How To Make A Seriously Easy Balloon Garland

I’ve made two balloon garlands in the past two weeks, so I’m basically a pro now ;). Balloon garlands and arches are EVERYWHERE lately and are such a great, easy way to really amp up the WOW factor at any party. I *promise* they’re easier than they look!

If you’re looking for a fun and colorful way to decorate for your next party or event, a balloon garland is the way to go! Don’t let the intricate designs you see on Pinterest intimidate you – creating a balloon garland can be seriously easy. All it takes is a little bit of time, some balloons, and a few simple tools. In this post, I’ll walk you through the steps to create a stunning balloon garland that will wow your guests. From choosing your color scheme to hanging your garland, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make your balloon garland a success. So, let’s get started and learn how to create a seriously easy balloon garland that will elevate your party decorations to the next level!

Here’s how I made an easy balloon garland DIY for a birthday party and a baby shower:

You really don’t need much to make a balloon garland – before we get into the ‘how to’, I have to mention that a *balloon garland* consists of balloons filled with room air (aka oxygen) and won’t float, it needs to be hung. A balloon garland lasts at least a week, so no need to stress yourself creating it day-of your party; it can totally be prepped days in advance.

A *balloon arch* is often made of helium-filled balloons and the helium supports the arch to give it it’s shape – can totally be freestanding, a la prom 1999 ;). Helium balloon arches will only last a day, maybe two. So plan accordingly!

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Materials Needed for a Balloon Garland

Yes, there are tons of ways to DIY a balloon garland but I’m not about that hot glue gun life or tying 4 balloons to each other – ain’t nobody got time for that! Before we get started, let’s make sure you have everything you need to create your balloon garland. Here are the materials you’ll need:

Balloon Inflater Pump

Honestly not sure how I lived without a balloon pump for so long! Best $17 I’ve ever spent. It just fills up balloons for you quickly and without wasting your breath. Whew. // buy it here

Balloon Tape Decorating Strip

Balloon ‘tape’ is NOT sticky in any way, so it should actually be called a balloon strip versus tape. But since I don’t name things, balloon tape is inexpensive and comes with holes precut so that all you have to do is slip the filled and tied balloon knot into the strip. This makes it easier to create a uniform garland and ensures that your balloons don’t slide around or bunch up. // buy it here

Command Hooks

You need something to secure the garland to the wall and/or ceiling with – I use Command hooks because they’re clear and come off the ceiling easily // buy them here

Latex Balloons

The most important thing you’ll need for your balloon garland is, of course, balloons! You can use any type of balloons you like – latex, foil, or a combination of the two. The size of the balloons is up to you, but I recommend using a mix of sizes to add depth and dimension to your garland. You’ll want a bunch of latex balloons in a variety of colors – note: buy a LOT! Make sure to stock up before you start your balloon garland. Here’s the breakdown of how many balloons I used for each banner.

For the blue baby boy baby shower balloon banner, I used (most of) a:

• 30 pack of 10-inch navy balloons // buy them here
• 50 pack of 12-inch metallic blue balloons // buy them here
• 36 pack of 12-inch metallic baby blue balloons // buy them here
• 30 pack of 5-inch navy balloons // buy them here
• 100 pack of 12-inch white balloons // buy them here

NOTE: I definitely had leftovers from the baby boy shower balloons and I also made 2 banners, one larger and one much smaller.

For the Baby Shark birthday party balloon banner, I used a:

• 50 pack of mixed ‘sea’ colored assorted sized balloons // buy them here
• 2 from a 6 pack of deep pink 36 inch balloons // buy them here
• some of the white balloons from the pack above // buy them here

NOTE: I should’ve ordered about double of the ‘sea’ colored balloons for a banner/garland that actually hung down from the sides like the blue balloon banner I did previously, but, lesson learned!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making a Balloon Garland

Ok, now for the hard part! (It’s not that hard… promise!) Now that you have all your materials, it’s time to start creating your balloon garland. Here’s how to make your own DIY balloon banner:

1 – Cut your balloon tape to size – Give yourself a little extra wiggle room, you can always cut it down.

2 – Attach your Command hooks to the ceiling now if you don’t have anything else to tie your banner to (a mantle, a stair rail, etc)

3 – Blow up your balloons – Fill them at different levels so you have lots of colors and sizes to choose from when you’re stringing them. Use your balloon pump to inflate each balloon to the desired size, and tie a knot in the end. Make sure to leave a little bit of extra space at the end of the knot to tie the balloon to the decorating strip.

