A carnival or circus-themed wedding is a fun and lively idea for couples who want a non-traditional and playful wedding celebration. With bright colors, whimsical decorations, and amusement park-style entertainment, it’s sure to be a memorable event guests will adore. Here are some tips for planning a spectacular carnival wedding.
Choose a Venue with Space for Activities
Look for large event venues where you can set up various activity and game stations, as well as have room for seating and dining areas. Outdoors spaces like parks, ranches, and campgrounds are ideal for setting up carnival-style games and attractions. You could also host it at an indoor venue and bring the carnival vibes with decor. Consider venues that allow for both indoor and outdoor spaces in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Decorations: Lights, Colors and Props
The decor should be bold, bright and cheery to create a fun carnival aesthetic. String up colorful pennant flags, balloons and streamers. Use classic carnival striped patterns in tablecloths, napkins, chair covers, etc. Set up strings of festive lights and lanterns for a nighttime carnival feel. Have props like clown noses, hats, inflatable toys and other playful photo booth accessories for guests to pose with. Make signs with circus-style lettering pointing guests to different activity areas.
Carnival Concessions Food Stations
Offer festive carnival-inspired food from different stations, like corn dogs, soft pretzels, nachos, candy apples, popcorn, peanuts, cotton candy and snow cones. Serve drinks like lemonade and iced tea in striped paper cups. Use red and white paper food boats or striped paper cones to hold fries, popcorn and other bites. Have servers dress up in carnival costumes to add to the fun atmosphere.
Entertainment and Games
Book carnival performers like jugglers, stilt walkers, magicians and acrobats to delight guests throughout the event. Set up DIY carnival game stations for guests to play, like ring toss, balloon darts, bottle bowling, a beanbag toss, mini golf and a strongman high striker game. Give out stuffed animal prizes for winners. Hire face painters and tarot card readers for more old-fashioned carnival activities. You could even rent a Ferris wheel for maximum fun!
Attire: Whimsical and Colorful
Encourage guests to dress up for the theme with their best carnival or circus-inspired outfit. Bridesmaids could wear brightly colored dresses with fun accessories like feather boas. Consider a groom in a ringmaster costume or colorful prints. And guests can get creative with clown costumes, strongman outfits, animal costumes or their own unique looks. Award prizes for the best guest costumes during the reception.
Carnival Music and Photo Ops
Create a high-energy vibe with a playlist of carnival-inspired tunes, from calliope instrumentals to silly circus songs. Have a photo booth or fun backdrop for guests to take memorable pictures in costume or with props. Customize photo template frames with carnival themes. Provide boas, hats and other accessories to liven up photos.
A picture-perfect carnival celebration starts with fun decor, food and entertainment everyone will enjoy. Go all out with your circus-inspired wedding and give your guests memories they’ll never forget.
