Circus themed weddings are set to be big for this summer and if you’re not one to shy away from centre stage then this could be the perfect theme for the two of you. It’s a sure-fire way to set a fun and quirky atmosphere, steering firmly away from the traditional. If you have lots of little nippers on the guest list then this is going to be pretty special for them too.

Colours

With a circus theme you can have as much fun with colours as you like. Think bold and bright and be sure to include the essential red and white candy stripes. Primary colours work well here so go crazy with red, yellow and blue.

Wedding Stationary

Ticket invitations are a great way to intrigue your guests. For handmade invites include images of big tops, elephants and strong men. Again, be bold with colours and go for a font that screams ‘carnival’. If you’re making your own invitations then a search for ‘circus fonts’ on Google will pull up just what you’re looking for. One of my favourite fonts for a circus theme is Carnivalee Freakshow, as shown below. You can find this font on 1001FreeFonts.com.

Flowers

Feeling brave? Then go for a loud and whacky bouquet. Add some fun by tying in candy striped ribbon and leave it trailing from your bouquet for a theatrical look. Lollipops and candy canes really pack a punch, so mix them in with your floral arrangements. Poppies and billy balls say a firm farewell to the norm.

Alternatives to flowers include paper pinwheels (also great as buttonholes) and bright bunches of balloons. Button and paper bouquets are becoming increasingly popular and add a creative twist. To make flowers for your own DIY paper bouquets and buttonholes check out my DIY tutorial.

Venue and Decor

Fancy a Big Top Marquee? Bigtopmania are a tent supplier that fit the bill. With baby big tops through to full size circus show tents, there’s something to suit all budgets and styles. With a wealth of experience in the events industry, they even provide specialist entertainment. Bigtopmania are based in Devon in the UK and work nationwide. Festival Brides wrote a dazzling post recently with all the details about this big top business, read it here.

For table decor fill popcorn boxes, cola bottles and glass jars with flowers. Pinwheels, tickets and circus themed ornaments all make interesting centre pieces. I love these table number luminaries from PaperAcorn on Etsy …..

Popcorn machines and candy stands will put a smile on the faces of kids from 1-100. To keep costs down create your own self-service stations with sweet jars and candy bags and a big sign saying ‘help yourselves’. Use graphic signs to mark out special areas and moments in the day, such as ‘first dance’ or ‘photo booth’. Oversized balloons used as props throughout your venue will create a playful atmosphere.

For a low-budget photo booth idea make a backdrop and throw in some circus style props. Make your own weights for the ‘strongest man’ pose by painting a pole with red and white stripes and tying black balloons to either end. Include a supply of false moustaches and big set of stripy dungarees, then watch your guests fall about in fits of giggles as they try them on.

Entertainment

You can be as reserved or as extravagant as you like when it comes to entertainment. Hiring a magician will keep the kids (and adults!) happy. If your budget allows, then why not go for a ferris wheel or carousel and create your own magical fun fair.  For other forms of entertainment to wow your guests, think fire eating, showgirls and hilarious clowns.

I think this is one of the happiest and fun-filled themes you can go for. It’s definitely a top choice for couples looking for something energetic, lively and outrageous.

Have you had or are you planning a circus themed wedding? If so I’d love to hear from you. Leave me a comment or use the social media buttons at the top of the site to say hello.

And for even more circus wedding inspiration here are a few fabulous items I found across the web…

Michelle xxx