Balloon garlands, the stuff that Pinterest dreams are made of and the decorations that launched a thousand Instagram posts, are a dramatic and flamboyant way to up the ante at any party. However, these impressive party decorations can also be rather intimidating for first time DIY-er’s, especially if your event is only a few hours away!
The good news for every procrastinating party host or hostess: it is entirely possible to make a balloon garland the night before your big event. In fact, you could even make your balloon garland the same day as your party, but if you’re going to attempt this we advise buying a balloon pump!
With a little preparation and the aid of a few key tools, you can make your next party a colorful, balloon-filled hit.
What do I need to make a balloon garland?
Before you begin work on your balloon garland, give some thought to the tone and theme of your event. In addition to the colors of the balloons you choose, your event’s theme will impact any extra embellishments that you might incorporate into your garland. Think fresh flowers, sprigs of greenery, tinsel, tassels, even photographs!
Once you’ve decided on how your balloon garland will fit into the overall look and feel of your event, you’ll find that the tools and materials required to make your balloon garland are very simple. In addition to any extras you wish to incorporate, all you will need is balloons, balloon garland tape, scissors, and some string.
Yes, that’s it!
Depending on where you wish to secure and attach your balloon garland, you may require some removable hooks and a pencil as well.
For this project, a balloon pump is entirely optional, but it will save you – and your lungs – even more time.
How do I make a balloon garland?
Begin by blowing up your balloons. The key here is not to overfill your balloons – they will be much easier to work with. A great rule of thumb is to keep the balloons about two-thirds full.
If you want to add an extra bit of oomph to your balloon garland, we recommend buying balloons in a few different sizes.
The secret ingredient to any great balloon garland is balloon garland tape. Available at any good party store or online, it will really lend pizzazz to your party, and leave you with a truly professional-looking balloon garland.
Cut your balloon garland tape to the length that you want your finished garland to be. Don’t be afraid to be generous here – it is far easier to cut off a little excess garland tape than it is to tie two different balloon garlands together!
Then, starting at one end of the tape, feed the tied endings of your blown-up balloons through the holes in the garland tape. This is where you can get creative: alternate between colors and sizes to create a gorgeous-looking garland.
Now you can add your extras. Use string to attach any of your fabulous florals, photos, or other embellishments to your balloon garland tape.
Now for the fun part: hanging your balloon garland! Tie a long piece of string to either end of your balloon garland. If you are using removable hooks, lightly pencil in their placements on your wall, using the length of your garland as a guide.
Securely attach either end of your balloon garland to the hooks, then stand back and admire your handiwork!
You can add balloons or other embellishments to your balloon garland even after you’ve installed it. If you notice any gaps in your garland, simply fill them in!
How long will my balloon garland last?
As this balloon garland has been created with air-filled balloons, not helium-filled balloons, it will have a longer lifespan.
While helium-filled balloons only float for around 12-24 hours, air-filled balloons will last for a couple of days.
While it is of course possible to create a balloon garland using helium-filled balloons, their relatively short lifespan means that you will most likely need to make your garland on the same day as your event. You will also need access to a helium tank if you are not using a professional to fill your balloons.
In addition to their simplicity – all you really need is a robust pair of lungs or a balloon pump – air-filled balloons have the advantage of looking just as glorious as their helium-filled cousins, especially when crafted into a professional-looking balloon garland.