What are the most important Mardi Gras accessories if you and your friends are spending Mardi Gras in New Orleans? Read on to find out!

1. Digital Camera. In the hurry to get ready for Mardi Gras you have a lot of stuff to get. It’s easy to forget to grab your camera on your way out, but this is an integral part of the Mardi Gras experience. No I don’t mean getting pictures of topless girls! Though have at, if that’s your style, just be aware it will make you a little skeevy. No, what I’m thinking of is getting pictures with all your friends at the iconic high points of Mardi Gras. You want shots in the Quarter, in your masks, right? After all, pics or it didn’t happen. Make sure you have fresh batteries while you’re at it.

2. Boas. Boas are just as iconic of Mardi Gras as beads are, but they’re more fun to wear and they don’t get so heavy. They come in every color imaginable – you can try for the traditional trifecta of purple, gold and green or you can branch out into your own personal colors.

3. Harlequin mask. The kind of mask worn at Mardi Gras is known as a harlequin mask or a Carnival mask. Don’t be that guy who is there wearing some kind of Halloween mask. The joy of the harlequin mask is that it covered your face but not your mouth, so you are ready to make out (or drink) at the drop of a dime.