Giving your guests a letter as a costume theme is quite common and can make for some very interesting ideas for costumes. You have a few options...

• Allow guests to dress up in a costume related to their initials (or just first name if you want to narrow their choices)
• Ask guests to dress up in costumes related to your initials
• Choose 1 or 2 letters that they have to find a related costume for.

To be honest, when you first send out your invitations, many of your guests will be very confused as to what you are asking. I would suggest that in the invitation you do give them a good explanation. If your guests are confused, they may not even attempt to dress up, or worse, not attend your party.

I would include some costume suggestions for various letters, just to get their brain cells working a bit. If you really want to help, why not print out this page, and my other hubs so you have a complete A-Z list of possible costumes.

So, this hub will concentrate on costumes beginning with C. Look to the right for links to my other alphabet hubs. If you have any great ideas for costumes for a letter, pop them in the comments box at the end and I will add them in.

Don't forget to check out this site if you need to find quality fancy dress online

Cabaret Dancer - You should be able to put this type of costume together with a few items. You will need a tailcoat or leotard, top hat, cane and fishnets. Ostrich feathers can be purchased for a fan.

Cabin Boy / girl - Many a wench stowed themselves away to be near their sweetheart. Famous cabin boys are Jim Hawkins ( Treasure island) and Tom (Captain Pugwash). Use a wench costume (for ladies) or billowing shirt (or stripped top) and short trousers for men and women.

Caesar -(100-44 BC) There were many Caesars in Roman history Julius Caesar is the most well known. Famed for his association with Cleopatra and his conquest of Britain. He was killed by an assassin (15 March 44 BC) by those who thought he was becoming too powerful. A range of togas and Caesar style costumes are available to hire or purchase.

Caesar's Wife(Calpurnia) - Married Julius Caesar in 59 BC. Use a toga costume.

Calamity Jane- Female hero whose real name was Martha Jane Cannary-Burke, played by Doris Day. The film costume is made up of a two piece skin outfit with matching hat and rifle.

Cardinal - Red, religous costume. Available to hire and purchase.

Calypso Girl - Colourful carnival style costume that has a top and skirt with many multi-coloured frills.

Camel - As you can stand up in the humps, we do find that camels are far more comfortable than a 2 man horse or cow! costumes only really available for hire.

Can Can- Since the film 'Moulin Rouge' , interest in this style of costume has intensified. Dresses tend to be plain and it is only when the top skirt is lifted will you see the lovely multi coloured layers underneath. Moulin Rouge had these traditional style dresses but also ones with ornate bodices.

Captain America - American comic strip hero created in 1941. A licensed version is available to purchase.

Captain Hook - Arch rival of Peter Pan from the JM Barrie book Peter Pan. You can either go for the Disney or Dustin Hoffman's dandified (Hook) version.

Captain Jack Sparrow - another Disney success. Jack is the 'hero' of the Pirates Of The Caribbean Films. Many pirate accessories are available to purchase to get the look for this character. An official costume is available.

Captain James Cook- Explorer and 'father' of modern Australia. Wear a 3 piece (jacket, waistcoat and pantaloons) Georgian style suit, tricorne hat and buckled shoes.

Captain James Kirk - Commander of the US Enterprise in the Star Trek series, first seen in 1967. Star Wars tops are available to hire.

Captain Pugwash- Popular childrens pirate since the 1950's

Captain Scarlet- Gerry Anderson's indestructible hero from the television series Captain Scarlet & The Mysterons.

Captain (Plane) - Black or Navy uniform jacket with a peaked hat with wings.

Captain (RAF) - Royal Air Force uniforms, available to hire from fancy dress shops or buy from an Army surplus store.

Captain (Army) - Army uniforms, available to hire from fancy dress shops or buy from an Army surplus store.

Captain (Ship) - A white naval uniform will suffice for this. This costume is available to hire or purchase.

Cartoon Characters may be cheating (a bit like 'comic strip characters') but it does give a good range of costumes to choose from.

Cartoon characters is a theme in its own right and it is a subject that I will be covering in another hub. So if you need more detailed information get in contact with me.

Ladies cartoon characters include:

• Minnie Mouse
• Daphne (Scooby Doo)
• Wilma (Scooby doo)
• Wilma Flintstone
• Betty Rubble
• Snow White
• Cinderella
• Tinkerbelle

Men's cartoon characters include:

• Scooby Doo
• Fred (Scooby Doo)
• Shaggy (Scooby Doo)
• Fred Flintstone
• Barney Rubble
• Pink Panther
• Captain Hook
• Peter Pan

Caribbean Man- This can be either a rasta, dreadlock Jamaican style costume or carnival style attire.

