Guide To Creating A Wedding Balloon Arch Display

Balloon arches are a fun and unique way to decorate your wedding venue. They can be used as a ceremony backdrop or to welcome guests to the reception. Making your own balloon arch is easy, affordable, and highly customisable. You can use balloons in different colours, sizes, and shades to create an eclectic, colourful, and fun statement piece. You can also add flowers, foliage, or glitter balloons to your arch for a whimsical, romantic, or upscale look.

Prepare balloons and glue dots/tape

Preparing the balloons and glue dots/tape is a crucial step in creating a beautiful balloon arch for your wedding. Here's a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Inflating the Balloons:

Start by gathering a variety of balloons in different sizes and colours. It is recommended to use a balloon pump or inflator to inflate them, as it can be challenging to blow them up manually. You can also use an air compressor if you have one available. Inflate the balloons to a rounded shape, avoiding overinflation for a more aesthetically pleasing look. If you're using helium to inflate the balloons, note that your arch will float upwards, which may not be the desired effect.

Attaching the Glue Dots or Tape:

Once your balloons are inflated, it's time to attach the glue dots or tape. For glue dots, simply stick them to one side of each balloon. If using tape, cut it to the desired length, slightly longer than the size of your garland. Begin attaching the inflated balloons to the tape by pulling the knot of the balloon through the holes provided. Ensure each hole is filled to create a full and balanced garland.

Creating Balloon Bouquets:

To add an eclectic and colourful touch, create "balloon bouquets" by connecting the glued or taped balloons together. Play around with different combinations of sizes and colours to make your arch stand out. You can also incorporate additional themed balloons or confetti-filled clear balloons for extra flair and sparkle.

Filling in Gaps:

Once you have created your balloon bouquets, fill in any gaps or spots that need more colour. Use smaller balloons and attach them directly to the other balloons using glue dots. This ensures that your arch looks cohesive and that there are no visible holes.

By following these steps, you will have prepared balloons and glue dots/tape for your wedding balloon arch, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere for your special day.

Inflate balloons

Inflating balloons for a wedding balloon arch can be done in a few different ways, depending on the type of arch you want to create.

If you're making a basic balloon arch, you'll need to start by buying or creating a wire base. Cut a long, robust piece of wire to your desired length and height for the arch. You can also buy a balloon arch kit that includes a wire frame. This method works well for smaller arches, as wire becomes flimsier the longer it is. Once you have your wire base, insert the ends into a bucket of sand, gravel, or stones to weigh it down. You can also add a thin coating of colourful sand or stones to your bucket for a more attractive appearance.

Now it's time to inflate your balloons! You can use a balloon pump or inflator to make this process easier. The number of balloons you'll need will depend on the size of your arch, but for a 7-foot garland, you may use about 90 balloons of various sizes. Inflate the larger balloons first, such as 12-inch ones, and remember not to overinflate them. Aim for a rounded shape for a more aesthetically pleasing look.

If you're creating a floating balloon arch, you'll need to use a helium tank to inflate your balloons. Helium tanks can be purchased or rented from arts and crafts stores or party supply shops.

Once you've inflated your balloons, it's time to tie them together or attach them to your wire frame or balloon strip. For a basic balloon arch, tie two balloons together in a double knot, then twist the pairs together to make a clover shape. Pull the balloon clover up against the wire, ensuring the wire is lying against the centre knot. Twist the two balloons next to each other to close them in front of the wire, or fasten them with ribbon or colourful string. Repeat this process until your balloon arch is complete.

For a floating balloon arch, tie fishing line to a balloon weight that matches your colour scheme. Inflate a balloon with helium, then tie the fishing line to the inflated balloon about 12 inches from the weight. Continue inflating and tying balloons to the fishing line, placing them close enough together that their sides touch. Leave a bare space of about 12 to 14 inches at the end of the string, then anchor the other end to the balloon weight.

You can also create a balloon arch by attaching inflated balloons to a balloon decorating strip. Secure the strip to a wall or other surface, then fill the balloons and attach them to the strip by pulling the knot of the balloon through the provided holes. Use glue dots to fill in any gaps or attach additional balloons directly to the strip.

