How to Decorate With Balloons & Arches

Balloon arches set the mood for the party.

Creative balloon decor can transform a modest party into an extravaganza. Children's themed birthday parties, anniversary celebrations or the most elegant wedding reception may be personalized with multicolored or white or cream balloons secured onto an arch or multiple arches. Balloons are equally impressive indoors or outside, and balloon arches may be accessorized with lengths of tulle or ribbon, worded banners or fresh flowers. Professional balloon sculptures can be costly, but a homemade balloon arch is not difficult to make.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Balloons (helium or air-filled)
• Strong thread
• Scissors
• An arch
• Electric air pump (optional)
• Ladder (optional)
• Gallon containers filled with water or heavy bricks

Instructions

1. Take accurate measurements of the arch to calculate the number of balloons needed. Bear in mind that larger arches require larger balloons. For an arch of the same height and width, half the height plus the width will be equal to the total length. For an arch that is wider than its height, the total length will be equal to the width plus the height. For a taller arch, twice the height plus the width will equal its length.

2. 

   Air-filled balloons last longer.

   Calculate the number of balloons needed. This will depend on the size of the arch, but in general, an arch that measures not more than 8 feet tall will require four to six balloons per linear foot. Decide on whether to use helium or air-filled balloons. Helium balloons are more expensive and float for only approximately 12 hours. Air-filled balloons last longer and can survive overnight but require a stronger ground support.

3. 

   Use colored balloons for stripes or diagonals.

   Inflate the balloons, either with friends' help or with an electric pump, which saves time and energy. Weigh down helium balloons that are delivered ready-inflated. Keep them grounded by tying them to a solid object until you are ready to secure them to the arch.

4. Decorate the rods of aluminium-rod arch frames before you assemble them. Lay a lightweight metal frame flat to make decorating easier. You can use an existing frame, such as a garden gazebo or an arch over a pathway, in which case you may need a ladder to secure the balloons at the highest point of the arch.

5. Tie the balloons with strong thread. If you are a beginner, begin with balloons of a single color. Work the balloons in pairs: tie two balloons together as near to the necks as possible, and then tie two pairs together to make a group of four. Tie the first group of four to the bottom of the arch and work upward and around the arch until it is completely covered. Use a longer thread allowance with larger balloons so other balloons may be added comfortably. Add flower clusters or swags of tulle and ribbon.

6. Anchor a moveable arch carefully, using gallon containers filled with water or heavy bricks to ensure the arch cannot fall over or take off in the breeze. After a little practice, you can arrange colored balloons in diagonals and use different-sized balloons to set off additional pillars and columns.

Tips & Warnings

• To guarantee each balloon is the same size, cut out a "template" hole in cardboard to the desired size. Each balloon that passes through the hole with the same clearance is the right size.

References

• Reasontoparty.com: Balloon Arch Instructions

Resources

• Balloon-instructions.com: Balloon Décor Secrets