Our very simple to follow descriptions will allow you make a decision what balloon decors are the optimal option for your special party.
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, connected 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 possible to make them last 10 to 25 times as long!
Balloon Arch
Naturally, balloon arches carry out 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 up 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 amazing result with reasonably little effort. The only problem is the short lifespan, due to the nature of helium-filled latex balloons, as discussed above.
If the decoration for your exclusive event must last much longer, you can either work with mylar balloons instead of latex or you go for an arch with air-filled balloons.
Having said that, 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 bunches of three to five balloons. Using 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 describe in detail and with numbers of photos how to do that!
Basing on the size of the arch you'll have to blow up quite a few balloons! This purchase, obviously, only makes sense if you are considering to do many more balloon decorations.
A much basic way to make an air filled balloon arch is by making use of so named 'Link-o-Loon' balloons.
Balloon Columns
Positioned as amazing eye-catchers at each side of an entry or head dining table at a wedding and reception, balloon columns are great for wedding balloon decorations. They also make wonderful balloon decorations for defining an area of your wedding venue, for instance the dance floor or the stage decoration.
As columns are usually crafted from air filled balloons, supporting elements are needed:
a solid metal or plastic pole and
a check here strong base as anchor for the pole.
The balloons are tied to clusters of often three to five balloons and fixed to the rod, layer after layer. Utilizing 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 at the top of the balloon column.
Like with the air filled arch, both of these balloon decorations mean you'll have to blow up a lot of balloons! So, getting an inflator would be a fantastic strategy, particularly for blowing up the huge balloon that crowns your column.
Alternatively you may fill just the balloons at the bottom with air and the rest with helium. This way you will not need a sturdy base and a pole, as the balloons will support themselves. Work with a nylon line to secure the balloon bunches to.
A helium filled balloon column will do well if you need the display solely for one evening. It saves you the headache of constructing a frame and leasing an inflator. On the other hand, helium costs more air and the life-span of the balloon decorations will be much lower.