The Mer Clan thinks that weddings are silly. Silly in a good way, in the way that festive parties are, with much singing and dancing and general good foolery.

So what struck us as sensible in times like these was a Mermardi Gras Wedding: distilling the the good silliness of weddings into a single day while harkening to our most beloved tradition: Mardi Gras Second Lines.

Every Mardi Gras we parade from our neighborhood in the Marigny through the French Quarter in a joyful celebration of music, dance and costume. What’s this like? Amazing , wondrous, celebratory, meaningful, deep and uplifting. We dress up always as Mermates and we did in fact get engaged in mer-form on Mardi Gras day two years ago.

As mer-people, we have befriended creatures from all stretches of the globe. From New Orleans to New Zealand, lawyers to artists, our friends are diverse in purpose, but singular in nature: awesome. We fancy they’d enjoy meeting one another, so that’s why everyone’s invited to the wedding. We want this to be about bringing the people we adore together, and we would be delighted for you to join us!

FAQ for Participants:

1. Am I really invited?

You may find yourself frequenting this site from a link on Facebook or through a friend’s urging. You are.

2. What is a Mermardi Gras Wedding?

Mardi Gras + Mermates + Marriage = Mermardi Gras Wedding

You’ll be participating in our Mardi Gras tradition, which you can glimpse on MermaidChronicles.com .

3. Where is the wedding?

We despise the fetters of four-walled rooms and have opted for the wide sunny streets of New Orleans as our venue. We’ll meet at the corner of St. Roch Avenue and Royal Street at 8:30 AM on March 4, 2014, where you’ll glimpse a gaggle of other sea creatures drinking concoctions from the sea and gearing up to dance. Be ready to parade by 9 AM.

4. What do I wear?

Though you may be human, we ask that you adorn yourself in sea creature costume on this day, including but not limited to: a clown fish, cypress tree, anemone, salty captain, crawfish, sea cucumber - the options are endless! But a costume is a must, no excuses.

5. What should I bring?

We’ll have coffee and cupcakes, beer and snacks; however, in the off- chance that we run low on goods, make sure you have the means to grab a daiquiri or po-boy as we meander through the route.

A good pair of dancing shoes is a must - we’ll meander for miles - and good cheer is required since this is about togetherness and joyfulness. It’s about you as much as us, and it is suitable for anyone of any age. All are welcome.

6. How long will this last?

From 8:30 AM till! We’ll pause briefly for the ceremony near the beginning, and afterwards we’ll dance until we can’t any longer. Prepare for an entire day.

7. I want to take pictures!

We want you to do that too! Please post all your pictures on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook using the hashtag #MermardiGras so we can glimpse them. If we’re not friends on Facebook, please make your #MermardiGras pictures public so we can see them.

8. Is your wedding really at 8:30 AM?

‘Tis true! But worry not, coffee and sugary-treats will abound, and once the music commences and the brass wails, you’ll find yourself infused with an other-worldly energy, unable to stop dancing for days to come.

9. Are you registered anywhere for gifts?

As creatures of the sea, we have little need for earthly goods; however, we do wish the waters of our fair planet to prosper for eons more. As Mermardi Gras approaches, we’ll have a web link available for an optional donation to a water-themed charity. Check back soon for details. :-)

10. Where can I stay?

Preferably close to the beginning of the route! Mardi Gras can be a trying time to track down lodging on land, so we suggest booking sooner rather than later as other mortals do flock to these silty shores during this time!



11. What if I have more questions?

We have answers! Shoot us an email at Mermardigras@gmail.com.