Attention To Detail At Your Party Or Event

Attention To Detail At Your Party Or Event

Planning a party, function or event? Feel out of your depth and don’t know where to start? Read on as this may help, booking the venue or sending invitations is no great stress or budget buster, it is the smaller, finer details which if not planned for and costed into your budget can become the things of nightmares. The big obvious things should not be easily overlooked, make a list to be absolutely sure! It is the smaller touches and attention to detail which make a function run to perfection. From planning a dinner party to a kids Birthday or even a wedding reception organisation is the key with attention to detail being the make or break.
If you are organising something like a hen party where you will be required to dress all the guests in accessories, collect any monies due well in advance and order the items in well in advance. At Joking Around Fancy dress we are used to dealing with people who are organising all manner of costumes to accessories for large groups of party goers or even for corporate events. We are on hand to help and can even offer a discount if your order is a large one and can invoice direct to your e-mail in-box making it ways and stress free so you can put a big tick against this one one your list!
We stock anything from hats, sashes, wings, moustaches and a huge range of masks as well as colourful feather boas and novelty joke items. Perfect to wear out or to leave on tables at your function for added fun, have a change from party poppers and leave something a little different for you guests to enjoy at your party. (we stock party poppers as well!) Maybe the person/s the party is for has a particular interest, is mad about a football team or loves a particular film. Pick something like this and work it into a subtle theme for your party favours or decorations. www.jokingaround.co.uk
Don’t be afraid to make a list, state the obvious and use your list as a point of reference as often as you need it. The list may consist of days or even crucial dates weeks before your event where RSVP’s must be in, or particular food and wine must be ordered with your caterers. Make sure all purchases are made well in advance to their is no need for rushing around last minute and risking overlooking something more important on the day. Think practically and try to run the evening through in your head, think seating, where will the food go if your having a buffet.

If the event is a celebration like a Birthday, will the cake be on display or a surprise and when will the cake be cut, will it be eaten on the day or given out for your guests to take home? Who will cut and wrap the cake if needed and will it go into cake boxes or napkins, have they been ordered etc. etc? It is thinking like this and lending small tasks out to friends or making sure if you are at an venue that you know what staff will take care of so you can fill in any other tasks by delegating friends and family, know every detail is covered for a function that runs smoothly and without fault.  

No amount or forward planning is too much planning no matter how big or small you event. It will make for a stress free memorable occasion for which you are sure to be admired for your great hosting and planning skills. Don’t take anything for granted and never presume something is covered without checking first. Give yourself plenty of time, don’t rush anything and then sit back and enjoy! Good luck and I hope this helps.     

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There’s A Rumble In The Jungle – It Must Be A Party!

If your throwing a party and want it to be wild and funny but are stuck for ideas, how about having a Jungle theme? Since 1932 when Johnny Wiessmuller played ‘Tarzan’ in ‘The Ape Man’ there has been a fascination with the concept of a man sheltered from society and living wild in the Jungle. With endless possibilities there are so many costumes and decorations which are readily available to make your jungle themed party go with a bang. The following text is packed full of ideas and if we inspire you take a look at what we have to offer on our website at www.jokingaround.co.uk
 
 
 
 
 
 
From inflatable palm tree and parrot decorations to grass skirts to trim and decorate your food tables with there are so many choices. Think big bold exotic flowers and green trees, be clever and use what you have, check your garage and shed, have you got any of the mats used for lying on the beach? This would make a perfect table or floor covering, alternatively choose a bold green table cover and decorate with Pineapples, coconuts and other exotic fruit. The obvious food choice is a bar b q with loads of meat, ribs, steaks etc or hog roast if you budget allows.
 
 
 
Don’ forget the creepy crawlies, the jungle is thick with them and maybe you have a lot of parties and can re-use some large spiders or spiders web from Halloween. Sprinkle your table with petals or pretty confetti or add some streamers from the ceiling, there are no rules just make it up as you go along.
 
