Choosing a theme can stall a whole event. Weeks go by while the shortlist goes round in circles. The truth is that a capable supplier can make almost any theme look stylish, but the best ones know which ideas guests respond to and can show you footage of how they bring each one to life. Here are four themes that consistently go down well, with practical notes on how to style and entertain for each.
Key takeaways
- A circus showman theme is entertainment-led, so set aside a good share of the budget for acts.
- Apres ski suits relaxed dress codes and works for both late-night parties and family days.
- Enchanted garden themes bring the outdoors inside, a safe bet given British weather.
- 1920s glamour is easy for guests to dress for and works in almost any dark indoor space.
Circus showman
The showman-style circus, with its top hats, ringmasters and big musical numbers, remains a popular request. Red and gold feel opulent, and purple works well too. Draping fabric up to a central point creates a big top effect, and a round dancefloor with moving lights finishes the picture. Catering can join in, with usherettes handing out popcorn.
Entertainment options are wide: life-size animal characters, singers performing showtune medleys, aerial acts, LED hula hoopers and much more. Because this theme relies so heavily on performers, give the entertainment a healthy portion of the budget.
You can choose how far to lean into the musical side. Mix traditional circus acts with big showtune moments, or keep it classic and let the costumes do the talking.
Tip from our team: Plan a showpiece moment, such as a singer joined by an aerialist, to mark the start of dinner or the dancefloor.
Apres ski
With retro fashion back in style, an apres ski theme gives guests a relaxed, fun dress code. It can be a late-night mountain bar party with dancing in thermals and bobble hats, or a family-friendly event with retro games and interactive entertainment.
Bavarian brass bands and acrobats in lederhosen are firm favourites and get everyone joining in. For a modern twist, try illuminated segway skiers, LED hula hoopers or an electric violinist with a light-up instrument. Winter events can add fire performers to warm things up, and a ski-slope ice luge run by costumed hosts is always popular.
No wooden lodge? A marquee works well. Dress it with ski-lift seating, snow machines, white star cloth, a white LED dancefloor, warm uplighting and fireplace props.
Enchanted garden
Botanical themes are reliable, especially in the UK, because they bring the outdoors inside. If the sun shines, indoor and outdoor spaces blend together. If it rains, guests still feel as though they are in a garden.
You can steer the theme many ways: a spring garden, a summer garden party, a woodland fairytale or a mythical paradise. Photo walls are easy to make special by weaving greenery through balloon arches and adding flowers to props.
Entertainment ideas include a stilt walker dressed as a fruit tree who picks a fruit from her headdress to reveal a small gift, human topiary that greets guests with a hug, ballet dancers in blossom costumes, fairies and woodland creatures, and floral living statues on plinths either side of the entrance.
1920s glamour
The roaring twenties never really go out of fashion. Guests love dressing up, and almost any dark indoor space can become a speakeasy. Choose between the glamour of an Art Deco cocktail party or the grittier style of gangsters and their molls.
Art Deco usually means black with gold or silver. The gangster look suits black, white and red, or warmer browns. Either way, put real thought into the cocktail menu and the music.
Live musicians are one of the best ways to set the era, from a jazz band to a swing singer. Add vintage-style photography, flapper dancers and a performer seated in a giant champagne coupe pouring fizz for guests.
How to choose between them
- Think about your guests: will they enjoy dressing up, or prefer a light-touch theme?
- Match the season: apres ski for winter, enchanted garden for spring and summer
- Consider the venue: dark rooms suit 1920s, bright spaces suit gardens
- Look at your budget split: circus themes need more for acts, garden themes more for decor
- Ask suppliers for video of each theme done at a real event
Acts and themes in this article
Circus Acts
Ringmasters, contortion and big-top spectacle
Aerial Performers
Hoop, silks and freestanding aerial rigs
LED Performers
Light-up costumes that glow in the dark
Fire Performers
Fire shows for terraces, gardens and grand finales
Circus Showman
Ringmasters, aerial, contortion and big-top spectacle for a night of pure showmanship.
Enchanted Garden
Floral living statues, garden aerial and blooming champagne glasses for a romantic, natural look.
Gatsby & 1920s
Champagne, jazz and roaring twenties glamour, delivered by performers who live the look.
Frequently asked questions
Which event theme is easiest to pull off?
A 1920s theme is one of the simplest. Guests enjoy dressing up, the colour palette is straightforward and a jazz band or singer instantly sets the scene.
What is a good theme for a winter corporate party?
Apres ski and winter wonderland themes both suit the season. Apres ski feels relaxed and playful, while a winter wonderland leans more elegant.
How much of the budget should go on entertainment?
It depends on the theme. Entertainment-led themes like circus need a larger share for performers, while garden or botanical themes rely more on decor and lighting.
Need help choosing a theme?
Tell us about your guests, venue and date, and we will suggest themes and acts that suit them.
Written by Charlotte Pemberton, Events writer.
