How to Make a Balloon Arch
A balloon arch is a wonderful and colorful addition to any festive event. While many professional party planners would easily provide you with this, you can make one of your own yourself. It might be a difficult task, but once your arch is up, you’ll know it’s definitely worth the trouble!
What You’ll Need:
Air or helium balloons
Helium or air tank
Balloon strings
PVC pipe
Aluminum rod
Electrical tape
Procedure:
Purchase the balloons. You have to consider a few factors before you decide what kind to get. For one, what colors would the balloons be? Is the event a children’s party, where rainbow colors would be welcomed? Maybe it’s for a wedding, and you have to stick with white or cream colored balloons. Also, decide if you’re going to use helium or air balloons. Helium balloons will need less frame support, but will only last 10 to 12 hours before weighing the frame down. Air balloons need a more stable frame, but will last longer. Air balloons are also less costly.
balloon arch
Make sure you purchase helium tanks or air tanks that are enough for your balloons. Strings to tie the balloons are also needed, and these are usually included when you buy the deflated balloons.
Create the frame for the balloon arch. Determine the width and height requirements. As much as possible, assemble it on or near the location where the arch would stand. For the sides of the arch, use PVC pipe, while an aluminum rod can be used for the curve on top. Secure the sides and the top with electrical tape.
Inflate your balloons and secure their ends with strings. You need to make an estimate of how many balloons you’ll need. The amount depends on how large you inflate the balloons and how big your arch is.
Tie a couple of balloons together using the string. Match these two balloons, then mix them with another set. You now have a cluster with four balloons. Mix and match colors or create different patterns.
Once you have several clusters of balloons, you can now attach them to the frame. Put a cluster in place, then take one of the balloons and twist it around the frame, securing it properly. Once it’s set, add the next cluster. Make sure no part of the frame shows, and that the balloons are snug against each other.
Continue doing this, until you’ve covered the whole frame.
It’s time to erect your frame. Weigh down the two ends by attaching something heavy to them, like sandbags or bricks. This will help them stay in place. Cover these materials with balloon clusters, too.
Secure the arch better by attaching it to the wall or ceilings or objects like chairs or balloons. If you’re putting it against a door, hook it to the frame using pushpins, wire or string. Don’t pop any of the balloons, though.
Streamers and banners are great decorations, but for a fantastic deviation, try making a balloon arch. With these easy steps, you’ll have one up in a jiffy!