How to Host a Carnival Themed Wedding Shower
Carnival-themed wedding showers are as fun to plan as they are to attend. To host these showers, the maid of honor must have a meticulous eye for detail, capturing the classic carnival theme without any childish decor. With the right decor and the help of candy apples, old school tickets and retro snacks, the maid of honor can transport the guests from a simple living room, backyard or basement to a world of youth, treats and games.
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Things You'll Need
- Wooden chairs
- Red and white striped tablecloth
- Black and white striped tablecloth
- Game tickets
- Carnations
- Glass vases
- Martini glasses
- Cotton candy
- Wooden crates
- Popcorn bags
- Peanut bags
- Candy apples
- Sliders (burgers and hot dogs)
- French fries
- Classic pop bottles
- Vintage fountain glasses
Instructions
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Send out wedding shower invitations with a classic carnival theme. Select invitations that have black and white pictures of Ferris wheels, popcorn stands or bumper cars. Include the shower date, location, attire, time and RSVP e-mail address and phone number.
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Create the carnival atmosphere. Fill the room with white balloons with long, red ribbons. Cover tables with red- and white-striped tablecloths, except the center table, which should have black- and white-striped tablecloth for emphasis.
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Designate a bartender who will dress in carnival attire, such as a red- and white-striped outfit. If the bartender is male, he might wear period costume such as a dark shirt, slacks, suspenders and a tweed hat.
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Place wooden crates on one table. Fill the crates with individual bags of popcorn and bags of roasted peanuts. Also fill bags with the couple's favorite candy.
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Organize the center table. Place a bouquet of red carnations in a clear glass vase on the table. Align drink and game tickets on the table. These tickets can be printed or made by hand to resemble classic carnival tickets.
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Place a carnival-themed food selection on a long table, including appetizers and treats. For example, place vintage fountain glasses and silverware on the left-hand side of the table. In the middle, place sliders, or mini-hamburgers and hot dogs, with sides of french fries. On the right-hand side, place chunks of cotton candy into individual martini glasses.
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Incorporate the cake into the theme by buying or making a large pound cake with red or blue berries. For a more elaborate cake decoration, include a Ferris wheel topper with a bride and groom sitting in one of the seats.
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Keep a barrel full of ice and classic soda pop in the original bottles. Have other drinks available, such as milkshakes, Shirley Temples and water.
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Include a table full of favors and prizes. These items should also be carnival themed. Prizes can be free movie tickets, amusement park discounts and classic vaudeville and jazz albums. Favors can be engraved candles or bags of candy with an engraved ribbon with the names of the bride and groom.
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Tips & Warnings
For an alcoholic beverage, create your own punch with juices and champagne. Using a classic, glass punch bowl to add to the theme. Have a special drink with a twist made in the honor of the couple.
References
Resources
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