Carmen Miranda - Famous Brazilian actress of the 1940's (although she was actually Portuguese) Famous for her 'fruit bowl headwear'.

Carnival Character- Carnival is approached very differently in each country. The most famous carnivals are: Rio de Janeiro where the carnival goers dress in very elaborate costume. Venice where carnevale is celebrated wearing elaborate masks and costumes (traditionally Georgian but is seems nowadays that any costume will do). UK Carnivals are more common during the summer months (thanks to our fantastic weather!) and basically any costume would do.

Carol singer - An easy costume that can be put together using your own warm, winter clothing, including, gloves, hat and scarf. Add a Christmas song sheet and viola! Elaborate Victorian costumes are also available to hire

Casanova - Legendary lover of the 18th Century. His real name was Glacomo Girolamo Casanova de Seingalt, luckily for everyone is was shortened to plain ol' Casanova! Wear a Georgian style costume for this character.

Caspar - The friendly ghost who appeared in the film of the same name. Can easily be put together using a white sheet, or costumes are available to hire or purchase.

Castaway - Robinson Crusoe & Ben Gunn would be two good examples of a castaway. Abandoned by shipmates or attacked by pirates, a castaway style costume would normally consist of tatty shirt and trousers/shorts and a beach comber style hat. Just add some stubble and a straggly wig.

Cat - You have many various choices for a cat. You could go as:

• Puss in Boots - wear a Georgian style costume, cat nose and whiskers, a musketeer style hat and overboots

• Cat in The hat (see later)
• Sylvestor - costume is available to hire
• Tom (from Tom & Jerry)

• Sexy cat - Black leotard, cat tail, cat ear, cat whiskers and fishnets will create this sexy look.

Cat Ballou- Character played by Jane Fonda in the western film. Cat Ballou was a cowgirl, so any cowgirl costume will be suitable.

Cat Burglar- Take a black and white stripped top, a black eyemask and add cat whiskers, ears, a tail and a sack with 'SWAG' on the side. A great play on words.

Catherine Howard - 5th Wife of Henry VIII who was beheaded. Wear a Tudor style costume.

Catherine of Aragon - 1st wife of Henry VIII, who was eventually divorced. Wear a Tudor style costume.

Catherine Parr - 6th wife of Henry VIII, who outlived him but died in childbirth having remarried. Wear a Tudor style costume.

Catwoman Mk. 1 - Comic book foe of Batman (1960s). Costume was based around a standard black jumpsuit, eye-mask and cat ears on a headband.

Catwoman Mk. 2 - The 1992 film, 'Batman Returns' had Michelle Pfeiffer wearing a PVC style costume with white stitch marks and a matching half face mask. Heeled pixie boots, gloves and a long whip complete the look.

Catwoman Mk. 3 - Halle Berry then took Catwoman to another level with a black crop top urban street fighter (and some say bondage) look.

Cavalier- Probably a costume you will need to hire as they tend to consist of rather ornate jackets, frilled shirts, pantaloons, overboots and a large hat. A ringlet wig will complete the outfit.

Cavalryman- Will change depending on the era and country. You could use most military style costumes to suit this costume choice.

Caveman - Many caveman costumes are available to purchase and tend to be very reasonably priced. You could also go down the road of The Flintstones costumes.

Cavewoman- Costumes are available to purchase and tend to be on the sexy side (think Rachel Welch in the film 'One Million Years BC' - 1966)

Centurion (Roman) - Roman Warrior, use a standard Roman Gladiator costume and a short sword for close combat fighting.

Ceres - Roman Goddess of the Earth & Crops. Also a character in Morris Dancing. So you have 2 choices of costume here. You can either go for a Goddess style toga (normally white), holding seeds or flowers, or, wear green and brown clothes with matching face and hair (use face paint and hairspray) and a headdress of ivy.

Chaplain - Looks after the spiritual side of Prisoners, servicemen etc... A vicar's costume would suffice.

Charles I - Stuart King (UK) who opposed Parliament and, following the civil war, was beheaded. You can use a Cavalier costume - although it is a little too early for this style of costume.

Charles II - The Cavalier style costume is ideal for this character, add a cape if at all possible. Famous for his 'relationship' with Nell Gwyn, the orange seller.

Charles Dickens - Victorian author. Use any standard Victorian costume.

