The Wonderful World of Balloon Arches

I love balloon arches! They are fun, beautiful, versatile, and make a big impression. As a balloon decorator in Charlotte, North Carolina I have done quite a few different designs for venues around the city. In this article I will try to include some information on four of the major arch styles used in the industry. Hopefully I will have some things to say that will interest both individuals thinking about adding an arch to their next event as well as new balloon artists who are just learning about arches.

String-Of-Pearls Arch

I will start by introducing simple designs and work up to the more complicated arches. The first design I would like to take a look at is a string-of-pearls arch.  This, in my opinion, is the simplest balloon arch to make. Because of this, it appeals to the do-it-yourself crowd, as well as to those looking to make a bigger impression but are on a budget.

The string-of-pearls arch looks amazing over pools, driveways, large indoor areas, buffet or guest of honor tables, and in a plethora of other settings. A smaller arch normally runs from $75 and up from a decorator and really adds a lot to the atmosphere. Larger arches run a little more but are still a fraction of the cost of other arch styles. Two string-of-pearls arches like the ones in the picture may cost around three hundred dollars give or take but two standard arches of the same size would be well over $1,000 and probably closer to $2,000.

All you need to make these is quality helium filled balloons, some fishing line, and something to hold the whole thing down. This arch is simply helium balloons tied at even increments to clear mono-filament (fishing line). I use 11″ balloons spaced 11″ to 12″ apart on 50 pound line to create the look you see in the picture. The arch looks fantastic, especially in multiples, and can be placed almost anywhere indoors or outdoors.

If using this arch indoors you can tie it up just about anywhere or use sand weights.  A warning for outdoor use though, the amount of wind drag placed on the balloons can create an impressive amount of force pulling at the arch. Don’t expect to use your standard sand weight to hold these babies down outside. I suggest getting some attractive and heavy paving stones from Lowes or finding a stationary structure to tie to.

Another thing to note: 11″ helium balloons only float for 12-24 hours. That number is reduced if they are outside and the balloons get exposed to wind, sun, and other forces of nature. As a result, this is a one day event arch only. If you need your arch to last for several days you should consider another style that doesn’t rely on helium. Considering temperature fluctuation I also wouldn’t expect it to last outdoors overnight so don’t make one the night before expecting it to still be up the next morning. Of course, you can extend the float time and also the effect of the arch by using 16″ balloons instead of 11″ or by treating with Ultra High Float, but I would still be very cautious using this one for more than one day outside.

Linking Balloon Arch

These are also pretty simple to make and do not require making an arch frame but are a little more involved than the string-of-pearls arch and do require a base and weights if used outdoors. This arch also gives a different look and feel. The linking balloon arch is fun and funky! It can be used indoors or outdoors and is a favorite at children’s birthday parties, dances, sports parties, etc.  Because it relies on helium it can also be made longer to span large spaces.

One neat thing about these arches is that they can also be created with custom or themed designs. The one in the picture is a “spring bee” themed arch. A cloud in the center and the extra balloon artwork on the bases was added to fit the event theme.

To make a linking arch you must create two standard bases out of balloons and then tie 12″ helium-filled linking balloons together attaching to one base and arching over and tied to the other base. You then make “quads” out of 5″ round balloons and insert them into the segments between the links, locking them in with a twist. It takes more balloons, more time, and more twisting skill to make one of these arches than it does the simple string-of-pearls arch. You can expect to pay $100 or more for an arch large enough for two people to stand under.

The same caution applies to these arches as to the string-of-pearls arch.  They rely on helium to float so they are a one day only arch.

Standard Balloon Arch

The standard balloon arch gives a large impact!  It is much thicker than the previous arch designs and takes up more space, giving it a more impressive visual effect. It can be made with an almost endless combination of patterns, colors, balloon size combinations, and customization. Here is an example of a mixed pattern standard balloon arch:

The standard arch can be styled to fit any theme or event! This is also the style to use if you need an arch that will last for multiple days or overnight. I did the below custom and themed standard arch for a grocery store weekend 50th anniversary event two weeks ago using a frame and it is still up in the store!

NOTE: These arches can be made by using helium or by using a frame. Don’t use helium if you want your arch to last more than a day. If you want your arch for a multiple day event buy or make one that uses a frame, that way you don’t have to be concerned with the arch sagging because of helium loss.

With this custom design I used multiple balloon sizes, different balloon shapes, a couple different styles of balloon flowers, as well as foil balloons. The store wanted the arch high to keep it out of reach of the shopping carts and safe from little hands. As a result, the space I had to attach the bases to was uneven and a bit oblong, so I made the feel of the arch flow with the space.

A variation of the standard arch is the star arch. This design is great to use at awards ceremonies, proms, as a balloon photo booth, etc. It can be designed for a couple of people to stand under or it can be stretched to span a serving table. The star arch uses the standard balloon arch construction methods. The only difference is that the frame is made in the shape of a star instead of in an arch shape which makes it just a tad trickier putting the quads together.

This star arch is an example of how you can incorporate lights into balloon art! This star arch uses clear and jewel balloon colors and has four long strands of battery operated fairy lights wrapped into it making it sparkle!

To construct a standard style arch you will need two bases, which must be weighted if you plan to place this arch outdoors, and a bunch of quads (four balloons twisted together). Outdoor frames are usually made from PVC that has been bent into an arch shape using boiling water or a heat gun, or made from tent poles (my favorite). Indoor frames can be made from the same materials or you can forgo the solid frame altogether and just use a 350Q twisted into segments where you wish to twist in the quads. If using helium the quads can be tied together using fishing line. You can make your own star arch frame using similar methods or just buy the frame online if creating this funky frame shape intimidates you.

Standard arches are more expensive than other styles and generally start at around $200. Custom and themed arches can run well above that.

Organic Balloon Arch

The organic balloon arch is as versatile as it is beautiful! They are built on a wire frame and can be made to fit any space and flow any direction.  It really doesn’t have to be made in the arch shape, but can flow up, down, in, and out. They can swirl around a room or wrap around a structure! They can be made large or small using any combination of balloon sizes and are as custom as they come.

Here is a picture of the wire frame and of the first few balloon clusters being attached. This arch was done for a wedding. The bride felt like the entrance door needed something to dress it up a bit. She did not want a symmetrical arch design but wanted balloons to cover over the awning and the lights on either side of the door.  An organic arch fit her criteria perfectly. This is how we did the frame. As you can see it is just wire weighted with a cinder block and attached to the lights on either side of the door, and to the awning at the front.

After adding a LOT of balloon clusters of various sizes, and filling in the gaps with individual balloons, the arch started to take shape. As you can see, it uses an organic shape and flow to cover the awning, as well as the lights on either side of the door. The bride was very happy!

Organic arches run from $150 for a small indoor arch and up. I hope this helps give some idea of the different arch styles, their advantages and disadvantages, and the costs. Let us know if you would like us to build an arch for you at your next event!

We are a group of professional balloon artists creating amazing balloon art for Charlotte, NC, Rock Hill, SC, and the surrounding areas! If you have questions leave them in the comments below, or you can email us at madeyallookballoons@gmail.com or give us a call at 704-860-0770!