Saving Money on Mardi Gras

If you've ever been invited to a Mardi Gras ball, you know buying a new gown can be expensive. But you can save money when you look for a Mardi Gras dress at local thrift shops, like Hertha's, or even Goodwill. It's also smart to compare prices at reputable stores online, like Nordstrom Rack and Loehmann's. Another option is to borrow dresses from friends.

Gentlemen know renting a tails isn't cheap either. Sometimes around this time of year, you might be able to find special prices when you buy a tux. Then when you have another event you want to attend that requires formal attire, you won't have to worry about spending money to rent a tux and get fitted over and over.

Eating out before your Mardi Gras ball can get costly. Aubrey Nix with EasternShoreMom.com suggests checking online sites like Groupon or Living Social for restaurant deals. She says you might also find deals at Restaurant.com .

If you're planning to get a hotel during Mardi Gras, that can be expensive as well. Aubrey suggests looking into the rates at locally owned hotels. It may also save you some money if you check hotel prices at online sites like Expedia and Priceline.

Aubrey says if you're taking your kids to a parade, inevitably they will want something from one of the carts carrying all the flashy, expensive toys. She says you can get that same toy you'll pay $15 for at a parade for much less at Walmart, Target, or maybe even a dollar store. Aubrey says you may want to grab some before you go to the parades and stow them away so you can give them to your kids when you get there so they won't be tempted by the toy cart.