Category Archives: Venue Styling

Tips for Styling a Circus Themed Wedding

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.

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Wedding Stationary

ticketinvite

Circus ticket invitations by STN Stationary on Etsy

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.

circus text

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.

circus themed flowers

Images; left: Kreated by Kelly, bottom right: Pumpkin and Pye, top right: Sugar Owl Design, all on Etsy

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.

bigtop

Image by rafweejewell

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 …..

Table luminaries

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.

circus theme sweet stall and signs

Images; left: Chase Heilman Photography, styled by Sharon Taylor Designs via Ruffled, right: Cherry Pie Lane on Not on the High Street

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.

carousel

Image by David Merrett

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…

circusthemeH&H

Images clockwise from top left; Ticket invite by STN Stationary, Ring Pillow by Freshline, ‘Love’ Ribbon by Crabtree Lane, Moustache Straws by Little Baby Company, Felt Garland by PeleMele, Popcorn Boxes by Lilac Coast, Oversized Balloons by Pearl and Earl, Circus Tent Favour Boxes by The Inklings of Tess.

Michelle xxx

Wedding and Event Styling with Boris and Betty

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Over the last couple of weeks I have been working with a lovely wedding and event styling company called Boris and Betty to find out more about what they do and the special touches they can bring to your wedding day.
Boris and Betty is the brainchild of two sisters, Sheena and Shelley who come from an interior design and fashion background. This certainly explains their incredible eye for style and how they keep one step ahead of the current trends. Based within the UK, working across the North West, Kent and London they can transform your event into something spectacular and unique to you.
I completely lost myself in their drool-worthy photo gallery which shows all of the events that they have waved their magical styling wand over recently. Feast your eyes on this…

 

Image by Celynnen Photography 
Image by Capture Memories Photography
Image by Celynnen Photography
Image by Capture Memories Photography
Image by Celynnen Photography

 

Sheena and Shelley have kindly put together some further details about Boris and Betty, including some DIY styling tips to inspire you…

Boris and Betty’s Styling Process
  • Free styling consultation – you’ll get to know the stylist and she’ll get to know you. She’ll find out about your personality, likes, dislikes, colour scheme, ideas around decor and how you envisage the day. It’s a good time here to share any ideas you may have with the stylist.
  • Research – every client’s theme is researched and a proposal created based on the style Boris and Betty propose. This includes details on the types of decor, as well as a selection of images to give you an idea of how we’d produce your theme.
  • Bespoke style board – once clients’ are happy with the proposal, a contract is drawn up between Boris and Betty and the bride and groom. A bespoke / complimentary style board is then produced for the bride to treasure.
  • Communication – Boris and Betty will update clients’ throughout the process and is available to attend supplier meetings or liaise with suppliers to ensure they’re in-line with the couples theme and Boris and Betty’s styling.
  • Your wedding – Boris and Betty will always set up the day before, where possible meaning you can see your venue styled beautifully prior to your wedding.
Boris and Betty’s Top Styling Tips
  • Break the mold – say goodbye to the traditional and uniform centre pieces. Don’t be scared to try something different by mismatching eclectic pieces on your tables and styling each table individually. If you’re unsure where to start, research on Pinterest and save any images you like. Your stylist should be able to identify your style and develop the theme for you.
  • Have a particular hobby or interest? – Do let your stylist know. Your stylist should be able to gather enough information about you to bring out your personality throughout the styling.
  • Speak to your stylist – check that you get along, can have fun with them and can be yourself. Many people don’t have the opportunity to speak to their stylist until the day. Ask who your stylist will be and get to know them beforehand.
  • Don’t be scared – if you feel your stylist hasn’t given you depth to your style board, hasn’t really demonstrated your personality and hasn’t quite made it clear which items of stock they will use to create your theme , ask them. They can always set up a mock table beforehand and supply images.
  • Compliment your venue – style your reception to compliment your type of venue and theme.
  • Have fun together! – It’s the biggest day of your life. It will go quickly so ensure you take time to absorb your wedding, the styling and your guests. Watch them have fun and make sure you and your husband have fun.
  • Finally, DO book Boris and Betty! – We’ll do all the hard work so you can both enjoy being engaged and doing what you love together, stress free.
Images by Capture Memories Photography

For more beautiful decor hop over to www.borisandbetty.co.uk.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/borisandbetty
Twitter: @BorisandBetty