Balloons and balloon decorations: how to order for a celebration
What makes up the price of balloons
Orders that look the same can cost different amounts. Helium latex balloons are filled with helium, and they usually float for a few hours, and after special treatment can last much longer. Foil numbers and shapes hold helium longer but cost more themselves. An arch or garland is priced separately: the price depends on the length, the number of balloons and how complex the colour transitions are.
Add delivery, and for a photo backdrop or arch, setup on site. It is exactly these separate lines that make requests easy to compare wrongly.
What to put in your request
- What exactly — helium balloons, foil numbers or shapes, arch, garland, photo backdrop, surprise box;
- Quantity or size — for example, 30 helium balloons or a 3-metre arch;
- Occasion — birthday (whose and how old), gender reveal, bringing a baby home, wedding;
- Colours and theme — rose gold, cartoon characters;
- Message — a name, a number, a short greeting;
- Delivery time and address — date, hour, city and area or name of the venue;
- Setup on site — whether the arch or backdrop must be assembled at the venue;
- Budget, if you want to name one.
Example: “I need 30 helium balloons in rose gold and a foil number 5 for my daughter's birthday. Christchurch, Saturday at 3 pm, balloons with the name Ava. Budget up to $120.”
How it works through BlaBlaPrice
You describe the celebration in one request, and decor studios and balloon artists in your city reply in the chat: what they will make, at what price, and when they will bring it. Sellers see where their offer stands, so they compete for your request, which often gives better terms. Reviews appear next to every offer, and your phone stays hidden until you choose a provider. More in the section “How it works”.
What to look at when comparing offers
- Ask what the balloons are made of: latex, foil, and whether there is a treatment for longer float time.
- Check whether delivery and setup are in the price or separate.
- Ask for photos of similar work, especially for arches and backdrops, because photos show colour quality and neatness.
- Find out what happens if the exact shade isn't available: is a replacement agreed with you?
Helium balloons are best ordered for the day of the event or the day before, while air-filled arches can be prepared in advance. For indoor events, check the ceiling height and whether the venue allows setup.
Common mistakes
The most common is forgetting the time: balloons are ordered for the morning, the party is in the evening, and the helium has time to “sag”. Another is not saying where the setup is: in a restaurant, in a garden or in a flat on a high floor. Also give the message at once, or it will have to be agreed on the day of the order.
Looking wider? See birthday gifts or gifts for kids.
Questions and answers
How long do helium balloons float?
Ordinary latex balloons usually float for a few hours, foil ones hold helium longer. If you need them all day, ask the seller about balloon treatment.
Can I order an arch with setup at a restaurant?
Yes. Give the venue name, date and time in the request, and sellers will say whether setup is included. It is also worth checking when you can enter the venue.
How many days ahead should I order balloons for a party?
Simple helium balloons can often be ordered a day or two ahead. For an arch, a backdrop or balloons with a custom message, better contact sellers a week earlier.
Do all sellers see my phone number?
No, contacts are hidden. Only the seller you choose gets them, and only through the channels you give.
