How to Host a Phantom of the Opera Masquerade Ball

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If you just heard the music in your head, then girl — it’s time to get your Phantom on.

Today we show you the spookiest (and most darkly romantic) tips on how to plan memorable Phantom of the Opera masquerade ball, from the dark invitations to that gorgeous ballgown.

Invoking The Phantom: Your Party Invitations

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Set the mood for your guests by sending out invitations that reflect the theme of the party and the mood you want – for instance, very formal or casual dress but masked.

Most masqued balls involve the women being masqued too; if so, add this to your invitations.

Make eye-catching, high-glam invitations by printing the deets on heavy card stock and then cutting them into the shape of the infamous Phantom mask.

Clip two holes in each mask and run a thin elastic through to act as a band, making your invitation a wearable memory.

Credit: Pinterest, Audra Harmon

Another phantom-themed invitation idea is to print your invite on sheet music paper.

Available at most music stores, you can purchase sheet music paper and age it to look old by staining it with tea, crumpling it and burning the edges.

Then roll each invitation up and seal it with a few drops of crimson red wax. (This is a GORGEOUS way to create a keepsake piece for your guests.)

If you want to host a formal masquerade ball, indicate this on the invitation – ladies wear masks too!

If you want to create a more casual event, let your guests know so they don’t show up in ball gowns and tuxedos. It’s your night — you make the rules.

Creating The Opera – Your Decorations

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Create a Gothic and operatic feel with simple but stunning decorations. Start with dim lighting and an emphasis on candle light.

From there, try this list of decorating suggestions to set the mood at your Phantom of The Opera Ball:

• Rent or make dark red velvet curtains. Use these to line the walls of your party area and drape your staircase. When draping fabric, always be careful of candle placement.
• Purchase fake or real red roses. Separate the roses and use them to decorate the room. For sit-down dinners, don each guest’s plate with a single red rose.
• Play the soundtrack from the musical in the background as well as any favorite opera pieces. For dark and scary classical music, try Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, Bach’s Toccata and Fugue, Mozart’s Requiem, or Mussorgsky’s Night on Bald Mountain/Pictures at an Exhibition. Any of these are sure to get your guests’ hearts pumping.

• Use a sporadic fog machine to create a spooky and haunting ambiance throughout the evening. These are easily rented from most party and event supply vendors.
• Hang a framed print of the poster for the popular musical, either over the mantel or in a prominent place that’s visible when guests first arrive.

Activities for a Phantom of the Opera Evening

If it fits in your budget, hire an opera singer to perform at the party – including selections from the Phantom of the Opera score and pieces of their choosing.

For a less expensive performer alternative, try advertising at the local music school for advanced students who would be interested in performing at an event.

Your guests will most likely be dressed up, so provide a space for dancing and a line-up of music for later in the night.

You can begin the evening with operatic and classical selections, but as the night wears on you and your guests may want some selections that are a little more contemporary and danceable.

What To Wear to a Phantom of the Opera Masquerade Ball

An absolute must is a mask. (Ooooo…the mystery!)

A number of online retailers sell masks that range from elaborate and feathered to simple and basic, including ones based on the classic Phantom of the Opera mask.

The general rule for most masquerade events is that guests must wear their masks until midnight. This also adds an element of fun and play to your party.

For costumes, the host should indicate how formal or casual the event will be. Typically men will wear dark suits or tuxedos and women will wear opera-style ball gowns.

In true opera form, women can also opt for an elaborate updo hair style. Grab a realistic hair piece or extensions for ultra-glam and dance the night away in romance…for a night you’ll never forget.