Balloons are a staple of every party, but procuring a helium tank can sometimes be tricky.

It turns out, there’s a lot you can do with balloons, even without helium. Here are 5 of our favorite DIY balloon decoration ideas that don’t require a helium tank or a trip to the party store.

Red, blue, yellow and pink balloon garland with white flowers and greenery mixed in.

Source: Bespoke Bride

 

#1: Create a balloon garland / arch

If you want to add a pop of color to your party or create a backdrop for your dessert table, a balloon garland (or arch) is the way to go.

Select your balloons (you can go for a colorful garland or something more monochromatic) and blow them up. Tie the balloons to a long ribbon and that's it! To get a more clustered look, tie the balloon stems to each other and then secure it to the ribbon 

For some added flair, weave in eucalyptus strands or flowers. 

 

#2: Build a balloon wall

Pastel colored ballons with a girl throwing pink confetti.

Source: Lovely Indeed

 

The best way to create a “photobooth” for your party, without spending a ton of money is with a balloon wall.

To start, blow up your balloons (to cover a wall, you’ll need about 70 or so).

Next, place a removable glue dot on the side of each balloon, peel away the backing, and start placing them on the wall. Repeat these steps until you’re happy with your creation.

Bonus tip! Don’t forget the photo props -- try confetti, fun hats, paper mustaches, and more!

 

#3: Hang from up high

Ombre pink balloons hanging above a tablescape filled with flowers and desserts.

Source: Little Green Notebook

 

Depending on your party setting, you may have access to various “anchors”, like a ceiling, archway or trees in your backyard, from which you can hang balloons.

Similar to the garland example above, all you’ll need is balloons and twine or ribbon.

After blowing up the balloons, simply use a scissor or knife to create a little hole in the balloon tie, which you can use to thread the twine. Add 4-6 balloons per string, spaced about 8” apart.

Once you’ve got your strings set, you can hang them from whatever anchor works best for your party.


#4: Top off your cake (or your drink)

White icing cake on top of a white cake stand. Small balloons placed as cake toppers.

Source: Stylish Spoon

 

Add some unexpected pop to any dessert or drink with a balloon topper or drink stir.

To make them yourself, simply blow up the balloons and thread the wooden skewers through the balloon ties. Place on a cake or wherever you like.

You can use mini-balloons or just inflate regular balloons with a little bit of air and they’ll look just as good. 😉

Want to get a little bit more creative? Tie a small wired leaf to yellow balloons and affix to cute paper straws to create a "lemon" topper 

Vanilla cake on top of cake stand plate with a gold base. Small yellow balloon placed as a cake topper to mimic a lemon.

Source: Twinkle Twinkle Little Party

 

#5: Make a shape

Pale pink balloons made into the shape of a '2' with purple, yellow and white flowers placed dispersedly.

Source: A Joyful Riot

You don’t have to be a balloon animal expert to make some fun shapes using balloons.

Celebrating a birthday? Use balloons to create a number. All you need is balloons, double-sided tape, and some flowers if you're feeling fancy.


Blow up your balloons and use the double-sided tape to each balloon to the wall in the proper shape. Weave in flowers as you see fit by using tape to secure the stems to the wall.

Use this methodology to create any shape - from hearts and stars to letters

How do you decorate without helium?

We’d love to hear you stories, tips, and tricks. Comment below to share!