Attach balloons to wire/tape

Now that you have your materials ready, it's time to start crafting your balloon arch! Here's a detailed guide on attaching balloons to wire or tape:

Attaching Balloons to Wire:

• Inflate your balloons to your desired size, using either a balloon pump, inflator, or your lungs. Try to keep the balloons at a similar size for a more uniform look.
• Once inflated, tie a knot at the end of each balloon.
• If you're using the basic balloon arch method, create pairs of balloons by tying two balloons together in a double knot. Repeat this step so you have two pairs of balloons.
• Now, twist the pairs together to form a clover shape. Take the first set of balloons and place them in a cross formation above the second set. Pull the bottom balloons up, then move the left balloon to the right and the right balloon to the left.
• Pull the balloon clover up against the wire frame, ensuring the wire lies against the centre knot of the clover.
• Twist the balloons next to each other to secure them in front of the wire. Alternatively, you can use ribbon or colourful string to fasten the balloons to the wire.
• Repeat this process until your balloon arch is complete. After creating each clover, slide it onto the wire above the previous row of balloons and secure it in place. Space out the balloons and fill in any gaps.

Attaching Balloons to Tape:

• Prepare your balloon tape by laying it out on a flat surface or between chairs. Cut the tape to your desired length, slightly longer than the size of the garland you want.
• Inflate your balloons, starting with the larger ones. Avoid over-inflating and aim for a rounded shape. You can use an electric or manual balloon pump, or inflate them by mouth.
• Once inflated, tie a knot at the bottom of each balloon.
• Secure the balloons onto the tape by pulling the knot through the holes provided. Ensure each hole is filled for a full and balanced garland.
• If using balloon decorating strips, you can also use glue dots to fill in any gaps or attach smaller balloons directly to the larger ones.
• For a chicken wire base, use packing tape to attach the balloon bouquets to the wire, ensuring there are no gaps.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating a stunning balloon arch that will impress your wedding guests!

Secure wire/tape to wall

Now that you have your materials ready, it's time to start crafting your balloon arch! Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to secure the wire or tape to the wall:

• Choose the location for your balloon arch and decide on the shape you want. This step is crucial as it will create the foundation for your arch, and any changes later on may be difficult.
• Use utility hooks or a staple gun to affix the wire or tape to the wall. If you opt for a staple gun, be sure to staple the wire or tape securely, so it can bear the weight of the balloons.
• If using a wire, manipulate it to create an arch. This will be the base for your balloons.
• If using balloon decorating strips, cut the strip to your desired length, slightly longer than the size of the garland you want.
• For a floating balloon arch, tie fishing line to a balloon weight that matches your colour scheme. Wrap the line around the handle a few times and tie a tight knot, leaving the other end untied.
• You can also use Command Hooks installed at strategic points to hang your balloon garland and adjust the arch shape accordingly.

Now that you have the wire or tape secured to the wall, you can move on to the next step of creating your beautiful balloon arch!

Add flowers/greenery

Adding flowers and greenery to your balloon arch will make it look even more special and unique. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you create a stunning floral balloon arch for your wedding:

Choose your flowers and greenery:

Select a variety of flowers and foliage that complement your wedding colour palette and theme. You can choose fresh flowers or high-quality artificial flowers, which are more flexible and durable. Consider the size and weight of the flowers, as heavier flowers may need extra support.

Prepare your flowers:

If using fresh flowers, plan to have them delivered a few days before your wedding to allow the blooms to open fully. When they arrive, unpack them, trim the stems, and place them in water with flower food. Follow any special care instructions for different flower types. For example, tropical flowers may require keeping the petals moist and warm.

Build your arch:

Before adding flowers and greenery, construct your balloon arch. You can use a pre-made arch or create your own using wire and a bucket of sand, gravel, or stones. Inflate your balloons with air or helium, depending on the desired effect, and attach them to the arch frame.

Add greenery:

Start by wrapping the bottom of the arch with greenery garlands. Secure the garlands with fine metal wire or glue dots, ensuring no part of the frame is visible. You can use a variety of greenery, such as rose leaves or eucalyptus, to create a full and lush look.

Create floral vines:

Trim sections of the greenery garlands to create floral vines. Attach flowers to the vines by wrapping their wire stems around the greenery. These floral vines will add a pop of colour and can be placed throughout the arch.

Harmonise the design:

Insert the floral vines into the gaps between the balloons to blend the greenery and balloon sections seamlessly. Play around with the placement until you achieve a harmonious and cohesive look.

Complete the greenery:

Add leaves of different lengths and varieties to the floral side of the arch to create a dimensional and textured look. Longer pieces of foliage will also expand the overall reach of the arch.

Finish with flowers:

Insert flowers into the greenery, creating a gradient effect that ties the whole arch together. Fill any remaining gaps with more flowers and leaves, paying attention to the colour placement and ensuring a balanced design.

Your floral balloon arch is now complete! This arch will make a stunning backdrop for your wedding ceremony or reception, providing a beautiful and unique decoration for your special day.

Frequently asked questions