4 – Plug the balloons into the balloon tape – Start at one end of the strip and work your way down, alternating colors and sizes as you go. Slide the knot of each balloon into one of the holes in the strip, making sure it’s secure. Continue adding balloons until you’ve filled the entire strip. I really didn’t use any rhyme or reason, honestly, other than eyeballing it. I definitely didn’t put balloons into each hole, more like every other hole.

Some tutorials instruct you to hot glue gun or glue dot smaller balloons to the larger balloons; I tried glue dots and it was kind of a fail, honestly. Pull out the double stick tape if you want, but I tried to rely on the holes in the balloon tape versus attaching balloons with any kind of adhesive.

5 – Hang your balloon garland – The final step is hanging your balloon garland. Attach Command hooks to the wall where you want to hang your garland, and tie the string or fishing line to the ends of the strip. Hang the garland from the hooks, adjusting the shape as needed.

Balloon Garland Inspiration and Ideas

Now that you know how to create a balloon garland, the possibilities are endless! Coordinate colors for a birthday party balloon arch to match the theme of the party! Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

• Baby Shower for a Girl: Use colors like pinks, peaches, whites, and golds
• Baby Shower for a Boy: Use shades of blue and white and silver for a boy
• Neutral Baby Shower: Use neutral colors like tans, white, sage green
• A Wedding Shower: Use colors like champagne, white, ivory, gold – super subtle and chic
• Ombre Balloon Garland: Create a stunning ombre effect by choosing shades of the same color and arranging them from lightest to darkest.
• Metallic Balloon Garland: Add some sparkle to your party with a metallic balloon garland. Choose gold, silver, or rose gold balloons for a glamorous look.

Frequently Asked Questions About Balloon Garlands

How hard is it to make a balloon arch?

Making a balloon arch or garland can seem daunting, but with the right tools and instructions, it can be seriously easy! Scroll up through this post to see just how easy it can be!

Is there a difference between a balloon arch vs balloon garland?

A balloon arch is a series of balloons arranged in a curved shape, usually with a wire frame, while a balloon garland is a series of balloons arranged in a long, flowing shape. Balloon garlands are typically easier to make than balloon arches and can be made with fewer balloons, and are easy to shape into a arch in your home.

How long will a balloon garland last?

Valid question! A balloon garland can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the type of balloons you use and the conditions they’re in. Latex balloons will deflate faster than foil balloons, and hot temperatures or direct sunlight can cause your balloons to pop or deflate more quickly. From my experience, if you’re making a garland with room air, it can last at least a week. So feel free to make it a few days before your party so you can focus on other things day-of.

Can you make a balloon arch the day before or the night before?

Yes, you can make a balloon arch the day before your event. However, it’s important to store it properly to prevent the balloons from deflating or popping. Keep the arch in a cool, dry place and cover it with a sheet or plastic wrap to protect it from dust and debris.

How many balloons do I need for a garland?

The number of balloons you need for a garland depends on the length of the garland and the size of the balloons. As a general rule, plan on using about 12-15 balloons per foot of garland. So, for a 10-foot garland, you’ll need around 120-150 balloons. However, it’s always a good idea to buy a few extra balloons, just in case some pop or deflate during the process.

What size balloons do you need for a balloon garland?

The size of the balloons you need for a balloon garland depends on the look you want to achieve. For a full and dramatic garland, use a mix of balloon sizes ranging from 5 inches to 16 inches. For a more subtle look, stick to one or two sizes of balloons.

How far in advance can you blow up balloons?

It is recommended to blow up the balloons no more than 24 hours in advance, as they may start to deflate or lose their shape over time. It’s best to inflate them on the day of the event or the day before to ensure they look their best.

Do you use helium for a balloon garland?

Most balloon garlands are made using air-filled balloons attached to a string or wire frame. Helium-filled balloons can be used for certain parts of the garland, but it is not necessary for the entire structure. You can definitely make your entire balloon garland without any helium!

Can I reuse my balloon garland?

If you’re careful when taking down your balloon garland, you can definitely reuse it for future parties and events, but probably only if those events are within the next few days! Just make sure to store it in a cool, dry place to prevent the balloons from popping or deflating.

Can I hang my balloon garland outside?

While a balloon garland can be a fun addition to an outdoor party, it’s important to keep in mind that balloons don’t do well in windy or rainy conditions. If you’re planning to hang your garland outside, make sure it’s in a sheltered area and secure it well to prevent it from blowing away.

Creating a balloon garland is a fun and easy way to add some color and excitement to your next party or event. With a few simple tools and some creativity, you can create a stunning decoration that will have your guests talking for weeks to come. So grab your balloons and get started – the possibilities are endless!

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Pin These Balloon Garland Ideas for Later!

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Alright! Are you ready to make your own balloon garland?!