• circus image by Nicemonkey from Fotolia.com
  
  A circus-themed prom is a creative, whimsical event that can include several glitzy and crowd-pleasing elements. Start with your budget first, and determine how much money you can spend. Reserve the largest chunk of the budget for circus-themed entertainment, and then try to save money by getting your high school art department involved in the decorations and scene setting.
  
  

Circus Photo Booth

• Every prom needs a professional photo booth so that couples can get their photograph taken. Personalize your photo booth with a circus theme. Provide a top hat, circus costumes, and Mardi Gras masks that resemble different animals. Couples can use the props to take memorable, fun photographs.
  
  

Trapeze Decorations

• Ask the drama and arts department to build trapeze props. You can hang them from the ceiling and wrap them with flowers or tinsel for decorations.
  
  

Ringmaster

• The emcee of the prom should dress up as the ringmaster of a circus. Rent or buy a costume from a local theater company or a party supply store.
  
  

Circus Actors

• Budget for circus actors. This also could be an opportunity for future thespians at your high school to don circus costumes--such as trapeze artists--and to walk around the prom entertaining guests. Other costume ideas include dressing as clowns, weightlifters and tiger tamers.
  
  

Circus Animal Cutouts

• Purchase or make circus animal cutouts from wood or cardboard. For example, you might want a few elephants, tigers, bears and birds. Make sure they are nearly life size to produce a dramatic effect.
  
  

Circus Food

• The refreshment table should be stocked with party food and circus fare--a popcorn-popping machine, cotton candy, chips, pretzels and soda.