1940s Black and White Masquerade Ball

The inspiration for this party is Old Hollywood and the Supper Clubs of the 1930s and 1940s. All of the elements for the event, from iconic furniture and decor to the staff's attire counts!

Masquerade Party Details

For a special occasion, we like the idea of hosting this party outside under a tent late at night, but any indoor venue you like will work as well.A favorite nightclub or restaurant would be ideal as you could create an exclusive atmosphere by having the locale close down regular business for the night to cater to your VIP guests. An ideal time frame would be from 9 PM to 1 AM for this celebration.

To amp up the drama and exclusivity right from the start, send your guests a classic white invitation with black lettering to share the party details and place them inside black lined envelopes.

1940s Inspired Party Decor

Your party decor should have bursts of black and white accents to really capture the feel of the 1940s. 

Follow our tips for decorating your party space to match this classy theme. 

Glamourous Cocktails

Nothing says glamourous like an oversided flowing champagne tower. Craft a tower of glasses carefully, then as the guests arrive have one of the staff members pour your favorite bubbly over it. The cascading cocktail is guaranteed to make a statement.

In addtion to your champagne tower, offer a bottle service to your guests. Many high-end nightclubs offer this and it's ideal for this kind of party. Set up bottles of your chosen liquors on a reserved table along with any tools or garnishes your guests need to concoct their cocktail of choice. Doing this takes the bartending responsibility off your hands and allows you to mingle all night with your guests.

Costumes to Create an Authentic 1940s Feel

Costumes are a must for this party - be sure to tell guests they're to come dressed the part! Really stick with the theme by asking them to dress only in black and white.To create a glamorous feel for your 1940s themed masquerade party, have staff greet and escort guests down a red rose petal lined walkway. Zebra print accents in lamps and candle table decorations are a fun way to incorporate the black and white decor idea, too.

Place free-standing champagne buckets (and ash trays if smoker-friendly) throughout the party space as well so that guests may pour themselves a refill at any time.

Candelabras and chandeliers, when possible, are a glamorous way to light your space. These elements need not be expensive either - reuse older pieces by spray painting them black and using candles instead of light bulbs.

Silver serving pieces are a must! These reflective platters will make food and drinks feel instantly more special.Really go the extra mile and create walls with panels of alternating black fabric and vintage-style curtains or striped wallpaper or brocade. Mirrors are another fabulous way to dress your space.

Pass out black and white masks to guests for them to wear during the event. It is a masquerade after all!

Finally, if possible rent an oversized projection screen and projector. Play a montage of the most popular black and white movies of the era like Casablanca, Citizen Kane, and The Maltese Falcon.Staff attire is important as well. Your servers, photographers, musicians and bartenders are key players in the setting, so it's essential they dress the part as well. Male servers should sport a classic white tuxedo and white gloves, while female servers should be dressed in classic black cocktail dresses.A photographer using a vintage camera or a photo booth set up with 40s-inspired props (think monocles, top hats, head bands with feather, etc.) for guests to take black and white photos with.

Really want to go glam? Provide an authentic cigar roller and offer guests high-quality cigars. Also, have a roving cigarette girl with candy and candy cigarettes to really give your party that authentic 40s feel.