Outdoor Balloon Decoration Ideas and Tips
Balloon decorations have become an essential element of special occasions and events, transforming any space into a vibrant and celebratory setting. They are a perfect choice for outdoor event spaces from a bridal shower to a store’s grand opening, outdoor balloons offer endless creative possibilities that can elevate your next gathering.
The Best Balloon Designs for Outdoor Decor
Outdoor balloon decorations offer boundless creativity. Balloon arches and organic balloon garlands provide a captivating entrance or backdrop to any event, be it a graduation party or a special corporate event. Balloon centerpieces add a charming touch to tables, while balloon columns bring vertical elegance to your outdoor space. These designs can be customized to fit any occasion, from a baby shower to a birthday party. air-filled balloons used in designs are a much better choice for outdoor special events than helium-filled balloons. Air-filled designs are usually attached to something like a heavy-duty framework and won’t fly about and pop with a strong breeze on a windy day as helium balloons do, the slightest breeze can get your helium balloons in a tangled mess. If you are wanting to incorporate helium-filled balloons it’s best to use mylar balloons/foil balloons as these last better in outside conditions than latex and have longer float times.
These balloon designs are sure to take your next event to the next level.
1. Balloon Walls
Balloon walls are a great choice for your outdoor party, they make a huge impact and make the most perfect photography backdrop. These can be made by stacking multiple balloon garlands on top of each other and securing them with 260q balloons to keep each garland joined to the next. Alternatively, you can create a balloon wall by attaching garlands to a metal stand like the one below. Once the main part is made you would then add in your big balloons and mini garlands.
2. Balloon organic Garlands
Balloon garlands are a firm party staple, they are so versatile and can be made to fit any location. For outdoor events, they can be hung on trees, fences, props or even down the middle of the table as a table runner. So easy to make, Check out my tutorial HERE for a really simple balloon garland method.
3. Balloon Arches
Balloon arches make the perfect entrance, or look fabulous over the dessert table. These handy kits will have you creating one like a pro.
4. Balloon Columns
Balloon columns can be added to mark entrances or just for the pure fun of it. Super simple to make and sturdy using a prop like this is perfect for windy days. These can really add pops of color around your event area.
5. Balloon Hoops
These balloon hoops are so popular and make the most amazing focal point and backdrop, These stands can be used time and time again for any future events and are easy to decorate by creating quads of balloons and pushing them onto the hoop.
6. Balloon Mosaics
Balloon mosaics are perfect for highlighting a milestone age or to spell out names etc. Once the prop is constructed it really is simple to just add in air-filled latex balloons in your chosen color palette.
7. Balloon centerpieces
Balloon centerpieces are a lovely addition to table tops the best choice for outdoor parties is balloon stands, these will keep your balloons tangle-free and won’t fly about in a slight breeze. You can find my tutorial on how to make a balloon tree HERE
8. Balloon Easel
Make the perfect entrance for your event by incorporating a small balloon garland on an easel with a welcome sign. Perfect for setting the tone of your event and matching with other decorations. You can purchase welcome signs on Etsy or why not make your own with some foam board, stencils and acrylic paint pen.
Why you should not release balloons into the air – Balloon Releases
Steer clear of balloon releases for your open-air gathering. It’s important to note that not only are mass balloon releases prohibited in numerous states, cities, and global communities, but they also impose considerable harm on the environment.
While it’s true that latex balloons biodegrade over time, the decomposition process takes an extended period. Releasing balloons into the environment can lead them on long journeys, often culminating in our oceans.
Marine creatures, including sea turtles, often confuse the vibrant latex balloon remnants with edible sea creatures, consuming them unwittingly. Consequently, these balloon fragments obstruct their digestive systems, contributing to their eventual demise.
The strings attached to balloons are equally detrimental, if not more so. These strings can ensnare wildlife, marine animals, or birds, restricting their movement and frequently resulting in fatality.
Outdoor Balloon Decoration Tips: Making Them Last
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The life span of balloons outside will depend on the weather conditions on the day. Balloons will pop easily if it’s a really hot day or windy, I would recommend not taking the balloons out until just before your guests arrive. Latex balloons outside will also oxidize really quickly more noticeable on dark colors rather than light colors, they will lose their shine and have a white powder mark on them which means the balloons start to biodegrade on the outside, they lose their shine and start go powdery matte finish almost like velvet, this will likely happen over a few hours.
The best way you can prevent this from happening is by using Shine products that are designed to prolong the life of latex balloons, balloons treated with Shine spray will keep shiny over the duration of your special occasion.
Another thing to consider is where you place the balloon decoration, when hanging it outside its best to place it away from anything sharp like tree branches, spiky plants, or ruff textured walls, if hanging on a fence check there are no nails visibly sticking out, or big splinters. If a certain part of your outdoor space is a sun trap that has direct sunlight on that section for a long period of time, consider adding your balloon setup to a more shady part of the outdoor space. Hot weather and extreme heat can be a bad thing for balloon decorations and can cause the balloons to pop/explode and an area in total shade would help prolong the life of the balloons.
FAQ: Addressing Common Concerns
Q: Why do balloons pop outside?
– A: Many factors can make balloons pop easily outside but the main reasons are heat and wind, factoring in the weather when planning your event can help minimize the risk of them popping.
Q: Which balloons are best for the outdoors?
– A: Good quality latex balloons are a must, cheap thin latex balloons will not be a good choice for outdoor use, also consider foil balloons over latex if incorporating helium designs.
Q: Where to buy outdoor balloons?
-A: Professional balloon artists use high-quality brands that are only available by trade. Amazon does have some good quality balloons but it’s vital to read the reviews and look at customer pics so you can see exactly what the balloons are like, product photos can be misleading. I have vetted a lot of Amazon balloons and you can shop my recommend ones HERE
Check out my Pinterest board for lots more outdoor party styling inspiration .
