Introduction
No matter what the type of function, the use of balloons always brings colour and decoration to the venue or room. Whether it is a special event, such as a birthday celebration, wedding anniversary, corporate event or even a dinner function, the addition of balloons will make an impact. The party hosts or organisers of the event may wish to create a wow factor for the guests attending. There are so many different events and organisers want to create that wow factor to ensure that it is their event that is to be remembered. There are other ‘wow’ ideas such as ice sculptures or huge displays of flowers or drapes of fabric, all of which create an impression that the guests will remember. To really make an impression, one novel idea is to create a Balloon Arch or Balloon sculpture. Balloons, in their various bright colours can be used to form decorative and impressive looking displays. The eye-catching displays will make an terrific impact at any event. Balloon arches will compliment many events, whether it is a birthday, wedding, dinner or a special celebration. Many companies host conferences for their employees or events such as award dinners or other events where the balloon arch will also look fantastic.
I am actually involved in a junior football club and at the end of each season, the Club hosts a presentation event for all the players who range from 7 years of age through to 18, and their parents. The club colours are blue and white and we have decked out the venue with blue and white balloons in the past to great effect.
Most of us, myself included will blow up the token dozen or so balloons for my own children’s birthday parties at home. Well, it is only the family coming round after all! So, unless you really have the knack for creating balloon arches or sculptures, and let’s be honest many of us do not, it would make sense to employ a company who is professional in creating a balloon arch or sculpture. Professional balloon decorators can be engaged to create an eye catching arch. The decorators will from experience have an eye in selecting the right choice of colour or combination of colours to create a stunning effect. The huge selection of many balloon colours means that the colour coordination options are endless. Balloons area available in basic colours, with pearl shine or metallic finishes, which when combined creatively, will complement any venue, decor or room you have chosen. Whether the room is large or small, the effect will be stunning.
The big advantage of using professional balloon party decorators of course is that they almost instinctively know how to produce a balloon arch. It is important to measure the precise amount of helium to be used in each balloon to achieve the perfect size for the desired results. Electronic monitoring equipment is used to achieve the correct levels of helium. Too much and all the balloons would drift off to the ceiling.
By having a helium balloon cluster, or two, tied to a floor weight you can create attractive displays that can be placed either side of a table, doorway or stage.
So you want to become a balloon sculptor to create a balloon arch for your own party? Well it’s not as difficult as you may think. Like anything, as long you purchase the right materials, have a little patience and perhaps an eye for creativity, then by following some step by step instructions, you have every chance of making a successful balloon arch. So, here we go. How to build a Balloon Arch.
What Materials do I need?
A quantity of Latex Balloons. How many exactly will depend on the size of the arch required, Nylon Line, similar to that used as fishing line. Two weights to hold the balloons down, a Balloon Sizer to measure the size of each balloon, Curling Ribbon for the finishing touches, and a Helium canister to blow the balloons up. No, you don’t have to blow each balloon up with your own breath!
Step 1
Start by calculating the length of nylon line required using the formula below. Cut the line to the appropriate, length required.
• Formula to calculate the Arch length. If the arch is wider than it is tall: Height + Width = approximate total length
• If the arch height and width are about the same: (1.5 x Height) + Width = approximate total length
• If the arch is taller than it is wide: (2 x Height) + Width = approximate total length
Step 2
Tie both ends to something heavy such as the back of a chair to hold the line in position while you work.
Step 3
Fill the balloons with helium. Use the balloon sizer to ensure that the balloons are a consistent size. If you don’t have a balloon sizer, cut out a circular template using cardboard.
Step 4
Secure the balloons on to the line. For consistency make sure that you always approach the line from the same side.
Step 5
Allow a space of approximately 12″ between each balloon. Once the balloons are tied on, they can be gently moved to start to form the shape you want and it will be secure on the line.
