Table of Contents
Introduction:
Grand Masked Ball 🇬🇧
Le Grand Bal Masqué 🇫🇷
Photo credit: Cécile Delahaye Bazin-LeTanneur - IG: @ataladavaugour
The latest Grand Masked Ball at Versailles (Le Grand Bal Masqué de Versailles) has concluded (2024), and we conducted a survey to gather participants' thoughts and impressions. In this comprehensive review, you'll discover both the highlights and the areas needing improvement, as well as attendees' hopes for next year's event. If you haven't experienced the Grand Masked Ball before, this is the perfect opportunity to see what people have to say!
Photo Credit: Unknown - If someone knows this individual, please let me know so I can tag them!
We will start with some positives!
Costumes!
The ball received numerous compliments for the quality and creativity of the costumes. While the Baroque era inspires the event, historical accuracy isn't necessarily required. Instead, attendees have the option to use their imagination, allowing for unique and innovative interpretations within the Baroque theme (as shown above and below).
If you're looking to attend a more formal, historically accurate ball, please consider the Fêtes Galantes, which is usually held a week or two before.
Photo Credit: Jonni Angel - Jonnie Angel Designs
Attendees also enjoyed strolling through the immaculate Versailles Gardens, which feature fountain shows and a grand firework show as the night progressed.
Photo Credit: Reana Jones - IG: @reana_travels
More info: The Gardens of Versailles, located at the Palace of Versailles near Paris, are a stunning example of French formal garden design. Designed by landscape architect André Le Nôtre, these gardens are renowned for their meticulous layout, grandeur, and artistic harmony.
This allows for stunning photos such as the one taken of Andrea above!
Photo Credit: Guillaume Lrb - IG: @guillaume0501
You might even find fun photo props while wandering the gardens, such as this bubble machine.
Photo Credit: Krista Breaux
Another fun feature that was spotted in the gardens was this firepit!
Photo Credit: Reana Jones - IG: @reana_travels
While wandering through the palace grounds, you'll discover mystical performers and stunning displays.
Photo Credit: Reana Jones - IG: @reana_travels
All of these features help to create an atmosphere brimming with mirth, magic, and mystery.
Photo Credit: Jason Miller & James Daley
Overall, this is an extraordinary experience and a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for many.
Photo Credit: Desiree
Now, we shall move on to the negatives that were brought to light.
While the ball indeed boasts a "rave-like" atmosphere, attendees primarily complained about the repetitive music and the lack of songs with lyrics. Many even left early due to their dissatisfaction with the music. In the future, hiring multiple DJs to provide more variety and including popular songs with lyrics would likely be much appreciated.
Photo Credit: Jean Lugowski - Facebook: Le Marquis; Jean Lugowski
Water needs to be more readily available and free.
In addition, attendees desire a wider variety of drink offerings. Many stated that only beer and champagne were available, and they would appreciate a bit more to choose from.
There were also some complaints about the food quality and variety. I had "hotdogs" mentioned a couple of times, and I really hope I've got that wrong. Please tell me Versailles did not offer hotdogs, of all things!!
Photo Credit: Mathilde Silvestre de Sacy - IG: @mathilde_sds
On a random positive note, breakfast was complimented by those who actually made it all night long until dawn!
Photo Credit: Jose Coutinho
The usual complaints about bathroom availability and lines were made. That seems to be a given for any event like this.
Several also mentioned that the staff were rude to them. While I understand there may be communication difficulties and cultural differences, it is imperative to be kind and accommodating to attendees. Most have paid hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars and traveled long distances to attend this event. It would be disappointing to arrive in Paris, the romanticized "City of Love," and be treated poorly at an event you have been looking forward to for months.
Photo Credit: Kenda Amber
One quite concerning issue is that stage props were mentioned, hitting those in attendance during setup/removal. I'm not sure if this was due to trying to take them down quickly or if workers were clumsy, but the safety of guests should always be paramount!
Another major issue seemed to be refunds for the wristbands attendees were instructed to place money on for purchases throughout the night. I had many complaints on our Facebook site about confusion on where to request refunds. Then, even when refunds were requested, they were not processed immediately. There was a decently long waiting period. I'm not even sure everyone was refunded because many seemed unaware of a deadline.
Photo Credit: Ma Reine Costuming - Facebook - IG: @mareinecostuming
Finally, signage and organization could be better. I think attendees would appreciate a map of the event space detailing where everything is located for ease of navigation (e-mailed, linked on the event website, and provided at the entrance in paper form if desired). That map should also include the schedule of performances and events. In addition, signs throughout the grounds should be provided to help guide guests along their way.
Photo Credit: Beth Robson - IG: @bethrthannothing
Overall, almost everyone walked away happy and with wonderful memories!
However, there is room for improvement, and I hope that those in charge of planning and organizing this amazing event will consider all of this.
That being said, see you there in 2025! ✨
Can't wait!! 🎉
Photo Credit: Alison Tomich - IG: @schatziali
Click here for a complete list of the positives/negatives and likes/dislikes from the survey conducted in our Facebook Group dedicated to helping those attending the Versailles Grand Masked Ball.
Photo Credit: Audrey M Deshayes - IG: @madame_d82
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