How to Make a Balloon Garland (Easy Step-by-Step DIY Tutorial )

In this article, you will learn how to make a Balloon Garland with an easy step-by-step guide. Generally, the instructions are the same for all of our DIY Balloon Arches, but there is some variation based on the size you are making, so make sure you read the directions carefully.

For this tutorial you will need:
Garland Strip, Nylon String, Glue Dots, 11″ Balloons and 5″ Mini Balloons

How to make a Balloon Garland Easily ?

Step 1: Inflate your Balloons

Inflate equal numbers of 11” balloons in each colour to different sizes, varying between 8” to 10”.

You can find detailed instructions on how to blow up balloons in our previous article.

In total you will require:

Note: If your set includes confetti balloons:To make sure that the confetti sticks to the sides of the balloons you need to make it static. Simply rub all over the balloon with your hands, a wool scarf or any other fabric. It’s like magic!

Step 2 : Add the Balloons to the Garland Strip

This step requires the long plastic garland strip.

Take one of your inflated balloons and pull the knot through the first hole of the garland strip. Pull the knot through the wider side and once it is through, push it sidewards into the narrow hole so it stays in place. Repeat this using the next 2 holes with 2 balloons of different colours (use the same colour for a Rainbow Balloon Garland).

Step 3: Tie the Nylon Strings to the Ends of the Garland Strip

Take the nylon string and cut it in half so you are left with two pieces of nylon string that are equal lengths. Take the Balloon Garland and tie one of your nylon strings through the first hole on one of the ends of the garland strip. This is where you begin to shape your garland!

For 1m and 2m garlands

Follow the instructions for the classic garland shape

For 3m garlands

Choose the shape you prefer, garland or arch shape

For 4m garlands

We suggest to follow the instructions for the arch shape
Leave one hole on the strip empty before adding the next 3 balloons. (If you put a balloon in every hole, the garland becomes too tangled up and will look more like a cloud rather than a garland.)The different coloured balloons do not have to be placed in the same order each time so feel free to get creative!

Note: If your garland is 3m or 4m:Your Balloon Garland strip will be longer than you need. Once you have added all the balloons, cut off the remaining strip.

For an arch shape

Tie your 2nd nylon string through one of the holes on the garland strip, at a place where you want the arch to start curving (for example in the middle or after 2/3 of the strip.)

For a garland shape

Tie your 2nd nylon string at the other end of the garland strip.

Step 4: Hang the Balloon Garland to the Door or Frame

Hang the Balloon Garland to the wall/ door frame where you want it to go. If needed, you can rearrange the balloons at this point to change the colours around (for example if all purple balloons are at the bottom of the garland).

Step 5: Inflate the Mini Balloons

(if your set includes mini balloons)
Inflate equal numbers of 5” mini balloons in each colour to different sizes, varying between 3” and 4”.

In total you will require:

1m/3.5ft garlands : 9 mini balloons

2m/7ft garlands : 15 mini balloons

3m/10.5ft garlands : 21 mini balloons

4m/15ft garlands : 27 mini balloons

To attach the mini 5” balloons to the garland you need to use the glue dots provided. Cut off one glue dot from the strip, stick it to the mini balloon and then peal the paper off. Add the small balloon to the garland by sticking it on one of the large balloons. Repeat this with the remaining mini balloons.

Step 6: Add Additional Decorations

Once all of the balloons have been added to the garland, it can be decorated with additional items such as a foil balloon, snowflakes, banners, flowers or greenery. Small foil balloons and paper decorations can be added using the additional glue dots to adhere them to the balloon garland. Greenery and flowers can simply be tucked between the balloons of the garland. Of course, it also looks pretty without any additional decorations!
Well done to you! You created an amazing balloon arch!

