If you’re looking to throw a spectacular celebration that your friends, family and guests will long remember, then a circus carnival themed party is the perfect way to celebrate! With a little help from this guide in organizing a big-top event, your circus carnival themed party is sure to be a unique and magical experience for all attendees.
Choosing a Venue for the Party
The location of your party is the first logistical element you will need to consider. You may choose to set up a circus tent in your backyard or hold the event at a nearby park. Outdoor spaces provide a great canvas for creating a true big top experience. If an outdoor space isn’t feasible, you may host the event at a local event hall with an open floor layout. This venue allows you more flexibility in creating the circus carnival atmosphere.
Setting the Circus Carnival Theme
The look and feel of your circus carnival can be tailored to go along with the style and atmosphere of the event. When it comes to decorations, think bright and whimsical! Colorful streamers can help create a traditional circus and carnival-style atmosphere. Large, velvet curtains can be hung from the ceilings to create a red and gold spotlight effect. Hang photos of clowns, lions, and jugglers throughout the venue. You can also hang giant tissue paper stars and inflatable balloons throughout.
Creating an Invitation List and Sending Invitations
Creating your guest list is an essential part of the prep work for any event. Before you launch into the nitty-gritty of the planning, make sure you have an idea of the size of your party by creating an appropriate budget, collecting RSVPs, and clarifying the dress code with your guests. When it’s time to send out the invitations, opt for colorful and fun cards that are reflective of the circus theme. Include any details like the address, date, and time, or any specific instructions or requests in the invitation.
Planning the Menu
No party is complete without food! You can spruce up classic carnival fare like popcorn, pretzels, and Cotton Candy. If you’re hosting an fancier or more upscale affair, you might consider serving hors d’oeuvres or light entrees like mini sandwiches or sliders. Make sure to have a selection of sweet treats available like cupcakes with clown faces on them, popcorn balls, or classic carnival candy apples. You may also want to consider hosting an open bar depending on your guests’ age and budget.
Decorating for the Party
The key to setting up any memorable event lies in creating a visually stimulating atmosphere. To do this, you’ll need decorations tailored around your circus carnival theme. You can rent items such as carnival game booths and arcade assets, create a photo booth complete with props that match your theme, and hang large cut outs or banners around your venue. A few small touches like balloons or bunting can instantly lift the atmosphere of your party.
Arranging Entertainment and Activities
Entertainment should always be one of your top priorities when it comes to hosting a spectacular event. Whether you opt for professional acts or DIY activities, make sure it’s something everyone is likely to enjoy. Try hiring a clown or magician to perform at the event or set up circus-like games such as the classic ring toss or duck pond. If you want to stay away from traditional entertainers, consider interactive activities like balloon artists, caricature artists, face painting, and tarot card readings.
Preparing Favors and Goody Bags
Favors are a great way to say thank you to your guests for attending your special gathering. Consider small items like vintage hats, necklaces, or pinwheels as little thank-you gifts. You can customize these items with your event’s logo and tagline. Alternatively, you can opt for goody bags filled with sweets like popcorn, lollipops, or candy sticks.
Managing Other Logistical Details
There are a few key logistical elements you will need to consider for your party. Make sure that all appropriate licenses or permits are obtained for any paid performers or activities, consider insurance coverage for liabilities related to the event in case of accidents or injuries, and arrange parking or transportation plans. If you plan to serve alcohol then ensure that an appropriate person is serving it responsibly.
Keeping Guests Engaged During the Party
Make sure your guests have plenty of activities and entertainment to keep them engaged throughout the night. Create “game cards” at each table that list different activities your guests can participate in throughout the night. Consider creating contests like best dressed or funniest joke with attractive prizes as incentives. Group games like “pin the nose on clown” are great additions that will keep people entertained.
Wrapping Up a Successful Event
As cleanup time approaches, gather everyone together one last time perhaps for a final performance before saying farewell. Make sure to thank everyone for attending and express your gratitude for their support in making this event such a success. Take pictures as mementos so that everyone can revisit their memories in the years to come.
Organizing a circus carnival themed party is a fun way to make your next event stand out from all others. With some careful planning and a touch of creativity, you can transform any surrounding into a thriving carnival atmosphere. From choosing the venue to setting up decorations and arranging entertainment, with this helpful list in hand you can easily plan an incredible circus carnival themed party.
