Festidy
Plan a party

Birthday theme

A masquerade party

Masks, candlelight, and an entrance worth making.

Plan this partyFree printables

Masquerade invitations

Free designs with an RSVP link that tracks every reply. Tap one to start yours; your names, date and place fill in, and you can change the design any time.

Masquerade invitation, Gold mask designGold maskUse this designMasquerade invitation, Die-cut designDie-cutUse this designMasquerade invitation, Harlequin designHarlequinUse this designMasquerade invitation, Black lace designBlack laceUse this designMasquerade invitation, Opera designOperaUse this designMasquerade invitation, Venetian designVenetianUse this design

Ideas for your masquerade party

Pick one or two from each and keep the rest simple.

Decor

  • Plum, black and gold foil balloons in a tall arch
  • A basket of masks by the door for anyone who forgot theirs
  • Battery candles in candelabras along the tables
  • A velvet-look curtain backdrop for the grand entrance photo

Food

  • Bite-size sliders and mini quiches
  • Chocolate-dipped strawberries
  • A cheese and fruit board
  • Sparkling grape juice or cider in flutes

Cake

A dark plum cake with gold leaf and an edible mask on top.

Favors

Optional. Something small and edible travels best.

Colors

DeepBrightPopSoft

Pick one bright color for balloons and napkins, and keep plates plain.

Activities for your masquerade party

How to play and what you need. Pick them in your plan and the supplies go on your shopping list.

Mask-making station

Ages 12 and up · 30 min

Set out plain masks, feathers, gems and markers. Guests decorate one to wear for the rest of the party.

You’ll need: Plain masks, Feathers and gems, Craft glue, Markers

Who's behind the mask?

Ages 12 and up · 20 min

Each guest writes one secret fact on a card. Pull a card, read it out and the room guesses who it is. Masks stay on until the guess is made.

You’ll need: Index cards, Pens, A bowl

Grand entrance

Ages 12 and up · 15 min

Each guest steps through a doorway while the host announces a made-up title, like 'The Duke of Snacks'. Everyone claps. Take a photo at the top.

You’ll need: Name cards with made-up titles, A curtain or doorway

Masked freeze dance

Ages 12 and up · 10 min

Freeze dance with a twist: when the music stops, strike a dramatic pose. Judges vote for the best one.

You’ll need: Speaker and a playlist

Shop the masquerade look

Plates, decor, favors and a cake idea in the theme's colors. The Shop counts each one for your guest list.

PlatesCupsNapkinsBannerBalloonsFavor bagsPhoto propsCake

Open the masquerade shop

What to do and when

The plan for a birthday party, counted back from the party day. Festidy puts real dates on it. See the full birthday party plan.

  1. 6 to 8 weeks out

    • Pick a date, a start time, and a backup date
    • Set a budget and choose your big two
    • Write the guest list
    • Choose a theme or a look
    • Lock in the location and a rain plan
    • Note food, accessibility, and comfort needs

  2. 4 to 6 weeks out

    • Decide on music and one main activity
    • Book rentals if you need them
    • Decide: cater, order trays, or cook
    • Collect photos and messages from friends
    • Book a photographer or pick a friend to shoot
    • Send the invitations
    • Order the cake or dessertsCake idea: A dark plum cake with gold leaf and an edible mask on top.
    • Ask helpers and give them roles
    • Make one contact and confirmation list

  3. 2 to 3 weeks out

    • Order decor, tableware, and favorsDecor idea: Plum, black and gold foil balloons in a tall arch
    • Plan the menu and check allergiesMenu idea: Bite-size sliders and mini quiches
    • Plan the one or two moments that matterActivity idea: A mask-making station with feathers, gems and glue
    • Follow up on RSVPs
    • Plan drinks, including good non-alcoholic options
    • Build your one-stop shopping list

  4. The week before

    • Confirm every vendor
    • Lock the headcount and shop for food and drinks
    • Prep favors, decor, and a playlist
    • Write the party-day schedule
    • Send the final party note

  5. The day before

    • Pick up the cake and set up what you can
    • Pack a party-day kit
    • Charge devices and share the run sheet
    • Make the final weather and space call

  6. Party day

    • Set up an hour before
    • Run the party and finish on time
    • Reset the space and check for left-behind items

  7. After the party

    • Share photos and settle any remaining balances
    • Send thank-yous
    • Save photos and notes for next year
    • Leave a quick note for your future self

Party-day run of show

For a 3-hour party starting at 2 pm.

  • Final setup and safety checkSetup crew gets food, activities, and the entrance ready.
  • Arrivals and drinksGreeter welcomes guests and handles coats.
  • FoodFood lead opens the food and keeps it stocked.
  • Toasts and slideshowCo-host introduces two or three short toasts.
  • CakePhotographer gets the candle moment and a group photo.
  • Music and dancingEntertainment lead turns up the playlist.
  • Quick resetCollect gifts and check the space for left-behind items.

Free masquerade printables

Print at home on letter paper or card stock.

You're invitedFill-in invitationTwo to a sheetThank youThank-you cardsFour to a sheetWelcomeDoor signOne full pageBingoMasquerade bingoFour cards and a calling sheet

More birthdays themes

Garden tea partyArt studioWinter wonderlandBlack and goldSpa dayRodeo roundupGlowCampingParisDiscoLuauPool partyFiestaTailgateBackyard cookoutSage and blushBohoWildflowerAmalfi lemonsCoastal summerPearls and champagneCelestialSupper clubPicnic in the parkPalm SpringsPickleballBookwormYogaWoodshopBird watchingKnittingGone fishingRoaring twentiesMurder mystery dinnerThrowbackGame nightAdventure awaits