Tips and Tricks

• Be careful not to over-inflate the balloons! In fact, balloon professionals inflate the balloons always a little less than the maximum size of the balloon, e.g. an 11” balloon should be inflated to a maximum of around 9-10” and a 5” balloon to a maximum of about 4”. This is because balloons burst easily if they are inflated too much, eg if the room temperature changes.
• Balloons do not do well in sunlight or hot temperatures. They might change their colour slightly and/or burst. Confetti balloons especially get frosted (= less clear). Pearl and chrome balloons will turn matte.
• Make sure that the surface you are preparing the balloons on is clean. Otherwise you might end up with dust sticking to your balloons.
• Tip from a professional balloon decorator: Once you inflate a balloon, gently squeeze it between your hands, with the top and knot against your palms. This way the balloons will take the shape of a ball, rather than the typical balloon shape.
• The balloon garland can be prepared a day before. As long as the room is not exposed to extreme temperatures the garland will look the same the next day. Should a balloon burst, you can use one of the spare balloons to replace it.

DIY Balloon Garland FAQ

Here are some commonly asked questions about DIY Balloon Garlands.

How long do a Balloon Garland last?

A Balloon Garland lasts a week, so it can be prepared days in advance; there’s no need to stress yourself on the day-of.

How far in advance should I make a Balloon Garland?

You can make a balloon garland up to three days before your party for best results. It is best to use balloons within 2-3 days of the party when they are brand new and glossy.

How long will take to make?

If you are making one for the first time, it probably will take you around an hour. But it will depend on how many balloon your garland has.

What size balloons should I set?

We usually choose balloons in a variety of sizes and colours, but most are 11″ balloons and you can also add mini balloons which are 5″.

How many balloons do I need?

It will depend on the length of your balloon garland, you can refer to the table sizes provided above.

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Our latest Balloon Garlands

We are excited to share our latest creation with you! We have been working on designing balloon garlands for parties and other special occasions, and we are pleased to say that they have been a great success. This is a great way to add some colour and cheer to a room and create an instant party atmosphere. We have been making balloon garlands for a wide range of celebrations and events, including birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and more.

It’s so exciting to see the ways our customers have been using our balloon garlands and balloon sculptures. We hope you enjoy our garlands as much as we have enjoyed making them for you!

Vintage Circus Balloon Garland Theme

As we all know, the circus has been a big part of our childhoods. It’s a great way to bring back memories of childhood and fun, and to share those memories with family and friends. This Circus Balloon Garland was a lot of fun to make and is a great way to bring back those memories.

Celebrating a special birthday? Planning some fabulous photos of the day? This fabulous balloon arch will provide the perfect backdrop. Create the wow factor with this stunning circus balloon arch!

Pastel and Nude Balloon Garland

Celebrating a special birthday or baby shower? This Pastel and Nude Balloon Garland is perfect for First Birthdays or welcoming your newborn. You can add the sweet cloud and giraffe foil balloons to make it even more adorable.

Paw Balloon Garland Kit

This Paw Balloon Garland will wow any Everest and Skye fan. It immediately creates an impact and will be the perfect backdrop for your Paw Patrol party.

This Paw Balloon Garland Arch incorporates the colour of both Skye and Chase in addition to fabulous paw print balloons. To make it even more special pink Paw cutouts can be added.

Our Paw Balloon Garland Kit is a simple, but fun way to decorate your little ones birthday. This balloon garland is a great party decoration, but it is also simple enough to use as a backdrop for photos or as a backdrop for games at birthday parties.

Dusky Pink and Sage Green Safari Balloon Arch

This Safari Balloon Garland will transform your venue into a stunning welcome for the birthday girl.

The colours included are trendy dusky pink, eucalyptus, chrome gold and pastel pink. To make it extra special it includes off-white leopard balloons making it the perfect photo prop for a safari themed party.

Dog’s Birthday Balloon Arch

Celebrate your pet’s birthday with this stunning Balloon Arch, It not only includes fabulous paw print balloons, but you can even create your unique look by adding the pastel colour of your choice.

Midnight Blue and Chrome Gold Balloon Arch

Celebrating a special birthday? This fabulous Midnight Blue and Chrome Gold Balloon Arch will provide the perfect backdrop. It is easy to do, but looks stunning.

We would love to see your wonderful garland so don’t forget to tag us in your photos on Instagram @taraswonderworld

Have a wonderful celebration,
Britta & Tara’s Wonderworld Team.