 
 
As far as costumes go you have a simple loin cloth for the exhibitionists or Tarzan wannabes out there (don’t forget the fake tan) and any number of cave man style costumesjungle theme party which would fit well as a tribesman costumes within the jungle theme. Why not add a fake dagger and a muscle shirt so you are ready to wrestle with a crocodile or lion (also available) Then there are the straw cowboy hats and world famous cork hats wear with some tattered clothes and make like you have been attacked in the jungle!
 
Then there are the safari explorer costumes for ladies and men, no jungle party would be complete without a cheeky monkey (gorilla) and we even have banana costumes for the gorilla to chase, all of which are unisex! We do a super Parrot costume for adults and many animal themed face masks for children as well and you could always turn up as Rambo, he was after all in the jungle!.
 
 
 
 
 
So if you like to just about bare all or like to be a little more covered up there are a lot of ideas here which you may not have thought of previously. I hope this has inspired you or at least made you consider having a jungle party, have a look at what is available and let your imagination run wild!   
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Oriental Themed Parties and Fancy Dress Costumes

Oriental is a theme which is easily overlooked but one which I feel should be considered as it is easy to cater for and there are many costume variations on the market for the whole family. At www.jokingaround.co.uk we have I believe one of the best Oriental ranges of costumes in the industry. With costume coming in beautiful colours and elaborate fabrics you can look stunning with very little effort.oriental wig
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the ladies unless you fancy being a Ninja, the main decision you have to make is if you want your costume to be short or long. Next have a colour or two in mind and yo may be surprised at the choices available to you. In particular and purely for the beautiful fabric my recommendation for a short ladies style would be our Ladies Geisha Dress (Miss Wong) this is a turquoise and gold dress in the most stunning fabric which the picture does no justice. Finished to a very high standard I am sure that you will make sure you have another occasion to wear this costume.
miss wong costume
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In a longer style we have some stunning options from our Geisha Japanese costume in black and cream which is suitable if you are on more of a budget. The more deluxe versions of this would be our Geisha lady in navy blue satin with a bold flower design and large bright pink sash belt or our Deluxe Oriental costume long in style with a large split up one side and available in three colour choices. For the larger lady or fuller figure we have a stunning Geisha Japanese Kimono and Wig Size 18-22. This is a complete costume and includes a black wig and oriental fan.plus size kimono
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For those of you who may be put off by what to wear on your feet a good and cheap solution to this would be to buy some white opaque tights. By pulling the toe part of the tights and slightly stretching it away from your toes you will be able to push the tights in between your big toe and the one next to it. This will enable you to wear some flip flops, something nearly everyone has lurking at the back of a cupboard somewhere. OK so it’s not authentic if your going to be picky but looks pretty good I think . If you are opting for a shorter style costume then some simple, strappy every day sandals should be fine.
 
For the men there are also more options than may at first be obvious, the Ninja being the first one most people would think of is available in different styles and sizes. There are then variations of Japanese Warriors, we stock a super quality Samurai Warrior costume or our Ninja Kabuki Warrier.japanese warrior
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Then as a man you can really have fun with this theme as we have some super Sumo Suits they are big and padded and a great ice breaker. Recently we added our super deluxe Emperor’s kimono this is flamboyant and theatrical and our costume was recently featured on the Alan Titchmarsh show.
deluxe emporer costume
With numerous decorative accessories such as Chinese flags and cardboard cut out packs, not to mention the sky lanterns which have dramatically grown in popularity recently. This would be a lovely way to end a meal or a lovely gesture to fill the sky with these lanterns after singing someone Happy Birthday. These lanterns which are available in single colour or multi coloured packs they generally come in packs of five and would need to be lit and released by adults.
This theme certainly has the makings of a special celebration of night, it is not a difficult one to source or particularly expensive. If your budget allows it would certainly be easy to out cater for, if you have a local Chinese or Cantonese restaurant why not get them to price the catering up for you. We did this once and it was a huge success, no mess cooking and no washing up as we had disposable plates. For the table go for a black red and gold scheme in paper or linen what ever you can get hold of, add some chopsticks and you are ready.
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Mexican Party Ideas And Tips

Mariachi man fancy dressMexican bandit fancy dressMexican ponchoArriba Arriba! It’s a Mexican Party

If you are entertaining for a group,or throwing  party of the year and fancy a theme, how about a Mexican themed party? You can throw something together yourself or go mad and buy an authentic costume. At Joking Around Fancy Dress we have many flags, inflatable cactus accessories and costumes in our Mexican theme.  Ideal year round and suitable for the whole family it should have the makings of a memorable and fun night for all.

