Our very simple to follow explanations will aid you determine what balloon decorations are the perfect solution for your special occasion.
We felt overwhelmed with the huge variety of displays we came across when we kicked off with balloon decorating. Along our learning process, we figured out that it all boils down to three primary designs:
Balloon Bouquet
Primarily used as a main feature for dinner tables, the balloon bouquet really is the heart of a balloon display. Between two and nine balloons, linked to curling ribbons, are organized in different heights and secured to a table bottom.
A balloon centerpiece can be crafted from latex OR mylar (also referred to as foil) balloons OR you can blend them.
As the balloons must be helium filled this choice determines the lifespan of your balloon decorations. Whereas mylar balloons will float around 14 days, even the finest quality latex balloons will not stay up much longer than for about 12 to 24 hours. By applying a product called 'hi-float', it's feasible to make them last 10 to 25 times as long!
Balloon Arch
Naturally, balloon arches perform their function best when you can go through them! They are excellent balloon decorations for an entrance or exit. Usually they are also used to frame the head or cake table at a wedding celebration or to make a spectacular stage decor.
Unlike with bouquets you have the choice between helium or air-filled balloon arch.
A hovering arch is made of single helium-filled balloons arranged like pearls along an unnoticeable nylon string, hence the name "String of Pearls". The two ends are fixed to bases, similar to the table bases for bouquets, just a bit heavier and often standing on the floor. A brick or sand stuffed balloon will do the job and can easily be decorated quite nicely.
With a "String of Pearls" - commonly utilized for wedding balloon arches - you generate an amazing result with relatively little effort. The only downside is the short lifespan, because of the nature of helium-filled latex balloons, as explained above.
If the decoration for your special function should last much longer, you could either utilize mylar balloons instead of latex or you choose an arch with air-filled balloons.
Having said that, with these types of balloon decorations, there is a little bit more constructional work required, as an air filled balloon arch requires a couple of supportive elements:
a mounting made from a good, flexible material such as conduit, PVC piping or aluminium pole and
a strong support at either end to anchor the arch.
The pipe or rod is shaped into the actual arch and the balloons are connected to it, typically in bunches of three to five balloons. Utilizing different colors and putting the balloons in a special way you'll get this good spiraling result shown on the photo. Do not panic, we'll explain in detail and with lots read more of photos how to do that!
Depending on the size of the arch you'll have to blow up quite a few balloons! This purchase, of course, only makes sense if you are preparing to do many more balloon decorations.
A much basic way to build an balloon decorations diy air filled balloon arch is by utilizing so called 'Link-o-Loon' balloons.
Balloon Column
Positioned as outstanding eye-catchers at get more info each side of an entry or head table at a wedding ceremony, balloon columns are ideal for wedding balloon decorations. They also make excellent balloon decorations for defining an area of your venue, for instance the dance floor or the stage decoration.
As columns are normally made of air filled balloons, supportive materials are needed:
a solid aluminum or plastic pole and
a sturdy base as anchor for the rod.
The balloons are secured to clusters of normally three to five balloons and fixed to the rod, layer after layer. By using larger sized balloons for the top and the bottom, and smaller balloons in between, the balloon column takes the characteristic contour of its model in the "real" world. To crown your work you could position a stuffed giant balloon above the balloon column.
Like with the air filled arch, both of these balloon decorations imply you'll will need to blow up a lot of balloons! Getting an inflator would be an excellent idea, specially for blowing up the giant balloon that crowns your column.
As an alternative you could fill only the balloons at the bottom with air and the rest with helium. By doing this you won't need a strong base and a pole, as the balloons are going to support themselves. Work with a nylon line to attach the balloon clusters to.
A helium filled balloon column will do great if you need the display solely for one evening. It saves you the struggle of building a frame and renting an inflator. However, helium costs more air and the life-span of the balloon decorations will be much shorter.