Charleston- Also called Flappers, this style of costume was very popular during the roaring 20s. To be correct, hem should finish at the knee. Traditionally charleston dresses would have fringing or beading to emphasise the dancing movements.

Charlie Chaplin - (1889 - 1977). Comedy film star very popular during the silent era of film history. Most commonly known for his black suit, tie, bowler hat, cane and thick black eyebrows and small moustache.

Charlie's Angels - Heroines of the cult television series (19790/80's) and the recent films. The 'Angels' would wear tight fitting catsuits with a 70s style haircuts. A group of 3 girls could also dress as angels (from heaven) with a sign saying 'Charlie's - hands off!

Chauffeur - Smart looking suit with a peaked cap.

Cheerleader - Can easily be put together using a leotard or top, short shirt and pom poms. Complete costumes are available to hire or purchase.

Chef- Costumes are available top purchase or hats can be bought on their own for a very simple costume. 'Bloody' chef costumes are a big hit at halloween.

Cher-Many hits with her partner Sonny Bono in the 1960s, Cher had a distinctive look with straight dark hair (with a fringe and without) and a long afan coat. More recently, Cher is known to wear very sexy clothes and change her hairstyle many times.

Chewbacca- Wookie character from Star Wars. Costumes available to hire and purchase.

Chick - Most people would make do with a chicken costume here! You could however, go down the Rock Chick route too!

Chicken - Chicken costumes are available to hire mainly. You can also purchase masks and face bops to help create your look.

Chile Pepper - Foam costume available to purchase

Champagne Bottle - Foam costume available to purchase

Chimney Sweep- Associated with the Victorian era, wishing brides luck at their wedding and Mary Poppins. Outfit comprises of black trousers, waistcoat, shirt and neckerchief. The formal 'lucky' sweep will also wear a top hat and tailcoat. All types should carry a sweep brush (although these are very rare)

Chimp - Monkey face bops are available to purchase but you would normally have to hire this costume.

Chinese Coolie - Simple peasant style Chinese costume with cone style hat. Often seen in the pantomime Aladdin

Chinese Dragon - A few brave soles may try and make their own version of this.

Chinese Emperor - Costumes are available to hire

Chinese New Year Animal - There are 12 Chinese New Year animals although the cat may replace the rabbit in some cultures. They are: Dog, Dragon, Horse, Monkey, Ox/Buffalo, Pig, Rabbit/Cat, Ram/sheep, Rat, Rooster, Snake and Tiger.

Chinese Lady - Traditional dresses, both long and short are available to hire or purchase. Wear a short, black bobbed wig.

Chippendale- Simple costume that you can make up yourself. Wear your own trousers and add a Chippendale set that you can purchase. The set includes: Cuffs and a bow tie. Fake chests are available if you have not spent enough hours in the gym!

Christmas Angel - Angel costumes can be hired or purchased although you can also make your own costume up using a white dress and buying some angel wings and a halo.

Christmas Pudding- Is available to purchase as well as hire.

Christmas Tree - Available to hire and purchase.

Christopher Columbus- Explorer of the New World in 1492. Use a Tudor / Elizabethan style costume (doublet and hose)

Chubby Brown - Known for his loud check suits and flying helmet.

Cigarette - Fun, foamed costume available to purchase

Cilla Black - 1960s singer and current TV personality. Use a 60's style 'mod' style costume with beehive wig.

Cinderella - You have 2 choices with this character, rags or riches? You can use a wench style costume that is tatty looking for doing menial labour, or an ornate ballgown for the palace ball where she meets her Prince Charming.

Circus Performer - Choose from the following:

• Acrobat - Leotard and fishnets
• Clown - many available to hire or purchase or make up your own using clown noses, clown wigs, make up,over sized ties
• Ringmaster - Tailcoat,top hat and whip
• Strongman - Use a Caveman outfit
• Knife Thrower - Indian outfit

Cleopatra - (69-30 BC) legendary Queen of Egypt although she was actually Greek. she enlisted the help of Rome (Julius Caesar) to seize the throne but after his assassination she transferred her allegiance to Mark Anthony. Mark Anthony committed suicide in the misguided belief that Cleopatra had been killed in battle. it is thought that Cleopatra also killed herself (by as Asp's bite) rather than be taken hostage in Rome. Wear a gown that can be plain, if you so wish and add elaborate jewellery like necklaces and headpieces. Wear a black, bobbed wig and have very pale skin with elaborate dark make up. Check out Elizabeth Taylor's interpretation (1963) for a reference.

