A masquerade turns New Year's Eve into an event. Masks add mystery, make guests dress up, and give you a natural high point: unmasking at midnight. The invitation has more to do than usual, because guests need to know about the masks, the dress code and how formal the evening will be before they start shopping.
This guide covers what to include, mask and dress code guidance, wording examples, a simple midnight plan, party ideas and timing for Thursday, December 31, 2026. You can also start from one of our New Year's Eve invitations and send it as a single link.
What to Include: Details, Masks and Dress Code
A masquerade invitation carries more instructions than a usual party invitation. Put the essentials first, then the mask and attire notes.
- Event name: "Masquerade Ball," "Midnight Masquerade" or "Masked New Year's Eve"
- Date and time: Thursday, December 31, 2026, plus your start time; "until late" covers the finish
- Venue: Address, plus coat check or parking notes for a larger event
- Mask requirement: "Masks required" or "Masks encouraged"
- Dress code: Black tie, cocktail attire or a color theme
- Midnight plan: "Unmasking and champagne toast at midnight"
- Food and drinks: Dinner, heavy hors d'oeuvres or dessert and champagne
- RSVP deadline: Two weeks before, earlier for a catered event
Masks and Dress Code: What to Tell Guests
Masks
Be clear whether masks are required. If they are, consider keeping a basket of simple spare masks at the door for guests who forget. Mention the style if it matters: lace, feathered, Venetian or "any mask you like."
Attire
- Black tie: Gowns and tuxedos. Best for a ballroom or formal dinner.
- Cocktail attire: Dresses and suits. The most common choice for a home or bar party.
- Color theme: "Black, red and gold" or "midnight velvet" pulls the room together.
New Year's Eve Masquerade Invitation Wording
Formal Masquerade Ball
You are cordially invited
to a New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball
Thursday, December 31, 2026, at nine o'clock
Black tie and masks required.
Unmasking and champagne at midnight.
Cocktail Masquerade
Hide your face, reveal your resolutions.
Join us for a Midnight Masquerade
Thursday, December 31, 2026, 8:30 p.m. until late
Cocktail attire, masks encouraged.
Velvet and Candlelight
Red velvet, candlelight and a little mystery.
Please join us for a masked New Year's Eve dinner
Thursday, December 31, 2026, at 8 p.m.
Dress in black, red or gold.
Playful House Party
Who's behind the mask? Find out at midnight.
Masquerade New Year's Eve at Jen and Rob's
Thursday, December 31, 2026, 9 p.m.
Any mask goes. Spares at the door.
Vintage Masquerade
An evening of masks, jazz and champagne.
Ring in 2027 at our Vintage Masquerade
Thursday, December 31, 2026, 8 p.m.
Twenties glamour and masks encouraged.
Short Text-Message Version
Masquerade NYE at ours! Thu 12/31, 9 p.m. Cocktail attire + a mask. Unmasking at midnight. RSVP on the link by 12/17.
Short Text-Message Version
Masquerade NYE at ours, Thu Dec 31 from 9! Cocktail attire, masks on, unmasking at midnight. Invite + RSVP: [link]
Party Ideas and the Midnight Plan
A masquerade works best with a few strong ideas and a simple countdown plan.
Masquerade Party Ideas
- Mask Table: Spare masks, ribbons and a mirror at the entrance.
- Candlelight: Clusters of candles (or LED candles) on every surface give the room a ballroom feel.
- Deep Colors: Red velvet, black lace and gold accents.
- Mystery Game: Guests guess who is behind each mask before midnight.
- Best Mask Award: A small prize announced right after the unmasking.
For other elegant formats, see our elegant New Year's Eve party invitations guide.
A Simple Midnight Plan
- 11:45 p.m.: Pour champagne and a sparkling non-alcoholic option.
- 11:59 p.m.: Gather everyone for the countdown.
- Midnight: Masks off, toast, and confetti or noisemakers.
- After midnight: Dessert and dancing, now face to face.
Masquerade New Year's Eve Video Invitation Designs
Masquerade Velvet New Year sets black lace masks, red roses, crystal glasses and a red velvet envelope on a candlelit table in a gilded hall with velvet drapes. The envelope opens to reveal a dark card reading "New Year," a dramatic fit for a black-tie or velvet-themed party.
