Carnival

            Though not quite a festival, the Carnival is a great theme for a wedding. It's fun, it's childlike, and it's completely unique! Like other festival wedding themes, it will be difficult to weave the theme into your ceremony, unless the ceremony is held at the reception area as well. If you can join your carnival theme into your ceremony, though, a few nice touches could be a cotton candy bouquet and top hats for the men.

            The reception area would be perfect if you can arrange for it to be held under a big red and white striped tent. Some couples have rented out an entire Carnival in order to have their reception, but others simply rent out an appropriate looking tent, and have their party underneath. You can put tables and chairs under the tent, no need for stands. Put simple centerpieces on your tables, maybe a few wine bottles with candles stuck on top. Or old top hats with balloons coming out. Also, there isn't a need to decorate any of the walls because of the red and white stripes. Too many decorations can make some people dizzy, and you don't want that happening to your guests!

            To add to the flair of your reception, hire a fortune teller for the evening. Or if one of your friends has an interest in telling fortunes, then maybe they'd be willing to show off their skill for the evening. You can set up the fortune teller booth on one side of the reception hall, and make sure she gives lets everyone know the fortune of the happy couple!

            Like the fortune teller, add to the carnival feeling by hiring a bartender who can juggle bottles while making drinks. It can be really fun to watch, and you can request that they wear carnival like clothes. For example, he can wear black trousers white white suspenders over a red and white striped shirt and a hat with a white band around it. It will be very fitting. Plus, your guests will have a great time getting their drinks!

            When it comes to food, you can't really serve carnival food, which would be hotdogs and a lot of candy. Go for continental food so that you keep it neutral in terms of a theme. Your cake can be a tiered cake decorated in bright colors. The cake itself can be a really simple cake, and if you follow the tips in the other articles, you don't actually have to serve out the wedding cake.

            The music will have to be carnival inspired, of course. You can easily get a list and recordings of songs usually played at carnivals. Other than that, you can go with your musical preferences. Along with music, entertainment can also be carnival inspired. Try having activities or games that take their themes from booths you would find at a carnival, like bobbing for apples, showcasing the strongest man, or a coin toss.

            Finally, give away something simple as wedding favors. Maybe popcorn in traditional paper popcorn bags or fridge magnets shaped like popcorn. You may also want to give away top hats to the men and feather boas to the ladies. Whatever you feel portrays the festival wedding theme best!

Next Article: Princess Wedding Theme: Mermaid