Clint Eastwood - Hollywood actor first seen in Rawhide and famous for his portrayal of many western characters. You can use a standard cowboy costume or a Mexican style poncho with a cowboy hat (stetson) if you prefer.

Clown - Many varieties of clown costume are available on the market but it is also a costume that can be put together quite easily if you have some colourful clothing that you can wear. Accessories that are available to purchase include: wigs, noses, ties, braces, shoes and make up.

Clyde Barrow- One half of the notorious 1930's Bonnie & Clyde bank robbers. The film (1967) starred Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty.

Colonial Lady - Open to interpretation as it covers genteel ladies during the last days of the Raj in India to an early American pioneer.

Commando - Military uniform featuring all black or camouflage clothing and weapons.

Confederate Soldier - Southern soldier of the US during the American Civil War. Led by General Robert E Lee

Convict - The traditional cartoon convict depicts a black and white stripped top and trousers with a matching hat. More modern designs comprise of an orange jumpsuit. Add a ball and chain for comedy value.

Costume Designer - As added by Sisterkate! Use your imagination for this one. Any way out mixture of clothing and hairstyle wlll do!

Count Dracula - Still a popular costume after all these years. Costumes are available to purchase, but it is very easy to put your own costume together with the many accessories that are available to buy.

Okay, going as a comic strip character may be cheating ( a little). There are plenty on the market to choose from, so you will be spoilt for choice. I do aim to have a hub page dedicated to Comic Strip characters, so if you need more detailed information, 'watch this space!

Some examples of male comic strip costumes

• Superman
• Batman
• Robin
• Spiderman
• Bananaman
• Mr. Incredible
• The Hulk
• Wolverine
• Iron Man

Some Examples of female comic strip costumes.

• Batgirl
• Wonder Woman
• Super Girl
• Mrs. Incredible
• Poison Ivy
• Cat Woman

Condom Costume - Yes, it is true! you can purchase a condom foam costume.

Cop- Choose from an American cop such as the New York cop costume worn by one of the members of YMCA, Keystone Kops, a sexy policewoman or a standard UK police officer. You could also make up a costume fairly easily using the accessories that are available to buy.

Cossack- Russian Slovac warrior (peasant) horsemen. Male and female versions of the traditional red jacket and trousers (or skirt) with fur hat are available.

Country & Western Singer - Use a cowgirl outfit or just accessorise your own clothing to create a Dolly Parton/Shania Twain or Tammy Wynette. For men, just wear blue jeans and a check shirt, a cowboy hat will just finish off the look.

Court Jester - Traditional jester costumes comprise of a multi coloured jacket and pantaloons or tights and a three pointed hat, normally with bells.

Cow - Most cow outfits will be hired, but there is a budget, one man cow now available to purchase. you can also purchase cow face bops for an easy cow costume.

Cowboy- One of the most popular fancy dress costumes ever. Costumes are available to purchase but you can easily make up your own costume. Accessories that you can purchase include: Spurs, Hats (Stetsons), Cowboy Ties, Guns, Rifles, Sheriff Badges, Ponchos (Clint Eastwood) and Bandanas.

Cowgirl- Cowgirls did not exist in the 'real' wild west. If a young lady worked as a cowboy, she would have worn men's clothing. However, lots of cowgirl costumes are available on the market to purchase and a large range of cowgirl accessories are now available in pink.

Cricketer - White shirt and flannel trousers immediately suggest cricket. Add some pads, a bat and a jumper and the look is complete.

Criminologist, The - The narrator from The Rocky Horror Show. Wear a suit jacket, shirt and tie with fishnets and suspenders on your legs. Go on I dare you!

Crocodile - Nemesis of Captain Hook from Peter Pan. Costumes are available to hire.

Crocodile Dundee - Mick 'Crocodile' Dundee (Paul Hogan) starred in the 1986 film. You will need s buckskin style battered jacket, jeans and a bush hat. a large toy knife and a blow up crocodile will complete the look.

Credit Card - A fun foamed costume is available to purchase.

Cruella De Vil- Villainess with a fondness for little spotty dogs! The character is originally from the 1950s book '101 Dalmations' by Dodie Smith but has since starred in a few films. Versions of the costume are available as are black and white wigs, cigarette holders and gloves.

Crusader - Any knight costume will be suitable for this character. Many are available to purchase.

Well, I hope that has given you some inspiration for your party theme. If you have other ideas that I have missed please do not hesitate to add them in the comment box (below).

All that remains to say is have a great party and let me know how it goes.