 
 
 
Add a poncho to a pair of jeans, this could be home made if you have an old blanket or we have a great range of colourful fancy dress poncho’s to suit all budgets on our website. Add a sombrero which are very large, cheap and easy to get hold of. Stick on, draw on or even grow a nice bushy moustache and you are away. We even have gold tooth caps, jumbo fake cigars and gun and holsters which could be worn under the poncho or tuck a gun into your jeans belt.
 
For those of you who are really looking for a one stop complete costume we have a super Deluxe Mexican Bandit costume which is made of linen effect fabric and has attached bullet belts.
 
The Tequila Dude adds a fun twist to this theme as the costume consists of a top with two belt straps with spaces for 12 shot glasses which are included with the costume as is a sombrero. Just add some Tequila, lemon and salt and you have instant entertainment at your party. This would also be really funny if you were having a dinner party and cooking Mexican food, no other costumes necessary apart from this one and I am sure you will not be short of volunteers to sample your wares!
 tequila pop dude
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

We have other comical style costumes in this range such as our Taco Shell, which is exactly what it says a Taco Shell. There is of course the famous and licensed Zorro men’s complete costume. We have Mexican Wrestlers in two styles or colours which are really popular and a Mariachi Man costume in several size options this is also very popular and is most frequently purchased in threes for the Three Amigos. Ladies would also be able to wear this costume in the smaller sizes, just add some maracas and a black moustache and your outfit is complete.  
 Mexican wrestler costume
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the ladies we have several senorita and rumba lady costumes or you could always be a lady Mexican bandit (why should the men have all the fun?) The Mexican Wrestler costumes would also be suitable for women as after all part of the fun at fancy dress events is guessing who everyone is. Another idea if you have a full gypsy style skirt is to pair it with our multifunctional ‘Ladies White Fancy dress Shirt’ this is elasticated all the way round the neck line front and back, wear this off the shoulder and either wear with a black wig or pin you hair back with a red rose and you will fit in perfectly well.Spanish senorita fancy dress

Throw in some more Tequila (for the adults only of course) and your party is sure to go with a bang. For added fun why not have a Pinata at your party this can be filled with anything you like as long as it is small so could be tailored for adults or children’s parties. You could always fill it with tiny envelopes with dares inside to spice up your Tequila loaded party. There are really so many options with these Pinatas and they are most definitely not just for children just make sure you don’t forget the blindfold and stick to hit it with. P.S. stand back I know this from personal experience when having a party for 20 five year old pirates if you get in the way of the stock it hurts!    

 

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Clowning Around in Fancy Dress

Mens clown suit

Roll up, roll up! Circus is a fantastic and fun theme for a party for adults and children alike as there are so many characters and performers which would fit into this theme. Generally costumes and decorations would be of bright colours and lively designs making this a theme sure to make a memorable party. Check out our range of clown costumes, jokes and accessories at www.jokingaround.co.uk
There are the obvious choices such as clowns and the sexy ringmaster but what about the animals? You could be a bearded lady or some other bizarre
creation guaranteed to attract an audience at your performance. You could be a mime artist or living statue, there are no rules so you decide who you want to be.
ringmaster costume
Costumes for this theme are available in full or you can accessorise to create your own unique design. Clown shoes, air horns and squirt flowers are available for the naughty clowns. Whips’s are available for the ringmaster so why not go as a lion if your partner wants to be the ringmaster?
No big top performance would be complete without painted faces in all sorts of disguises and kits and even books can be purchased to give you step by step instructions to create an authentic face of makeup.  
clown make up

 

f your party is at home choose plates and table accessories in block bold colours such as red, yellow, blue etc and add some colourful bunting. Serve funfair or big top style food such as hot dogs, burgers, popcorn and candyfloss easy to get hold of and not a budget buster.

