Good luck.

 

[Blackjack]

Great pics classyguy...Thats what I'm talking about, now the million dollar question is are there enough people willing to go black tie to make it worthwhile. I guess we shall see...

 

[Miss 1929]

Yes!

I have produced a Masquerade Ball for the Art Deco Society of California twice, it was very well attended and loads of fun!
We specified costumes that would have been worn in the 20s and 30s, or evening dress of the period, masks required.
And here we are, Raul went as The Sheik and I did Theda Bara.

 

[Blackjack]

Well, I know this would be a ton of work involved but we may give it a run this fall. Not only is it something I've always wanted to try but it will satisfy just one more of my nostalgic cravings. I figgure a fund raiser for a charity would be a good way to go, that way you can do some good while having a great time. It will be a perfect venue for the band.

 

[Copper]

The closest I have attended to what you are talking about was a Carneval ball in Venice. The costumes were unbelieveably ornate; even the entertainment was masked and in full costume.

I never would have thought about a masked ball as a 'must do', but it really is a lot of fun!

 

[Last_Chael]

My best friend held a masque ball for her 21st (i wanted to do one for my 21st as well, but she turned 21 before I did!!), which had a really good turn out. It was a 'mask essential, costume preferred' dealio, but most of the guests made some effort to dress up. I wore my Padme black corset outfit with a mask I made to match.

I'm now planning a costumed Masque Ball for my 30th I figure by that stage most of my friends will be old enough to afford elaborate costumes (Though most of my friends are costumers anyway!). I don't think I'll have a theme, just mask and costume essential. That way people are free to choose their costume. I have friends with beautiful Rococo and Victorian Bustle and Civil war gowns, plus those who are more fantasy/sci-fi oriented, so I can already imagine the vast array that will be present! As for me, I'm tempted to do a Rococo.....*daydreams*

 

[Barbigirl]

Of late

I have been to a couple but they were more like black tie masquerade, a mask was required but only some people wore costumes. This was the most recent

 

[Tomasso]

I am a big Truman Capote fan and he hosted one every year in the 60's.

It was called the Black and White Ball but it was Black Tie and masks, no costumes. I've attend several of this ilk, they're quite popular on the big city charity circuit.

 

[Miss Crisplock]

I have not attended a masked ball.

However, the subject just came up in a novel I read, and it seems that there are a few things that were de rigure.

The butler (or bouncer) would have a few masks on hand for the guests that forgot to bring one.

Masks came off at the stroke of midnight; if you left yours on one could "claim the penalty". Since the book I read was penned in the '30's I presume the penalty was a kiss. [huh]



Sounds like a lot of fun!

 

[shindeco]

I went to one many years ago that was a Valentine's dance. It seems to me that there was a caveat that "this is a masquerade ball, not a Hallowe'en dance" that was made fairly clear.

I remember that 6 of us got together and all went as Peirrot -- 6 different versions of the same character; all in black and white. We apparently made quite an impression when we all came in together (and had a great costume making party about a week or so before the actual party!)

 

[Blackjack]

There seems to be a plethora of themes that would work for this. Black & White, Victorian, characters in literature, 1920's, all sound like great fun.

 

[blacklagoon]

I have never been to one either.the only time i have heard of,or seen a period mask ball,has always been in a vincent price movie,like the abominable dr phibes and the monster club.

 

[Idledame]

From the novels I've read, it seems that one of the purposes of the masked ball was to pretend you didn't know who anyone was, and then you could behave in ways you wouldn't normally. In the 1700s for instance there were so many rules of how to behave at a ball. It was novel to let loose occaisionally. The same thing happens at Halloween parties. Party stores sell masks at Mardi Gras too. That would be a good party.

 

[Tomasso]

one of the purposes of the masked ball was to pretend you didn't know who anyone was, and then you could behave in ways you wouldn't normally.

Sorta like today in Las Vegas. "What happens in Las Vegas, stays in Las Vegas"

 

[Idledame]

That's exactly what I thought but forgot to add!

 

[blacklagoon]

I have just been snooping around on the net,and found a few masked balls do take place in the uk on a regular basis.They are usually held by fox/hare and mink hunting clubs.They also hold balls where the women wear ball gowns etc.