For a lighter, more romantic look, Crystal Swan New Year shows a crystal swan carrying an envelope on a gilded tray surrounded by pearls, roses and petals. The envelope unfolds to show a pale blue "New Year" card.
Velvet Cherry Cake New Year is a third choice in the same deep red palette, with a tiered red velvet cake topped with cherries and tied with ribbon, which opens to reveal a "New Year" card.
Use the TwistInvite app to pick a velvet or crystal design, add mask and dress-code notes, and send the link. Guests view the details and RSVP in their browser with no download, while you keep the guest list in the app.Get the App.
Mask Etiquette, Logistics and Common Mistakes
The etiquette notes in this section are general advice; adjust them to your family, community and venue.
Masquerade fails when guests do not know whether masks are required, optional, or only for a midnight reveal. Put one clear line on the invitation: "Masks on arrival, reveal at midnight" or "Elegant mask optional—we will have a few extras." Say whether masks should cover the eyes only or can be full-face, and note if children need softer, comfortable options.
If you are providing masks, say so. If guests must bring their own, link to a simple example in a follow-up text (not in the invite body) or describe the style: lace, velvet, simple black. Avoid last-minute craft pressure; adults already juggling NYE outfits will appreciate clarity.
Room Flow and Midnight Logistics
- Coat and mask check: A labeled basket or table near the door prevents lost masks at reveal time.
- Photo moment: Tell guests if there will be a masked group photo before midnight so they stay in character.
- Reveal cue: Decide who counts down and whether masks come off at the first chime or after the toast.
- Music volume: Masquerade parties often run louder; warn upstairs neighbors or choose a venue that allows it.
- Allergies: Feather and glitter masks bother some guests—mention if your party favors simple fabric masks.
Common Mistakes. Do not hide the dress code behind vague "masquerade attire." Pair the mask note with black tie, cocktail, or creative black. Do not start the party so early that masks become uncomfortable before midnight. And do not forget contact lenses and glasses wearers—eye masks that sit well over frames (or clear "mask optional for glasses") belong in the fine print.
When to Send Masquerade Invitations
Because guests need time to find masks and formal outfits, send masquerade invitations four to five weeks ahead, around late November for Thursday, December 31, 2026. Set the RSVP deadline about two weeks before, around December 17, so you can confirm catering and how many spare masks to buy.
| When | Step |
|---|---|
| Late November | Send invitations with mask and dress-code notes |
| About December 17 | RSVP deadline; confirm catering and spare masks |
| December 28–29 | Reminder with arrival time, coat check and parking |
| December 31 | Day-of note if anything changes |
For a hotel or venue with a guest-list deadline, check that date first and set your RSVP a few days earlier. Guests ordering masks online will also appreciate the extra time.
Conclusion
A New Year's Eve masquerade invitation should make three things clear: masks, dress code and the midnight unmasking. Send it four to five weeks ahead so guests can prepare, and choose a velvet or crystal design that matches the mood. For more ideas, see our vintage New Year party invitations and costume party invitations guides.
When in doubt, simplify: one mask instruction, one dress code, one midnight plan. Guests who know exactly what to bring and when to arrive are the ones who relax, stay in character and make the unmasking fun.
Pick the design, add your mask line, and send it early enough that everyone can find the right mask and outfit before the holidays get busy. Then enjoy the countdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a New Year's Eve masquerade invitation include?
Include the event name, date and time, venue, whether masks are required, the dress code, the midnight plan, food and drink notes and an RSVP deadline.
What do you wear to a New Year's Eve masquerade party?
A mask plus either black tie or cocktail attire, depending on the invitation. Some hosts add a color theme such as black, red and gold.
Should masks be required at a masquerade party?
It is up to the host. If masks are required, keep spare masks at the door for guests who forget.
When should I send masquerade party invitations?
Four to five weeks ahead so guests have time to find masks and formal outfits, with an RSVP deadline about two weeks before.
When do guests take off their masks?
Traditionally at midnight, right as the new year begins, followed by a champagne toast.
Create it in the TwistInvite app
Download free on iPhone or Android, then share one link with your guests.