balloon arch vs. garland (and other terms!)
If you’ve been to a party over the past few years, I can about guarantee you’ve seen SOMETHING along the lines of a balloon arch or garland! When I tell people I am a “balloon artist,” they tend to get puzzled looks on their faces and ask if I make balloon animals. Something about the term “balloon artist” is a little confusing!! No, we are not clowns at Palmetto Balloon Co. (ha!!!) and unfortunately as of right now my balloon animal and twisting skills are MINIMAL (but I have an amazing local rec if you do need one ;) )… but what I can help you with? Air-filled balloon decor of all kinds!
Here’s the breakdown of what’s what, for the perhaps balloon artistry “illiterate”:
Balloon Arch
An air-filled (i.e. not helium-filled) balloon structure that typically has two bases and connects in a curve at the top to create a semi-circle or “arch” shape.
At Palmetto Balloon Co., our current inventory includes a 7.8’ tall gold arch that we can adorn with balloons of your choice to decorate. There are so many options for these — we can set up several in a line to create a balloon “tunnel”, it can showcase the entrance to an event, it can serve as a backdrop for photos where people can stand underneath it… We can also decorate with latex balloons, twisting balloons, foil balloons, numbers, you name it. Other customizable details include custom vinyl on latex or foil balloons to bring in your branding/name/date/school/anything you can dream up!
Balloon Garland
An air-filled balloon structure made of multiple clusters of balloons that can be hung on a surface or freestanding.
These are the most common balloon structures out there! Perfect for adorning doors, windows, stairways, jump houses, storefronts, or any focal point you want to draw attention to. They can be big or small, monochromatic or color-blocked, all latex, all foil, a combination of types… the sky is the limit! Our grab & go garlands are a best seller because they are an economical option for getting that maximized visual impact with minimal investment (and the only DIY work you have to put in is rigging it up!).
Balloon Wall or Ceiling
A large surface area filled by balloon clusters or garlands to serve as a backdrop or focal point.
One of the most costly but visually stunning installations is a full balloon wall. This can be installed as a standalone unit, hung on a wall or vertical surface, or even suspended from the ceiling. The square footage involved in these requires a lot of materials (so many balloons go into these!) and labor and delivery can be extensive, but balloon walls really do provide that “WOW!” factor.
Shimmer Wall
A set of mirrored disc panels clipped together to create a large surface area or “wall” to serve as a backdrop or focal point.
Shimmer walls are one of the most fun creations for balloon artists and decorators. They can be mixed and matched to create checkerboard patterns or spell out designs. They look amazing with a garland flanking the sides and top. Add a neon sign to jazz it up even more!
Balloon Arc or Circle
An air-filled balloon structure installed on a circular shape standalone frame.
Not to be confused with an arch, a balloon arc or circle is created on a standalone circular metal frame. Some include balloons that line the entire frame, some feature clusters in select areas with some of the frame showing, and some fill the entire interior and exterior of the circle (similar to a balloon wall, but in a circle shape). At PBC we have sequin backdrops we can incorporate in these designs as well if you want a filled-in look without 100% balloon “wall”-style coverage.
Did you learn anything from this?! What’s your favorite design? As always, if you need balloon decor for your Charleston or Mount Pleasant events, don’t hesitate to reach out on our inquiry form!
