How To Make A Stunning Balloon Arch For Your Wedding
Balloon arches are becoming a wedding day essential, and for good reason; we absolutely love them!
This decoration will certainly make your special day stand out, whether it’s used as a beautiful ceremony backdrop or to welcome visitors to the reception.
We have put together this step-by-step tutorial with two different techniques you can use at home to help you create your own DIY balloon arch.
With a DIY wedding arch, you can customise every aspect to reflect the two of you and your big day.
How To Make A Basic Balloon Arch
What You’ll Need
- Balloon pump
- Balloons
- Bucket and gravel or brick
- Sturdy wire
- Wire cutters
Buy Or Create A Wire Base
Cut a long, robust piece of wire with wire cutters to the desired length and height for the arch.
Additionally, you can buy a balloon arch kit from the shop and use the wire frame that comes with it.
This method works well for smaller arches because wire becomes flimsier the longer it is cut.
Anchor The Arch
Insert the arch’s ends into a bucket of sand, gravel, or stones.
A flat base or platform may already be there if you purchased a pre-made arch from a store.
Put something substantial, like a brick, on the base in this situation to weigh it down.
Add a thin coating of colourful sand or stones to your bucket to give it a more attractive appearance.
This will cover up the simple pebbles or sand.
Wrap the bricks with paper that matches your balloons if you used brick to anchor your balloon arch.
Additionally, you can paint them to coordinate with the balloon arch’s base.
Use A Balloon Pump To Blow Up Four Balloons
The balloons can all be the same colour or they can be different colours, depending on your colour scheme.
As soon as you’re done blowing up each balloon, tie the end in a knot. Make an effort to have the same size balloons.
Tie Two Balloons Together In A Double Knot
If you’re having problems, you can use string to tie the balloons together.
For the remaining two balloons, repeat the same step. There should be two balloon pairs by this time.
Twist The Pairs Together To Make A Clover Shape
Put your first set of balloons in a cross form above your second set.
Pull the two balloons at the bottom up, then move the left balloon to the right and the right balloon to the left.
You will have a structure that resembles a four-leaf clover.
Tie Or Twist The Balloons To Your Wire Frame
Pull the balloon clover up against the wire. Ensure that the wire is lying against the clover’s centre knot.
Twist the two balloons next to each other to close them in front of the wire.
The balloons can also be fastened to the wire using ribbon or colourful string if you wish.
Repeat The Process Until Your Balloon Arch Is Complete
Blow four balloons at a time. Make sets out of them, then combine the sets to form a clover.
Just above the bottom row of balloons, slide the clover onto the wire and fasten it. Do this repeatedly until the wire is filled.
Make sure the balloons are spaced out. Allow the row two balloons to rest in the gaps between the row one balloons.
How To Make A Floating Balloon Arch
What You’ll Need
- Balloon anchors
- Balloons
- Fishing line
- Helium tank
- Scissors
Tie Fishing Line To A Balloon Weight
Pick a balloon weight that goes with your chosen colour scheme.
The fishing line’s end should be wrapped around the handle a few times before being tied into a tight knot.
The other end should not yet be tied off.
Inflate A Balloon Using A Helium Tank
Unlike other arches, this one is supported by a network of floating balloons.
Use the tank to blow up the first balloon, and then tie off the end.
A helium tank can be purchased at an arts and crafts store or a party supply shop. You may also be able to rent them in some places.
Tie The Fishing Line To the Inflated Balloon
Roughly 12 inches should be measured from your weight.
Just above the knot, wrap the string around the balloon’s tail end, and then double-knot it to secure it.
Continue Inflating And Tying Balloons To The Fishing Line
Place the balloons close enough together that their sides will touch. Work your way through the string starting at one end.
At the end of the string, leave a bare space of about 12 to 14 inches.
Anchor The Other End Of The Fishing Line
From the final balloon, measure 12 inches. Make several passes with the string around the balloon anchor’s handle before tying a tight knot.
Add Ribbon To The Bottom Of Each Balloon (Optional)
This is a nice addition that will make it appear as though the balloons are floating in a neat pattern.
Each balloon’s bottom should have a length of balloon curling ribbon tied to it in a contrasting colour.
Tips For Creating The Perfect Balloon Arch
Now that you know how to make your own balloon arch for your big day, here are some top tips for making sure your balloon arch looks absolutely perfect!
- If you’re planning on using just one colour, consider using balloons of different shades of that colour. For example, if you want your arch to be blue, using both light and dark shades of blue in your arch.
- For extra sparkle, fill clear balloons with confetti and add them to your balloon arch.
- When deciding what colours you want to use in your balloon arch, take inspiration from your wedding colour scheme. This will make sure the arch ties in nicely with the rest of the decor.
- To adjust the height of your balloon arch, you can move the ends closer or further apart.
Final Word
A balloon arch is a great addition to your decor on your big day, and even better, it won’t break the bank!
Use this guide to create your perfect balloon arch exactly the way you want it, so you can wow your wedding guests.