Balloons for Special Occasions

I worked in a shop that specialised in balloon decorating for 7 years, they decorated all different kinds of events, corporate, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and even product launches. The impact they had on the room was phenomenal, they could transform the look of a room from a dull beige setting to a rainbow of colour.

They livened up the room, they added colour, individuality and magic to each occasion.

So many people don't realise the choices and potential that balloons have, they would come in expecting a set selection of basic air filled balloons, but would stay for hour marvelling at the things that you could do with balloons.

One of the best things about working there was getting to teach people some of the amazing things we could do.

Gumball: One of the most popular choices and probably the thing I did the most of whilst I worked there. These are clear 18 inch helium filled balloons, filled with 5 inch balloons of the colours of your choice. They are simple to make, but they have such a great impact, people asked for them all the time.

Arches: As simple as they sound, creating a balloon arch is quite fiddly and time consuming. But the effect is worth the effort. Balloons are attached to a fishing wire and strung close together to create a beautiful arch of balloons.

Bunches: There are so many things you can do with a bunch of balloons, you can use foil balloons, latex, numbers, flower shapes. Even one bunch of balloons in the right colour and arrangement can look absolutely stunning. Bunches can contain any number of balloons, although an odd number tends to look best, as they are easier to align.

Big Bangs: A popular choice for weddings and new year parties, these are a huge air filled balloon filled with small air filled balloons. You can only put balloons inside other balloons if they are filled with the same gas (air or helium) if you put helium balloons inside an air filled balloon or vice versa, the balloons inside will bust because the pressures are different. The large balloons can be burst with an electrical detonator or a wand with a sharp end. The small balloons and confetti inside will float gently to the ground.

Cloud 9's: These are a bunch of nine helium filled balloons that are attached to the wall with fishing wire (it's invisible from about a metre away) they are hung on the wall in such a way that they look like they are floating in mid air.

Gazebos: Just like it sounds, it is a kind of gazebo made from balloons, they consist of columns and arches. They look elegant and stunning, I remember my boss even made one with lights inside some of the balloons, it was amazing.

People: Animals, cars, motorbikes, they can be made from balloons. The basic structure of the balloons is attached to a frame and then the details are added. This is also a very popular choice for a wedding as a heart can be made very easily.

Names and numbers can also be made.