Birthday Party Balloon Guide & Inspiration

Balloon Basics

Birthday balloons have the unique ability to wow people of all ages. No matter the occasion, they are the quintessential party decoration that can add an element of excitement to every event. Balloons are so versatile that figuring out exactly how to use them at your birthday party can be tough. Not to worry, we’ve got the birthday balloon ideas you’re looking for. In this chapter, find tips and tricks, as well as inspiration, for using balloons at your birthday party.

Proper Inflation

Whether you’re looking to fill a room with balloons or decorate your wall for an upcoming birthday party, it’s helpful to know the basics of proper balloon inflation. The size of the balloons you’re using determines the amount you’ll need to inflate your balloons.

If you’re using latex balloons:

• Standard 12-inch balloons: Air inflation is advised for balloons inflated to less than 9 inches round.
• A standard 12-inch balloon is considered under inflated when it is round and over inflated when it is pear-shaped (where the balloon begins to bulb out at the bottom).

Remember, in warmer conditions, slightly under inflate balloons. In cooler conditions, slightly over-inflate balloons.

How to Tie a Balloon

Tying balloons can be tricky and you can easily burst quite a few if you don’t follow the right balloon tying method. Balloons that are tied tightly pose less risk of deflating and causing injury or falling off the wall. 

How Long Do Balloons Last?

It depends on the conditions of wherever you're placing your balloons. Factors like humidity, air quality, and ventilation can all affect inflation time. When inflated with helium, 12in latex balloons last 10 hours without and 24 hours with Ultra Hi-Float™, and 17in foil balloons last 5-7 days. Larger latex and foil balloons stay afloat longer. When inflated with air, balloons will hold their shape for considerably longer. Make sure you take float/inflation times into account when scheduling your balloon delivery.

In order to ensure your birthday balloons last longer, be sure to:

• Appropriately inflate your balloons
• Securely tie your balloons.
• Keep your balloons away from extreme conditions, especially very hot and very cold temperatures.

Selecting the Right Balloons

When selecting balloons for your birthday party, first consider your party's theme and venue, as they are key in making your decision. For example, if your birthday party's theme is Roaring 20s, you'll want balloons with art deco patterns; if your party's venue has a large open wall, you may want to use that space for a balloon backdrop or a balloon wall.

Foil

Foil balloons are versatile in that they are reusable, come in many sizes, and are available in a variety of colors, finishes, and shapes. They are usually the anchor of balloon bouquets, balloon backdrops, and other balloon decorations.

Latex

Latex balloons nicely fill out your birthday party decorations and add vibrant color to any space. They range in size from 5-36 inches, making them perfect to fill small and large spaces in the form of balloon garlands, arches, columns, and more.

Twisty or Shapes

Are you interested in accenting your birthday party venue with balloons shaped like animals, twists, or letters? These balloons would be your go-to.

Best Birthday Balloon Examples

Here are some of our favorite examples of birthday balloons:

Balloon Installations: The Best Centerpieces

Wow your guests with a stunning balloon installation, like a balloon backdrop, balloon chandelier, or balloon arch. A balloon installation is an affordable and creative way to have an incredible birthday party centerpiece that will have your guests snapping selfies and paying you compliments.

DIY Balloon Arch

It's fun and worthwhile to set up a DIY balloon arch kit at your birthday party. Your guests will be wowed and the guest of honor will be proud. Setting up a balloon arch doesn't require much effort, and your creative efforts will be rewarded with a fabulous decorative centerpiece for your birthday party.

Number Balloon Sculptures and Art

It's a birthday party, so using number balloons is always appropriate. Better yet, build a custom or predesigned number balloon centerpiece.

Keep a Color Scheme

Make sure your balloons are color-coordinated. If your party has a specific theme, match your balloons' colors and designs to the theme. If not, choose 2-3 main colors and get most of your balloons in those colors. You can still have accent-color balloons, and use streamers, tails, and other accessories to add extra texture and color to your balloon decorations.

Make a Statement with Letter Balloons

Giant letter balloons are a simple, effective way to create an eye-catching birthday party centerpiece. Usually hosts spell out the guest of honor's name with a special birthday message, but funny phrases and inside jokes are also great. Your letter balloon messages are only limited by your venue's space, so get creative!

Decorate Birthday Parties with Balloons

We're not done yet! Decorating with balloons brings practically limitless options. After space, time, cost, and effort, the only thing limiting the potential of your balloon decorations is your own imagination! Here are a couple more birthday party balloon decoration ideas to spark your creativity.

Fill the Room or Dance floor

Out of all the ways you can decorate your party space with balloons, filling the floor will bring your guests the most joy. Watch the inner kid come out in your guests as they punt and tap and generally frolic in a sea of vibrant foil and latex balloons.

Balloon Drop for a Special Moment

For a special surprise, set up a balloon drop. Whether you’re planning a milestone-age birthday party or a sweet 16, a big balloon drop is sure to light up the party with smiles and laughter.

Balloon Responsibility

Anyone who decides to use balloons should follow the basic tips below to ensure that no accidents occur because of misuse of balloons or poor handling:

Inflate Safely

Be careful to not inflate your balloons until they burst.

Don’t Release Balloons

Releasing balloons into the air is the same as littering, and it's especially damaging to wildlife.

Pop & Toss Latex Balloons

When you are finished with your latex balloons, try to pop them and toss them into a nearby garbage can to ensure that your area is clean and that no potentially hazardous balloon debris is left.