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New Film Fancy Dress Ideas

Film Releases in 2011 and Fancy Dress

There are many films being released in 2011 as there are every year but with fancy dress being the business we are in I have taken a look at the films coming out this year which i think may be the ones likely to cause demand for fancy dress. This is however only my opinion but these are the films I believe that fancy dress will be easily available for.

The first major production which I believe will be not only one to go and see but one for which there will be many costumes available is ‘Transformers The Dark Side of The Moon’. The official UK release date for this movie is 1st July 2011, if you have seen the first two movies as I have and loved them then this is going to be a must. If you are a lover of these films then why not take a look at the many costumes which are available in this licensed range by Rubies for adults and children. The trailers for this film are available on line now, why not have a look to wet your apatite?

The next big release to hit our screens with an official release date in the UK of 15th July will be ‘Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part-2’. I await this release with mixed feelings, partly anticipation as I know this is going to be an outstanding climax to the Harry Potter films. Partly also with sadness, I can’t believe it’s coming to an end. I could happily go an see a new Harry Potter film each and every year. We have watched the actors grow in front of our eyes over the years in this wonderful fantasy adventure. There are so many characters to choose from all of which have firmly secured a place in the fancy dress industry from full Harry Potter costumes to masks and accessories. Our range is vast and will be added to in preparation for the film release this year.

The third release which I await with interest in ‘Captain America The First Avenger’ this has a release date in the UK of 29th July. I will be there with my family for this one it looks fantastic

capt America adult costume Check out the new Captain America film trailer available on line for this one. If you liked the Fantastic Four and Iron Man then this looks a sure pleaser, with an all star cast and a bigger then big budget there will no doubt be costumes galore to go with this release. Captain America the classic comic costume has been available for many years in adult and child’s sizes as have the boot tops and shield. Captain America Shield

Watch this space with this one I predict it will be huge!

On 30th August 2011 the feature length up to date cartoon of the Smurfs will be setting out on an adventure our big screens. The Smurfs have been loved for generations and costumes are already available in adult sizes, it’s just a matter of time before there are child sizes available. As children fall in love with the Smurfs all over again this will be a great and fun theme for a whole family to get dressed up as.

Finally there is a family film which looks like a lot of fun due for UK release on 1st December 2011 ‘Cavegirl The Movie’. This is a super fancy dress theme for all ages and genders and year round. There are so many caveman style costumes on the market already I am sure that with the release of this film there will be a whole load more. Set the theme for your party as ‘stone age’ it is guaranteed to be hilarious. With numerous accessories also available such as bone necklaces and earrings and inflatable clubs to name but a few the options are endless.

If you want to be ahead of the rest and plan a party which has a theme and is current. Take a look at some of these film previews for some inspiration. If you are hosting the party and want everyone in the same theme or if you are going to a party check out what it coming up and dazzle your friends and other party goers.

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Dressing Up In A Wizard Of Oz Theme

The Wizard of Oz Fancy Dress

Based on the book The Wizard of Oz written in 1900 The film production of the Wizard of Oz made by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer hit the big screen in 1939. Starring Judy Garland the film was initially a box office failure but later went on to win three Academy Awards. For it’s time the film was notable for it’s use of special effects and fantasy storytelling and characters the like of which had not been seen before. Not only has the Wizard of Oz been named one of the worlds most famous films ever made it is also the most watched film in history (as named by the Library of Congress). It has been loved for generations and will be no doubt for generations to come.

