4 things to consider when buying a balloon arch kit

How to pick the best balloon arch kit

When it comes to event planning, decorations can fall by the wayside. The food, activities, location and invitees are usually what’s focused on. But without decorations, an event may as well just be a common gathering.

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Among the least expected decorations, and the most impactful, is a balloon arch. These beautiful creations can be used for anything from a spicy entranceway to a photo backdrop, and fit in perfectly with both casual and high-end event types.

Balloon arch kit types

Balloon arch kits can contain several kinds of items, with many mixing and matching what’s included. For simplicity, they can be broken down into three types.

• Refill kits contain the fewest items and are often, as the name suggests, bought by those who already have some balloon arch kit materials. Typically, they contain adhesive strips like the ones the balloons are attached to or strips containing double-sided “glue dots” so you can attach your balloons to essentially anything. They might also include balloons, but this is uncommon.
• Starter kits contain most of what you need to build a balloon arch, such as poles, clamps, tools to help you quickly tie your balloons, adhesive strips and hooks to hang poles or balloons. Like refill kits, they also only occasionally include balloons. These kits may also include a hand pump for inflating balloons with air instead of helium.
• Complete kits do contain everything you need to make a balloon arch, including balloons. However, they typically only include what’s necessary to build one kind of arch. For example, one may include clamps and poles while another may include strips. Because how people want to fill their balloons varies, hand pumps are not guaranteed.

Air vs. helium

There are pros and cons to each of these common balloon-filling gases.

• Air-filled balloons stay inflated much longer, potentially up to two or three days. This makes them perfect for long-running events. You can also fill them for free, though you should get a pump of some kind so you don’t pass out from lack of oxygen by filling them with your breath. The downside is that they droop, making for a potentially lifeless-looking arch.
• Helium balloons don’t stay inflated for long, typically just three to six hours. You also need to buy helium, which can quickly get expensive if you’re planning a large arch. Finally, all those helium-filled balloons can pull your arch away if it isn’t properly secured. However, the almost lifelike quality of helium-filled balloons makes for a better arch, hands down.

Indoor vs. outdoor balloon arch kits

Whether you want to put your balloon arch inside or outside comes with certain considerations you should know.

• Indoor-placed arches can be more varied in their designs and placements. Instead of a classic arch, for example, you can do inverse ones that hang from the ceiling. They also don’t need to be too tightly secured, even if filled with helium, as they’re not being pulled and pushed by any wind or other outside force.
• Outdoor-placed arches can typically only be made in a standard way unless you’re particularly creative. They also need to be rigorously secured using weights, ties and or other methods to prevent them from moving under the effects of all the forces found away from enclosed shelters.

Balloon arch kits cost

Refill kits typically cost less than $10, though those with balloons may cost a dollar or two more. Starter kits typically cost $10-$30 depending on the quality of the kit and how much is included. Complete kits typically cost $20-plus, again depending on the quality and what’s included.

Best balloon arch kits

Kawkalsh Balloon Arch Kit

This kit includes one roll of ribbon, one 16.33-foot balloon chain, one glue roll containing 100 glue dots and 108 balloons split among three sizes. There are seven single-color balloon kits and one multicolor balloon kit.

Langxun Balloon Arch Kit

This kit includes 10 15-inch rods that make a 12-foot pole if all are used, two C-shaped plastic clips and 25 balloon ring clips. It comes in black or white.

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Monochef Balloon Arch Decorating Strip Kit

This kit only contains two rolls of balloon tape strips that are 16 feet each with 220 holes per roll and two rolls of balloon glue points that have 100 dots each, so it’s perfect for those who already have other balloon arch hardware. Please note that this kit does not include balloons.

Best party balloons

Bezente Party Balloons

This set includes one 33-foot roll of ribbon and 100 12-inch balloons made of environmentally friendly latex, which also makes them more durable and gives them no strange odor. They come in 19 colors.

Rubfac Assorted Color Rainbow Party Balloons

This set includes 120 12-inch balloons with 10 each in 12 colors: red, orange, pink, white, yellow, purple, light purple, dark blue, light blue, dark green, fruit green and crimson.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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