Step 6
When all the balloons have been tied on to the line, release the ends of the line from where or what you tied it to. To hold the arch in place, fix a suitable weight to either end of the arch. There are decorative weights available or wrap a heavy stone in foil for decoration. It may be helpful to have another pair of hands to help at this point.
Step 7
Now add any accessories to decorate the arch such as tinsel or curling ribbon which can be allowed to drape across the balloons or hang down.
And, that’s all there is to it. It does sound easy and it is. If you are attempting a balloon arch for the first time, allow yourself a little time to produce the arch. I wouldn’t have my first attempt ten minutes before the guests arrive.
I recently visited a local fete and saw several children who had let go of their helium balloon and there were heading off into the sunset.
Why should I use Helium Balloons?
Balloons that are filled with helium gas are lighter than air. This means that the balloons will float upwards. How often do you see balloons from a party or event stuck to the ceiling? Or at the fairground, when a parent has spent £3.00 or so on a childrens favourite balloon and the child lets the balloon drift up to the sky?
Good quality balloons and those used by professional balloon decorators are made from 100% biodegradable latex. This type of balloon is normally larger in size than those bought in most retail outlets. Latex balloons filled with helium generally only retain their buoyancy for a few hours. The reason being that, the helium atoms inside the balloon are smaller in size than the pores in the balloons latex body and therefore the helium atoms escape. Should you want to increase the bouyancy of helium balloons for longer, the inside of the balloons will need to be coated with a special polymer solution to reduce the leakage of the helium.
Safety and Environmental Concerns
When you see a balloon drifting off into the distant sky, how often have you wondered how far that balloon will travel? Well, once released into the atmosphere, helium filled balloons will usually travel quite a long way before they finally burst or deflate. It is estimated that around 90/95% of balloons released will rise to an altitude of approxiamately 5 miles. At this height the dramatic fall in temperature will cause the balloon to shatter into little fragments which will drift gently back to earth where they will degrade into the ground. Hence the reason that balloons are made from biodegradable latex. The latex used to manufacture balloons comes from the Hevea tree or rubber tree.
So balloons are completely biodegradable and to colour the latex non-toxic dyes are used. Through research it has been proven that latex balloons degrade faster than leaves from oak trees. Oxidation occurs in the breakdown of latex and commences almost as soon as the balloon is inflated. As the balloon decays by natural exposure the nutrients contained in the latex are dispersed into the soil. Most rubber tree plantations are in South and South East Asia.
Balloon Sculptures and Arches
Hundreds of balloons may be needed for sculptures and arches. It is important to identify the space available and then calculate what is required. The height and width of the structure will be limited by the space available. Some professional balloon decorators have created some very ambitious balloon sculptures.
Balloon arches will create a lasting impression at any occasion. A simple single row of colourful pearl latex balloons with complementary ribbons is often the most popular choice of structure. This type of display is popular at wedding receptions and is often located as a focal point for the couple to pass through. The single row display can be used to create a frame to outline other displays or as a photographic point.
Alternatively, this design style can be used simply to enhance a feature at the venue. To hold the arch in place, why not create a hand-made weight covered by a bow to hold the arch in place. Balloon arches don’t always have to be of a large design. A simple table decoration at special events created using smaller balloons can be just as effective. If there is a concrete pillar at the entrance to the venue, why not wrap a line of balloons around the pillar to add colour to the entrance?
If you’re looking for something special for a wedding balloon arches are especially unusual.
Conclusion
Balloon arches will create a very effective and eye catching focal point at any party. The choice of balloon colours and finishing effects is unlimited , printed helium balloons and therefore the design and style of balloon arch can be achieved without the need to spend lots of money . If you can develop the arch yourself, it will just require you to purchase the materials to create the effect you desire. Balloon arches are a colourful alternative to flower displays or drapes and in most cases will be much les costly in providing a centre piece at any event. Whatever your celebration, a balloon arch will give a lasting impression and reminder of your event , whether it is a birthday, special anniversary celebration, a wedding or a corporate event, your guests will be sure to leave with a memory of a colourful and decorative display of balloons.