Dorothy costume
With the recent screening of the hugely popular programme ‘Over The Rainbow’ hosted by the fabulous Graham Norton to find an actress worthy of playing Dorothy. Followed by the subsequent success of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Bill Wainright’s production of the enchantingly classic story ‘The Wizard of Oz’ at the world famous London Palladium. The Wizard of Oz story has received an unsurprising boost in popularity and is a perfect choice for a fancy dress theme as there are so many characters to choose. With it being a fantasy adventure so you could even create your own Oz style character.
There are many costumes available on the market from the licensed Rubies Dorothy costume to any number of country girl gingham blue and white checked dresses.
You can even get a basket for Toto and the all important glittery red shoes. Aside from the main characters. The Wicked Witch of the west, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion etc there are also many other characters such as munchkins, Auntie Em and any number of people from the Emerald City.cowardly lion costume from Wizard of Oz
There are the scary winged monkey (a little harder to create but for those with a creative streak I am sure you will think of something) and the beefeater style soldiers who work at the Castle for the Wicked Witch of the West. Not forgetting of course the all powerful Wizard of the Emerald City, although there is no official costume for this character any quirky tail coat and top hat should easily pass.
This is just a fun idea where you can adapt costumes and characters to suit your taste, so if you like to dress up smart or like to play the fool and really get into character then there has to be something in the Wizard Of Oz theme to suit you. Follow the yellow brick road to our website at www.jokingaround.co.uk to view our selection of costumes. We post all orders out the same day if placed before 2pm by Royal Mail, over the rainbow direct to your given address. Remember ‘there’s no place like shopping for fancy dress’ than Joking Around! I mean ‘no place like home’.
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Dressing Up Ideas For Forces Fancy Dress

Dressing Up In Forces Fancy Dress

army girl fancy dress

If you are a real macho man who wants to dress to impress the ladies or a lovely lady who wants to be a sexy member of the foxy forces brigade then there is so much to choose from.Dressing in army style clothing is an instant hit with the opposite sex and so is very popular throughout the year.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At out website http://www.jokingaround.co.uk/ we have an entire category dedicated to Forces costumes and uniform fancy dress. It can be as simple as a Police Officer, Navy Officers, Fire fighters outfits to a variety of Army costume’s available in men’s and women’s styles and in a good choice of sizes. Check out our range of classic 1940’s style army costumes, super quality and very realistic looking.
 
 
 
 
A great idea for groups of ladies and men for hen or stag parties and with many companies such as Joking Around offering discounts for large or multiple orders it could be easier to arrange than you think. We also offer a fantastic range of multi purpose accessories such as hats and sunglasses to compliment or costumes or to enhance a costume you may already have. We also have some great and completely safe inflatable machine guns and packs of arms accessories including a plastic gun.
army fancy dress helmet
If Army is the theme you have chosen you may wish to apply some face paint in either green or black, with one pot covering up to 50 faces one pot of each colour required should be more than enough even if you are going out as a group. One of our most recent best sellers in the forces category is our padded muscle shirt this is a skin coloured shirt which is well padded to add muscles instantly. This has also been popular for people going to 80’s themed parties as Rambo, it is inexpensive, comfortable and could easily be used again.
muscle shirt fancy dress ideas
What ever the occasion, if you are looking for a comfortable and safe costume guaranteed to impress. Looking for something simple and stylish as a group or want to make a romantic proposal as an Officer and a gentleman there are a lot of options open to you. Just pick a theme and match a costume or some accessories to your budget mix with a bit of imagination and your good to go soldier!  
 
 
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Fancy Dress Ideas For Groups

Going in Fancy Dress as a group

If you don’t like drawing attention to yourself and dread the thought of going to a fancy dress party, maybe if you could go as a couple, trio or group in the same Fancy Dress costume or same theme of Fancy Dress outfit. batman and joker costumes

If you are planning on going as a pair be it with a friend of the same sex or partner of the opposite sex there are many options available out there for you. Some of which you can make yourself and some of which are available to buy. Some good examples of this would be a Cowboy and Indian, 118 118 runners, Batman and the Joker costumes, Freddy Krueger and Miss Krueger, Medieval Tavern Wench and Tavern Keeper, American Footballer and Cheerleader and the list goes on and on.Joker costume to go with batman

For those of you going in a group of three there are still a lot of possibilities and even if you pick the main or key characters out of a larger group you can still make three work.

