How to Build a Balloon Arch
By Kathryn Parisse
A balloon arch is one of those things that
simply takes some practice. You can usually
tell whether or not someone has had
experience with balloon arches. The arch
will either look polished or it will look
sloppy. So, do yourself a favor and either
hire a professional or spend some hours
constructing balloon arches to perfect your
skill.
Done correctly, balloon arches create a very
festive and even elegant environment for
weddings, parties and special events.
So, how do you make balloon arches? Follow
these step-by-step instructions...
STEP 1:
Use the chart below to determine the desired
length of Dacron line to use, and then add
six feet so that you will have enough extra
to tie down the ends.
Balloon Arch Length Chart
- 1. If the balloon arch is wider than it
is tall...
height + width = approximate total
length
- If the balloon arch height and width are
about the same...
1.5(height) + width = approximate total
length
- If the balloon arch is taller than it is
wide...
2(height) + width = approximate total
length
STEP 2:
Stretch archline full length and tie each
end down to anchors, making sure the anchors
are sturdy enough and heavy enough to hold
down the completed arch. Keep an extra 3
feet of line on each end to use for tying
off archline when finished.
STEP 3:
Inflate two 11" latex balloons with helium.
It is important that the balloons are
inflated to the same width. Preferably you
will use a sizer to ensure that all balloons
are uniform. Tie the two balloon necks
together to make a set.
STEP 4:
Repeat Step 3 to make two separate sets.
STEP 5:
Twist the two sets together making a cluster
of four.
STEP 6:
Start at one end of the archline and twist
one balloon of the cluster around the
archline.
STEP 7:
Repeat Steps 3 through 6 until you have
filled the entire line.
STEP 8:
Once you complete the entire line, untie the
ends of the archline from the anchors.
Attach to your decorating anchors (bricks,
gallon-sized bottles of water, etc). Once
tied down, move the ends until the arch is
the height you prefer.
TO MAKE A TWO-COLOR SPIRAL ARCH...
Make sure that balloons 1 & 2 are the
same color and balloons 3 & 4 are the same
color. When you reach Step 6 on the 2nd
cluster, shift the color over one slot.
Continue shifting each cluster so that the
colors appear to spiral around the arch.
That's all there is to it! So, why not
experiment with making a balloon arch this
weekend. Enjoy!
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About the Author:
Kathryn Parisse is editor of aBalloonaD
ay.com, your guide to everything
balloons - from decorating balloons to
advertising balloons.
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