Our quick and easy to follow descriptions will aid you make a decision what balloon decors are the optimal option for your special occasion.
We felt overwhelmed with the huge range of displays we came across when we kicked off with balloon decorating. Along our studying process, we figured out that it all boils down to three fundamental designs:
Balloon Bouquet
Generally used as a main feature for tables, the balloon bouquet really is the heart of a balloon display. Between two and nine balloons, linked to twisting ribbons, are arranged in various heights and secured to a table base.
A balloon centerpiece can be made from latex OR mylar (also called foil) balloons OR you can blend them.
As the balloons have to be helium filled this choice determines the life expectancy of your balloon decorations. Whereas mylar balloons will float approximately 14 days, even the greatest quality latex balloons won't stay up much longer than for about 12 to 24 hours. By applying a product knowned as 'hi-float', it's achievable to make them last 10 to 25 times as long!
Balloon Arch
Naturally, balloon arches fulfill their function best when you can go through them! They are perfect balloon decorations for an entry or exit. Commonly they are also utilized to frame the head or cake table at a wedding or to create a magnificent stage decor.
Unlike with bouquets you get the choice between helium or air-filled balloon arch.
A hovering arch is composed of single helium-filled balloons lined up like pearls along an invisible nylon line, hence the name "String of Pearls". The two ends are fixed to bases, quite similar to the table bases for bouquets, just a bit heavier and usually standing on the floor. A brick or sand filled balloon will do the job and can easily be decorated quite nicely.
With a "String of Pearls" - oftentimes utilized for wedding balloon arches - you create an incredible outcome with quite little effort. The only disadvantage is the short lifespan, because of the nature of helium-filled latex balloons, as discussed above.
If the decoration for your exclusive party needs to last longer, you could either use mylar balloons as opposed to latex or you choose an arch with air-filled balloons.
However, with these types of balloon decorations, there is a bit more constructional work involved, as an air filled balloon arch requires some supportive elements:
a mounting made of a strong, flexible material such as conduit, PVC pipe or aluminium rod and
a durable foundation at either end to anchor the arch.
The conduit or rod is shaped into the actual arch and the balloons are attached to it, primarily in sets of three to five balloons. Utilizing a variety of colors and putting the balloons in a specific way you'll get this wonderful spiraling result displayed on the photo. Do not worry, we'll explain step by step and with lots of photos how to do that!
Basing on the size of the arch you'll have to blow up quite a few balloons! This investment, of course, only makes sense if you are preparing to do many more balloon decorations.
A much easier way to create an air filled balloon arch is by utilizing so called 'Link-o-Loon' balloons.
Balloon Column
Placed as outstanding eye-catchers at either click here side of an entrance or head table at a wedding celebration, balloon columns are perfect for wedding balloon decorations. They also make excellent balloon decorations for marking out an area of your venue, for example the dance floor or the stage decoration.
As columns are typically made of air filled balloons, supportive elements are needed:
a sturdy aluminum or plastic pole and
a solid base as anchor for the pole.
The balloons are secured to bundles of often three to five balloons and fixed to the rod, layer after layer. Using a larger size balloons for the top and the bottom, and smaller sized balloons in between, the balloon column takes the characteristic contour of its model in the "real" world. To crown your work you could put a stuffed giant balloon on top of the balloon column.
Like with the air filled arch, both of these balloon decorations mean you'll will need to blow up a ton of balloons! So, getting an inflator would be a pretty good strategy, particularly for blowing up the giant balloon that crowns your column.
As an alternative you may fill just the balloons at the bottom with air and the rest with helium. This way you won't need a sturdy base and a pole, as the balloons are going to support themselves. Work with a nylon line to affix the balloon clusters to.
A helium filled balloon column are going to do well if you need the display only for one evening. It saves you the trouble of constructing a frame and renting an inflator. Yet, helium costs more air and the life expectancy of the balloon decorations will be much lower.