From Princess to Queen, She Turned 16!
A Birthday Masquerade Celebration in honor of Rajanée...
Every girl dreams about the day she turns 16...thank you all for making her feel as special as can be!
~*What is a masquerade?*~
The term "masquerade" can have several meanings: It can mean an elaborate deception, or a costumed parade or show. The most common meaning of the word, however, is a masked ball. Masquerades were grand affairs, in which the attendees came in mask and costume.
History
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Masquerade balls began in Italy during the Renaissance as celebrations and dances, usually held by the upper class. The practice started to spread in the 17th and 18th centuries, gaining popularity through Europe first, then in England, and spreading through England into the American Colonies. The presence of masks loosened social expectations and perhaps morals, leading some to protest the dances as immoral and degenerative. The parties continued, and even flourished, despite these protests.
Attendance
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Masquerades were originally given by members of the socially elite for other members of the socially elite. As the idea progressed throughout Europe and grew in popularity, private masquerades by invitation only continued to be given, but the public masquerade also gained in prominence. A public masquerade could be attended by anyone who had a ticket, meaning that for the duration of the ball, all social class above a certain financial bracket disappeared. Tickets could be purchased in coffeehouses or at the location where the masquerade would be held. There was but one steadfast rule for attendance: No one who was not in costume would be allowed in.
Read more: What Is a Masquerade? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5341194_masquerade.html#ixzz155zpVrys
~*How to dress*~
While our Masquerade party will be no where near as extravagant as those of olden times, you will be required to dress formally and wear a mask . These can be purchased at any party supply store or at many places on the internet. There are no specifics on how it has to look, its totally up to you! However, scary Halloween masks are not appropriate.
Here are some examples of other masquerade parties and masks...
A harlequin type mask in all black!
Some masks have feathers... and boys have to "dress up" too!
A different type of feathered mask.
Girls just wanna have fun!
~*Events*~
Rajanée made her grand entrance a little later than 8:30, but it was enjoyed by all who were there to see it.
Kayla Robinson sang "Halo" in dedication to the Birthday Girl!
Dinner was served promptly at 9:00, although most of us were too busy dancing to eat.
The sounds of DJ Nikki Rae resonated throughout the building, and some the song requests were hilarious! The dance floor was never empty!
Quaneisha Green and Nicolette Bailey both gave sentimental speeches at the end of the night.
All of the pictures taken with Rajanée in front of our special "on location" green screen as well as the rest of the photos of the night can now be viewed under the photo gallery tab.
courtesy of John Jurtich Productions.
I hope you all enjoyed the "special" prizes. The games played to win them were very entertaining to watch.
~*Important Information*~
Thanks to everyone for checking in at the Sign In table. I hope you all liked your gifts and party favors.
Thank you for visiting our party site (again) and please sign the guestbook and tell us what you thought of the party.