Mardi Gras balls are yet another magnificent, dazzling jewel of New Orleans Carnival culture. Each krewe typically hosts a ball in the weeks before parades start rolling. Mardi Gras balls are lavish, creative affairs that serve to present the krewe's royal court for the year and ignite mambo spirit. Here's a short guide to Mardi Gras balls.

1. Invite or box office? Most Mardi Gras balls are accessible only by purchasing tickets from krewe members, so you usually need to have a connection of some kind. However, a few of the superkrewes offer public-sale tickets: Endymion hosts a public extravaganze in the Superdome, for example. Don't worry—it's not considered a faux pas to ask around if anyone can connect you with tickets. Some krewes are very exclusive, but most have a "the more, the merrier" vibe. Tickets generally run around $200 per person, which includes a huge buffet, open bar, unforgettable show, and incredible live bands—a night you'll never forget. And sometimes, if you are extra lucky and blessed, friends will invite you to their tables as personal guests!

2. Cocktail or floor length? In an adult social calendar full of jeans and going-out tops, Mardi Gras balls mark the rare opportunity to engage in full black-tie fantasy. Balls are like the New Orleans Oscars, so dress accordingly: wear that floor-length gown with the three-foot train, your tuxedo tails, and those shoulder-length opera gloves. So fun!

3. Subtle or sequins? You certainly could go the understated route, but warning: you'll probably be alone in your tasteful sheath. Mardi Gras balls practically beg for sequins, color, feathers, and flash. Remember, this is an occasion for which men who are sensible accountants and lawyers by day don glittery tights, powdered wigs, and massive gold crowns. So even if you're a neutrals type, why not plunge headfirst into the joie de vivre and wrap yourself like a bedazzled gift just this once? You'll find guests from young to old sporting festive lagniappe like crystal bowties or cascading ruffles. No need to break the bank—in fact, many people intentionally wear less expensive gowns because 1) there's a high potential that your gown will be being spilled or stepped on and 2) are you really go to wear it again, ever? (Above: that's a vintage 1960s gown that I rescued from a thrift store and then stored for about 15 years without ever wearing it because it couldn't zip—and then a seammtress friend casually suggested altering the back. Remember that you can alter thrifted gems up or down from your size!)

4. Heels or flats? Glad tidings of great joy: that floor-length ball gown will hide your most comfortable flats. No need to hobble around on painful sky-high stilettos! Some guests arrive in formal heels for photos, then swap them for sneakers. But you can easily cover those Nikes or flip flops, and nobody except your guardian angel will ever know. I also love these flat sandals that work well under long gowns.

5. On time or fashionably late? Mardi Gras balls begin with an elaborate, formal presentation of the krewe's royal court. This process features extraordinary costumes and theatrical sets, accompanied by light shows and orchestras. It's quite the show and it can go on for a couple of hours. However, it's not unusual for guests to arrive during or after the court presentation. Unless you happen to know the court members personally, the presentation can feel a little long after the first hour. You're really here for the buffet, open bar, and massive dance floor.

6. Eat before or after? The ball will feature dinner of some kind, but every ball differs. Some do a continuous open buffet while others serve sit-down courses. All of them serve dinner fairly late, so we usually pregame with a substantial snack. The party goes on until wee hours as well, so many guests bring extra food and drinks to stock their tables through the night. If there's particular food or drink you'd like to enjoy, pack it in tote and bring it along. I've seen people bring in king cakes, buckets of fried chicken, and gallons of their own signature cocktails.

7. Open bar or BYOB?  The open bar at most Mardi Gras balls generally feature pretty standard well drinks and middle-shelf wine and beer. Think wedding reception: more about delightful abundance than refined tasting experience. If you want something super specific or top shelf, bring your own.

8. Date night or friend group? In my experience, Mardi Gras balls are best when shared with a group. There's something joyous and special about dancing and singing your hearts out with good friends. Plus, you probably haven't seen your friends in tuxes and ball gowns since your wedding. I'd definitely still go even if we didn't know anyone else, but in densely crowded Mardi Gras balls, having a group feels more natural.

9. Table or dance floor? You will be assigned to a table for dinner, but please don't lock yourself there all night. Mardi Gras balls feature amazing local bands and wide open dance floors filled with happy people. It's too loud to talk, anyway, so you may as well get out there and shake shake shake.

10. Stay or go? Even leaving the event at midnight, I've yet to see the natural end of a Mardi Gras ball. They go on and on and on (don't stop believin'). When you're feeling saturated with exuberance and joyfully exhausted, feel free to depart, wash your face, throw your ball gown on the bedroom chair, and collapse into sweet dreams of next year's ball.

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