Balloon garlands are a fun and festive way to add some color and cheer to any event, whether it’s a birthday party, baby shower, or the patriotic 4th of July!. Not only are they easy to make, but they also have a lot of visual impact and can be customized to fit any theme or color scheme. It is a great opportunity to spark that creativity!
Not convinced yet to make one for your party or event? This is something you can pay for and the reality is that you can easily do it yourself and save a lot of money!
We are making one this year for New Year’s Eve since my daughter is having a special sleepover with her friends. We’ll walk you through the process of making your own balloon garland from start to finish once we have it done.
But for now, let’s check out the creative and helpful ideas out there from other amazing bloggers, shall we?
Easy and Really Cheap Balloon Garland Ideas
Whether you’re a seasoned party planner or just looking for a unique and budget-friendly decorating option, a balloon garland is a great choice that is sure to make a statement at any celebration.
So at first, I was considering getting some balloons from the Dollar store and blowing them manually to make it really cheap. You can also use string, fishing line or any other bits you surely have around the house too for the hanging.
I remember doing this when I was little and using just sewing thread to attach the balloons together. So, it is possible and it works. And, to be honest, if you don’t want to spend a penny, this is the best option.
1 – Easy Balloon Garland DIY Tutorial
Chelsee from the The House of Hood Blog takes you step by step through this tutorial to this Easy Balloon Garland DIY Tutorial.
She is using 64 balloons in her tutorial and it takes her 30 min to put together! It might take you a bit longer though if it is your first one.
2 – Organic Balloon Garland DIY Basics
Nathalie from Press Print Party shows us the Basics and the cheapest of all the options with her easy tutorial. You’ll only need balloons and a string for it! And she states that you need about 10 balloons to make about 2 feet of garland.
3 – Dollar Tree Balloon Garland Arch DIY Tutorial
The Clarks from Clarks Condensed bring their own version from the Dollar Tree store for under $15! Definitely one to check out.
They use a Dollar Tree pump which, if not the best option for your lungs, is for your pocket and gets the job done.
4 – How To Make Your Own Balloon Garland at Home
Siobhán from Mimosas & Motherhood brings her own experience with creating Balloon Garlands on numerous occasions around her home.
“Over the past few years I’ve fallen in love with creating DIY balloon arches at home! My number one tip for a gorgeous party on a budget is to DIY as much as possible, and I knew that figuring out how to create a balloon garden ourselves would save a ton. I was quoted anywhere from $100 to $500 just for one 5 foot balloon garland from outside companies!”
As you can see it can get very expensive to get it done by someone else!
5 – DIY Giant Mosaic Number Filled with Balloons
Finally, I just thought to include this on my list since it is such a great add-on to the garland. Especially if it is a birthday party. My Amusing Adventures offers Free Templates for 3 and 5 giant numbers. As well as her tutorial on how to make your own 5 ft giant number sculptures filled with balloons.
Really cool and easy to follow!
Materials You Need To Make A DIY Balloon Garland
Anyway… If you are willing to spend a little, there are amazing Balloon Garland Kits on Amazon. These are great since you can see the end result and the color scheme already finished.
Or you can get the bits separately as well. You’ll need:
Balloons: You will need a selection of balloons in the colors of your choice. You can use a mix of solid-colored balloons and patterned or printed balloons for added visual interest. It’s a good idea to have a variety of sizes, too, as this will help add dimension and depth to your garland.
Balloon decorating strip: This is a flexible plastic strip with holes along one side that you will use to string your balloons onto. You can find balloon decorating strips at most party supply stores or online.
Scissors: You will need a pair of scissors to cut the balloon decorating strip to the desired length and to tie the balloons onto the strip.
Balloon hand pump or electric balloon pump: You will need some way to inflate the balloons. A balloon hand pump is a good option if you only need to inflate a few balloons, but if you have a lot of balloons to inflate, an electric balloon pump may be more efficient.
Optional materials
You may want to consider using to add more visual interest to your balloon garland include:
Confetti balloons: These are balloons filled with small pieces of colorful paper or metallic confetti. When you pop the balloon, the confetti is released, adding a fun and festive element to your garland.
Ribbon: You can use ribbon to add a touch of elegance to your balloon garland, or to create a hanging loop for the garland.
Other decorative accents: Depending on your event theme or color scheme, you may want to consider adding additional decorative accents to your balloon garland, such as pom-poms, tassels, or paper flowers.
