Balloon art can be ordered for a wedding, anniversary party, graduation, business promotion or other event. The balloons typically are made of colored latex and are filled with either air or helium (which can cost slightly more). Mylar balloons (made of shiny metallic material) may used sparingly, to add interest.
Typical costs:
The cost of balloons varies widely based on the types, size and intricacy of the pieces. Table decorations or smaller pieces typically cost $15-$100 or more. Balloon columns or arrangements that sit on the floor may cost $40-$110 or more each, while balloon arches can range from $75-$500 or more, depending on the shape and size. Total costs can reach $1,000-$2,000 or more for a large space decorated with multiple arches and columns.
For example, Party Designs by Debbie, in New Jersey, charges $15 for a basic balloon centerpiece[1] with six latex balloons; mylar balloons can be added for $3 each. Dr. Balloonatic, in California, charges $30 and up for a balloon topiary[2] and $100 for a wedding cake table arch.
Spiral columns[3] from Dr. Balloonatic start at $40 and Roman columns start at $50, but prices increase for taller columns or add-ons, such as balloons within balloons. A six-foot balloon column[4] made of latex balloons and topped with a decorative mylar balloon costs $75 from the Hawaii Balloon Company. At Balloons Extraordinaire, in Massachusetts, basic columns[5] start at $75, and more intricate columns can cost $110 or more.
Basic arches from Dr. Balloonatic start at $2.50-$6.50 per linear foot, and there is a $100 minimum for any décor involving arches or columns. At Jessica's Balloons, in Colorado, a balloon arch[6] with 125 balloons costs about $215 and an arch with 200 balloons costs about $340. At Party Designs by Debbie, a balloon arch[7] can cost up to $400. At Balloons All Over, in Massachusetts, an extra-large spiral balloon arch[8] using 17" balloons starts at $525.
Costs for custom printed balloons --such as initials for a wedding or a business name for a vendor booth -- vary based on the amount of printing, the type of balloon and the quantity ordered. For example, Beantown Balloons charges about $70-$130 for 100 custom printed balloons[9] or $150-$230 for 1,000 balloons.
The balloon décor artist should work with the customer to come up with the desired design, including the size and style of the balloon decorations, and the type, colors and number of balloons used.
Balloons used to make columns or arches may be filled with air or helium, while those in a balloon canopy over a dance floor would typically be filled with helium. Metallic mylar balloons with messages like "Happy Birthday" or "Congratulations" may be used as a special feature, such as "toppers" for balloon columns.
The balloon artist should deliver the balloons to the event in plenty of time to set up the balloon décor and to coordinate with other vendors if necessary. Most balloon artists do not remove the balloons after the event -- known as striking -- unless paid extra to do so.
Additional costs:
Add-ons such as lighting, confetti, glitter and streamers typically cost extra. For example, the Hawaii Balloon Company[10] offers twinkle lights with any decoration for $10 each.
Some balloon décor artists charge up to $150 or more for delivery and setup. For example, Jessica's Balloons[11] , in Colorado, charges $15-28 per piece to deliver and set up balloon décor.
Having the balloons removed after the event could cost up to $200 or more, according to BallroomBalloons.com. For example, Dr. Balloonatic[12] charges a $50 "strike fee" to remove the balloons.
Discounts:
Individual companies might offer discounts or specials. For example, My Deco Balloon, in New Jersey, offers discounted package deals[13] .
Some venues will remove balloon décor at no cost after the event.
Shopping for balloon decorations:
Martha Stewart Weddings offers a slideshow of balloon wedding décor ideas[14] .
Before hiring a balloon artist, is a good idea to ask to see photographs of previous work and possibly to see testimonials from past customers.
A caterer or florist might be able to provide a referral to a local balloon décor artist. Or, the balloon company Qualatex, which runs a program for balloon décor artists that use the company's products, offers a directory of balloon décor artists[15] by location. TheKnot.com also has a directory of local décor and lighting vendors[16] .
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