Essential Elements of Balloon Decorating- Balloons add excitement and boldly say “Celebrate!” Here is a list of the essential elements of balloon decorating that the pros rely upon to decorate most events.
NOTE: Click or touch the photos below to see a gallery of photos of that decor type
Balloon Trees: Also known as balloon bouquets, these flexible decor items consist of 5 to 10 balloons attached by ribbons to a weight. They are typically placed on the ground and can mark entrances, aisles, surround dance floors, or decorate columns, walls, and corners. Easily movable, they can be gathered to form a balloon wall for photo backdrops.
Columns Arch: Made with 2 columns connected by one or two line arches. Column height varies based on use: 4-foot columns (plus topper balloon) for flanking tables, and taller columns for walk-through arches.
Dancefloor Arches: Made of balloon columns and connecting line arches, these arches frame the dance floor. Four columns and four arches create a rectangle, but more can be added as needed. A long narrow space might need 8 columns and 10 smaller arches. Popular at proms, formals, sweet 16s, and weddings.
Balloon Sculptures: A catch-all decor type for items that don’t fit other categories. Examples include balloon daisies tied to railings, fence posts, or tent poles, and balloon palm trees, which are both columns and sculptures.
Centerpieces: Typically consist of 5 or 6 balloons attached by ribbons to a simple weight, which may be hidden or tied to another table display like a flower arrangement. The unobtrusive weight and eye-level ribbons ensure the view is not blocked, while the balloons above add color and decoration to the room.
Packed Arches: These arches feature balloons packed tightly together, row by row. They can be helium balloons on a rope or air-filled balloons supported by a frame. Air-filled arches can also be draped on rope and supported by lines from above. Sizes range from doorway-sized to giant arches. Often called Balloon Garlands or Organic Balloon Arches, “organic” refers to different-sized balloons arranged to mimic natural clusters, like grapes or clouds.
Single Line Arch: Consists of single balloons tied along a line, also known as a “string of pearls” arch when tightly positioned. Used in “Columns Arch” and “Dance Floor Arch,” these can be up to 100 feet long.
Balloon Columns: Also called Balloon Towers, these are free-standing columns of balloons on a frame, usually topped with a larger balloon or foil theme balloons like Mickey Mouse heads. The smallest column is over 5 feet tall with the topper. A 5-foot column plus topper is ideal for a spiral pattern with 2-3 colors, while a 6-foot column plus topper can support a spiral pattern with 4 colors visible from all sides.
Cluster Line Arch: Clusters of balloons tied to a line at intervals to form an arch. Clusters of two are called duplets, while the main cluster size is six balloons. Occasionally, large clusters of 12 balloons can be used.
Balloon Streamer: Similar to a line arch, it consists of single balloons or clusters tied along a line at intervals. The line is tied at a single point with the other end rising freely. Often used on outer tent poles or movable weights. Single balloons create a “single streamer,” while clusters create a “cluster streamer.”
Hanging Clusters: Ideal for showrooms, retail locations, and tents. Over dance floors, they require specific ceilings, often drop ceilings, and facility permission, which is rare. Helium-filled cluster centerpieces can mimic this effect.