I am planning my party; I need help/ creative ideas!!?!

I am starting to plan my GLAM CIRCUS/VINTAGE CARNIVAL sweet 16 party! I really need it to blow people out of the water and just make their jaws drop! I want something new and different- not the usual: candy bar, balloons, etc. I want something really different! Any suggestions??? I also want the popcorn cupcakes and I need easy food ideas but with a carnival flair- I know of tons of sweet foods, but come to a stall when trying to figure out salty/hearty foods... as well as a cute cake & cupcake set up.. any ideas? ALSO, it is in August and I am already starting to gather all my ideas so I am not rushed and we arent blowing $3000 in one month! I want to accumulate stuff over time so any formats of what to start getting 6 months, 5 months, 4 months, and what I need to get done that month; I'm trying to be very organized and have this party well thought out! Thanks so much!!!
- P.S. I'm usually extremely creative but with school and stuff is it beating my butt and I am just so worn out and I have hardly any brain cells left... :P