Step-by-step Instructions for Making a Balloon Garland:
Step 1 – Gather your materials
Make sure you have everything you need before you get started, including balloons, a balloon decorating strip, scissors, and a balloon hand pump or electric balloon pump.
Step 2 – Inflate the balloons
Use your balloon hand pump or electric balloon pump to inflate the balloons to the desired size. It’s a good idea to inflate the balloons slightly larger than you want them to be in the final garland, as they will shrink slightly as they are tied onto the decorating strip.
Step 3 – Cut the balloon decorating strip to the desired length
Measure and mark the length of the decorating strip using a ruler or measuring tape, and then cut it using scissors. The length of the strip will depend on the size of your desired balloon garland and the spacing of the balloons.
Step 4 – Tie the balloons onto the decorating strip
Start by tying the first balloon onto one end of the decorating strip, using a knot to secure it in place. Then, continue adding balloons to the strip, spacing them out evenly and tying them onto the strip using knots. If you want to create a curved or arched shape for your balloon garland, you can gently bend the decorating strip as you go to create the desired shape.
Step 5 – Hang the balloon garland
Once you have tied all of the balloons onto the decorating strip, you can hang the garland using a piece of ribbon or twine, or by attaching it to a wall or backdrop using tape or pushpins.
Step 6 – Add any additional decorative bits
If you want to add more visual interest to your balloon garland, you can incorporate additional decorative accents such as confetti balloons, ribbon, pom-poms, tassels, or paper flowers.
Step 7 – Step back and enjoy the creative work done!
Tips and Tricks to Make your DIY Balloon Garland a success
- Inflate the balloons slightly larger than you want them to be in the final garland. As the balloons are tied onto the decorating strip, they will shrink slightly, so inflating them slightly larger will help them to maintain their desired size and shape.
- Use a variety of sizes and shapes of balloons. Mixing and matching different sizes and shapes of balloons will add dimension and interest to your balloon garland.
- Space the balloons evenly along the decorating strip. Even spacing will help create a cohesive and visually balanced design. Plus you’ll be able to fill the gaps in the final touches.
- Use a balloon hand pump or electric balloon pump to inflate the balloons. Inflating the balloons by hand can be time-consuming and tiring, so using a balloon hand pump or electric balloon pump can save you time and energy. It requires a little investment but it is worth it.
- Consider using confetti balloons. Confetti balloons add a fun and festive touch to a balloon garland and are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
- Experiment with different color combinations. Mix and match different colors of balloons to create a balloon garland that fits your event theme or color scheme.
- Use ribbon or other decorative accents to add a finishing touch. Adding ribbon or other decorative accents can add a touch of elegance or whimsy to your balloon garland and help it stand out.
- Hang the balloon garland at the desired height. Consider the height at which you will hang the balloon garland, as well as the overall look and feel you are trying to achieve. Hanging the balloon garland at a higher or lower height can create a different visual impact.
How Long will my Balloon Arch Last?
With proper care and handling, a balloon garland can last for several days or even weeks. However, it’s always a good idea to plan ahead and set up the balloon garland closer to the start of the event, rather than in advance, to ensure that it looks its best when it is on display.
I made mine 4 days in advance and it was completely fine.
How to Make my Balloon Garland Last Longer?
If for whatever reason you need to make it in advance, you can try the following tips:
Use high-quality, long-lasting balloons: Foil balloons are generally more durable than latex balloons and can last for several days or even weeks if properly inflated and cared for. If you are using latex balloons, consider using a balloon treatment solution, such as Hi-Float, which can help to extend the life of the balloons.
Keep the balloons away from heat sources and direct sunlight: Heat can cause the balloons to degrade faster, so it’s best to keep them in a cool, dry place.
Use a good quality balloon pump: If you are using foil balloons, make sure to use a good quality balloon pump to inflate them properly. Overinflating or underinflating the balloons can cause them to break or deform.
Use a sturdy frame or base to support the balloon garland: This will help to ensure that the garland is stable and secure, and will reduce the risk of the balloons falling or collapsing.
Avoid handling the balloon garland too much: Handling the balloon garland can cause the balloons to rub against each other and potentially pop, so it’s best to handle it as little as possible.
Display the balloon garland closer to the start of the event: Even if you make it in advance, don’t expose it just yet to ensure that it looks its best when it is on display.
By following these tips, you can help to extend the life of your balloon garland and ensure that it stays looking fresh and festive for as long as possible.
