Not sure what type of balloon display you need?
You’re not alone.
One of the most common enquiries we receive starts with: “I’d like a balloon arch for my event.” The surprising part is that, in most cases, a balloon arch isn’t actually what they’re looking for. Over the years, the term “balloon arch” has become a phrase for many different types of balloon displays. In reality, there are lots of styles available, each designed for a different purpose, venue and budget. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, wedding, baby shower, corporate event or grand opening, choosing the right display can make a huge difference to the overall look of your event.
This guide explains the most popular balloon display styles, where they work best, and how to choose the perfect option for your celebration.
Balloon Garlands
Balloon garlands are our most requested display and are often mistaken for balloon arches. Unlike a balloon arch, a garland doesn’t usually stand on its own. Instead, it’s designed to be attached to another structure, allowing it to flow naturally around different features to create a bespoke display .Because they can be customised in almost any size, shape or colour combination, balloon garlands are one of the most versatile decorations available.
Balloon garlands are perfect for:
Welcome signs
Shimmer walls
Sailboards
Light-up numbers
Hoop backdrops
Rectangle frames
Dessert tables
Fireplaces
Staircases
Shop windows
Doorways
Corporate branding
If you’ve been searching for a balloon arch to decorate one of the displays above, there’s a good chance a balloon garland is actually the better choice.
Balloon Arches
A true balloon arch is exactly what its name suggests, a freestanding structure that creates an archway for guests to walk underneath. Unlike balloon garlands, arches are built to stand independently and don’t need attaching to walls or backdrops. Balloon arches are ideal for making a big first impression and creating a clear entrance to an event.
Balloon arches are perfect for:
Venue entrances
Charity events
School events
Sports events
Grand openings
Corporate events
Outdoor entrances (weather permitting)
If your guests are walking through the balloons, you’re almost certainly looking for a balloon arch rather than a balloon garland.
Balloon Backdrops
A balloon backdrop combines balloons with a decorative structure to create a stunning focal point for photographs, welcome areas or celebration spaces. The backdrop itself might be a shimmer wall, sailboard, hoop, rectangle frame or another display structure, while the balloons are usually created using an organic balloon garland. These displays are ideal when you want to create a dedicated photo area or a feature that becomes the centrepiece of your event.
Balloon backdrops are perfect for:
Weddings
Birthday parties
Baby showers
Christenings
Proms
Corporate events
Awards evenings
Product launches
Balloon Columns
Balloon columns are freestanding vertical displays that add height and impact without taking up much floor space. They can be created in a traditional spiral design or in a more modern organic style and are available with personalised, themed or branded topper balloons. Balloon columns are particularly popular for businesses because they create an eye-catching entrance while remaining practical for customers and guests.
Balloon columns are perfect for:
Shop entrances
Corporate events
Car dealerships
School events
Venue entrances
Charity events
Exhibition stands
Number Stacks
Number stacks are one of our most popular birthday displays. Large foil numbers are mounted onto a stylish balloon base, creating a freestanding display that looks great in photos and doesn’t require helium. They’re available in a huge range of colours and themes, making them suitable for children and adults alike.
Number stacks are perfect for:
Birthdays
Milestone birthdays
Anniversaries
Graduations
Home celebrations
Helium Balloon Displays
Helium balloons add height, movement and colour to an event, making them ideal for filling larger spaces. From simple table centrepieces to impressive multi-weight balloon bouquets, helium displays can be tailored to suit almost any occasion.
Popular helium displays include:
Table centrepieces
Balloon bouquets
Floor-standing bouquets
Ceiling balloons
Corporate table displays
Welcome displays
Helium balloons work beautifully on their own or alongside larger balloon installations.
Bubble Balloons
Bubble balloons are made from a clear, stretchy plastic rather than traditional latex, giving them a unique appearance and excellent durability. They’re often personalised with names, ages, messages or company logos, making them a popular choice for gifts and special occasions. Bubble balloons can be displayed on balloon bases, incorporated into larger displays or given as a personalised keepsake.
Bubble balloons are perfect for:
Birthdays
New baby celebrations
Anniversaries
Engagements
Corporate gifts
Business branding
Personalised gifts
Foil Balloons
Foil balloons are available in hundreds of different designs, including numbers, letters, characters, stars, hearts and themed shapes. They’re often used to highlight a celebration or create a focal point within a larger balloon display. Foil balloons pair perfectly with latex balloons to create balanced, eye-catching arrangements.
Foil balloons are perfect for:
Birthdays
Anniversaries
Baby showers
Graduations
Seasonal celebrations
Corporate events