Wedding Reception Balloon Ideas
Balloons aren't just for kids; they're becoming a popular wedding decor trend. Instead of pricey cut flowers or yards of formal silk and organza, some young couples are discovering that floaty, bouncy balloons add a whimsical touch to wedding decor at a very affordable price.
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Types
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Each of the basic balloon types--latex and foil (a metallic-coated plastic film, sometimes called Mylar)--has its advantages. Foil balloons are shiny and can be purchased already imprinted with pictures or words. Latex balloons are soft and bouncy, hold helium longer than foil, and can be twisted into interesting shapes. Latex balloons are available in more colors and they can be imprinted with a message or image by a specialty company. Foil balloons come in more different shapes, but both varieties of balloon are available in heart shapes.
Colors
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Mylar balloons, because of their metallic appearance, give wedding spaces a sparkly and contemporary look. If silver is one of the wedding colors, foil is a natural choice. Silver foil balloons will reflect other colors from the room, but foil balloons may be harder to find in unusual shades such as mauve or teal. Latex balloons come in every possible shade, so they can help coordinate the wedding's color scheme. White is a perfect fallback color for latex balloons, especially if you need to purchase them in bulk. Add a few balloons of one of the wedding colors, or mix in a few multi-colored balloons for a whimsical, rainbow effect. You can create interesting effects by mixing foil and latex balloons, too.
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Locations
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Helium-filled balloons--in combination with ribbon, fabric, and tape--can be used to decorate almost every area of the wedding and reception. Cascade them over the entrance or an arch. Float them in bouquet-type clusters under the ceiling. Substitute them for bows at the ends of pews or on the backs of the reception chairs. Hang them from the ceiling over the bride and groom's table. Spiral them around poles, pillars, or columns. Surround windows and door frames with them. You can even use them to disguise an unattractive feature, such as an unused heating element. Large groupings are more impressive than just a few balloons. Be lavish.
Creations
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Balloons can be clustered into bouquets as table centerpieces or to hold weighted place cards. With a little practice or the help of a professional, you can twist long, latex balloons into swans whose backs are open enough to hold favors, flowers or more balloons. Clusters of balloons can simulate topiary pieces for reception tables or they can be made large enough to flank doorways. Small, air-filled, latex balloons or heart-shaped foil balloons can even be used to decorate the wedding cake.
Inspiration
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Most major cities have balloon decor providers; if you'd rather save the expense and do it yourself, look at their websites for photos of some of their best work as your inspiration. Even if you do most of the decorating yourself, you can hire balloon artists to create specialty items, such as models of hot air balloons, balloons within balloons and balloons containing favors or candy. If you're creative, review the wedding ceremony and see where balloons might fit in. The bride's bouquet and the ring bearer's pillow can be attached to helium-filled balloons so they float down the aisle on ribbons attached to wrists. The flower girl's rose petals can be distributed from a basket held aloft by a helium balloon.
Preparation
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Don't be afraid to experiment with balloon designs, but do so well ahead of the wedding day. Latex balloons can be filled with helium the day before; it's most convenient to rent a helium tank and fill them at the site where they'll be used. You might ask someone who won't be attending the morning church ceremony--or someone you hire--to spend the morning at the reception hall filling helium balloons. Air-filled balloons that are used to make flower arrangements or swans can be filled two or three days in advance and stored in a climate-controlled room.
Tips
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DO expect some balloons to pop or deflate. Have spare balloons and helium available.
DO encourage guests to take balloon centerpieces home. Be prepared to pop the rest for easy disposal.
DON'T allow anyone to inhale helium to make his voice sound funny; it poses a health risk.
DON'T release helium-filled balloons into the air. Latex balloons can endanger wildlife, and foil balloons can interfere with electric signals.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit RChevrue