 

Some suggestions for groups of three would be: Three Amigos (Mariachi Man), Three Musketeers, Batman – Robin and Batgirl, Scooby and shaggy couple costumes

Shaggy and Scooby Doo 

Howling Ghost (to chase them). Again the possibilities are endless.

scary ghost costume

For larger groups of four or more you need to get a bit more creative, there were four Ghostbusters but you can always add a ghost or two, Scooby Doo consists of five licensed costumes (Shaggy, Scooby, Velma, Daphne and Fred) but you can always add to this by someone going as a ghost or monster or could even add two or three and get away with it. Maybe there is a main party member, it could be their Birthday or stag or hen night so you would want this person to stand out or be dressed differently to everyone else.

Pick either a main character like Cruella Deville and have everyone else dressed as dalmatians, Michael Jackson and have a load of Zombies with tattered clothes and scary makeup, Darth Vader and lots of storm troopers, a school teacher and a load of kids, you get the idea? Alternatively go for a Can Can or any theme and have the Birthday girl or Hen in a different costume or different colour to the rest of the party. Maybe a load of the girls will go as bumble bee’s and the Birthday girl can be a ladybird? All the ladies could be devils and the Hen an Angel?

The point is it’s fancy dress and anything goes really, also if you are buying in bulk many fancy dress outlets and websites offer group discounts, even if it is not advertised it is worth asking. Here at http://www.jokingaround.co.uk/ we offer discounts on multiple or bulk offers or if this is not possible will always try to throw in some accessories or express shipping in free of charge if we can.
Also don’t be scared to ask if you are struggling to come up with an idea we have dealt with all sorts of requests from 20 plus Amy Winehouse costumes to 20 plus American Footballers and everything in between. We have just about seen and heard it all so we may just have that idea you are waiting for and we don’t bite, honest!   

 

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Afro is the way to go

blonde afro wig

Afro is the way to go

Want a quick and easy fancy dress idea? Afro you an idea or two, get it? Terrible I know but there are so many uses for afro wigs which come in many colours with some even being multicoloured, in a variety of sizes from basic small afro’s to mega huge they are possibly one of the most versatile wigs on the fancy dress market.

Afro’s come in so many colour choices and are popular as can be worn on their own with no need for a costume as they are funny in their own right. Green afro’s for example could be a choice as it is someones favourite colour or would be perfect for St Patrick’s Day celebrations. Single colours are hugely popular at football matches as they are easy to get hold of and you can pick the colour of your team. If feeling patriotic afro wigs are even available in Union Jack and St George options.

f we start with the obvious black, brown or blonde basic afro for a 70’s disco king or queen or as an accompaniment to a fairly standard hippie costume, the result is guaranteed to be impressive and funny. Depending on how brave you are you can always go up a size and opt for a mega huge wig, so funny and considerably larger than the standard afro. Then there is the mother of all afro’s for any show offs out there, they are ridiculously big, stand tall and come out and down to your shoulders. Perfect for any of you exhibitionists who can’t pass on an opportunity to get noticed.huge green afro wig

Afro’s come in so many colour choices and are popular as can be worn on their own with no need for a costume as they are funny in their own right. Green afro’s for example could be a choice as it is someones favourite colour or would be perfect for St Patrick’s Day celebrations.

 

 Single colours are hugely popular at football matches as they are easy to get hold of and you can pick the colour of your team. If feeling patriotic afro wigs are even available in Union Jack and St George options.Union jack afro wig

Pink afro’s would be perfect for girls night’s out or a hen night party or even to top a fairy outfit to make it a bit more funky. pink afro wigLikewise different colours or a preferred colour choice would be great for a lads night out or a stag party. Bumble bee and Ladybird costume have been very popular over the last few years, an afro in red or yellow or even an afro with flowers would be a really cool addition to a costume like this. These afro wigs also come in neon colours, brilliant for 80’s nights or just to stand out that little bit more.

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