DIY Balloon Bouquet "Simple & Elegant"

How do you make a simple balloon bouquet? Before we dive into the steps, let me tell you one of the secrets of professional looking balloon centerpieces: you blow up the balloons to exactly the same size!

Now let's get to work and create this balloon bouquet. Simple and elegant!

What you need to make this simple balloon bouquet:

• 11" high quality pearlescent latex balloons, color of your choice (in our example we used 'Qualatex' pearl teal and pearl white)
• color matching curling ribbon
• helium
• balloon sizer and
• your self-made balloon sand weight

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How to Make a Balloon Bouquet - Step 1: Inflating the Balloons

Everything ready? O.K., let's start to blow up a balloon with helium. Gently slide the neck of the balloon over the nozzle, keeping a firm grip with your thumb and index finger (fig. 1).

Just a word of caution, the type of valve we are using here is commonly referred to as a 'Quick Fill Station'. It works simply by applying downward pressure to the black flexible section.

If you've never used one of these before, press it down very gently so that you get a slow, controlled release of the gas into the balloon (fig. 2). 

When the balloon is filled approximately to its optimal size (fig. 3) you check it using your balloon sizer (fig. 4) and inflate or deflate as appropriate. 

Happy with the balloon size? Great. Now tie a knot. Check out our "Tips & Tricks" for an easy and quick way to tie a balloon knot. 

How to Make a Balloon Bouquet - Step 2: Attaching the Ribbon

Cut about 8.2 ft (2.5 m) of ribbon. Take one end and tie a loose knot (fig. 5). Leave half a meter (1.6 ft) spare ribbon at the balloon end.

Slip the noose of the ribbon over the balloon neck and tie it in front of the knot (fig. 6). Tie a second knot to attach the ribbon securely. 

Now attach the other end of the curling ribbon to your balloon base, allowing ca. 5 ft (1.5 m) of ribbon from the base to the balloon.

The first balloon will be the highest of the three in your balloon arrangement. Once you're happy with the height, tie off the ribbon with two securing knots (fig. 7). 

Step 3: Arranging the Final Two Balloons

Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the last two balloons. To achieve the correct positioning for your second balloon, pass the ribbon through the hoop on your base and adjust the height until the balloon slightly touches the one above it.

When you're happy with the positioning, tie off the ribbon with two securing knots. Follow the same procedure for the third and final balloon (fig. 8). 

How to Make a Balloon Bouquet - Step 4: Curling the Ribbons

To add the finishing touch to your balloon bunch, curl the loose ends of the ribbons at the balloons and at the base. To do this you take an open pair of scissors.

Starting at the knotted end, place the ribbon between your thumb and the blade edge and then pull the scissors down the entire length of the ribbon. Try not to grip too tightly as you will make the curls too tight (fig. 9). 

Congratulations! Your centerpiece is done. How simple and elegant!

How Do You Make a Staggered vs a Stacked Balloon Bouquet?

The main difference between a staggered and a stacked balloon bouquet is the way the balloons are arranged.

In a staggered balloon bouquet, each balloon is arranged at a different height, just lightly touching each other, to create a cascading effect.

My simple and elegant bouquet is an example of a staggered or cascaded design. Due to their filigrane nature, they are ideal for decorating a wedding table without obstructing the guest's views.

Delicate and beautiful: staggered balloon bouquets on a wedding head table.

In contrast, a stacked or tiered balloon bouquet involves arranging two or more balloons level with each other, then stacking another tier of balloons above the first one. 

By using this method, you'll achieve a more symmetrical and "heavier" look, making them a good choice for larger venues or floor standing designs.

Stacked balloon bouquets create a more "substantial" look than their staggered counterparts.

Frequently Asked Questions about Balloon Bouquets