How to Choose the Best Balloon Garland Kit (Sizes & Setup)
A balloon garland kit takes the guesswork out of a party backdrop. Most kits come with the balloons, a decorating strip, and glue dots, so you have everything in one box. This guide covers what to look for in the best balloon garland kits, how the types compare, and exactly what you need for a full garland.
At DecorWillow, our top tip is to check the balloon count and finish before you buy. A good kit has enough balloons in mixed sizes and a matte finish, which often photographs beautifully.
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- Best for: birthdays, showers, any party
- A kit usually includes: balloons, strip, glue dots
- Look for: 100+ balloons, mixed sizes, matte
- Budget: kits run about $10 to $30
- Difficulty: beginner-friendly
Table of Contents
- What to look for in a balloon garland kit
- Types of kits compared
- Before and after
- How many balloons you need
- Color and size guide
- Budget guide
- Worth it vs skip
- Tips for a full garland
- Do you need a balloon pump?
- Kit checklist
- FAQ
- Related articles
What to look for in a balloon garland kit
Not all kits are equal. Here is what makes a good one:
- Balloon count: at least 100 balloons for a 6-foot garland, plus extras for pops.
- Mixed sizes: a good kit has 5-inch, 11-inch, and 16-inch balloons for a full, organic look.
- Matte finish: matte balloons often photograph beautifully and hide fingerprints. Shiny ones can reflect light and look harsh in photos.
- A decorating strip and glue dots: these make building the garland almost foolproof.
- Quality brand balloons: many professionals prefer brands like Qualatex, Tuftex, and Sempertex as they often hold color and resist popping better than generic ones.
A good kit includes mixed-size balloons, a decorating strip, and glue dots, all in one box.
Types of kits compared
Kits come in a few forms. Pick the one that fits your party:
- Full color-themed kits: a ready-made palette (boho, pastel, etc.) with everything included. Best for beginners who want a done-for-you look.
- Single-color bulk packs: lots of balloons in one shade, so you mix your own palette. Best if you want full control.
- Balloon-plus-accessory kits: include pampas, greenery, or a number balloon. Best for a complete themed setup.
If you would rather build one from scratch without a kit, here is how to make a balloon garland, and here is how to make a balloon arch.
Kits come as ready-made color themes, single-color bulk packs, or sets with accessories like pampas.
Before and after
A kit turns a bare wall into a photo backdrop fast. Here is the same wall before and after.
The same bare wall, transformed into a full garland backdrop using one balloon garland kit.
How many balloons you need
Match the kit size to your space:
| Garland length | Balloons needed | Kit to pick |
|---|---|---|
| 4 ft | 40 to 60 | A small kit |
| 6 ft | 70 to 100 | A standard kit |
| 8 ft+ | 120+ | A large kit or two |
Always buy a kit with a few extra balloons, since beginners usually pop 5 to 8 while building.
Color and size guide
- Colors: stick to three or four shades. Boho neutral, pastel, and single-bright-plus-white are the most popular kit palettes.
- Sizes: the fullest garlands mix 5-inch, 11-inch, and 16-inch balloons. If a kit is all one size, the garland looks flat.
The best kits come in curated palettes with three or four matching shades in mixed sizes.
Budget guide
- $10 to $15: small kits, good for a 4-foot garland.
- $15 to $25: standard kits with 100+ balloons for a 6-foot garland. The best value.
- $25 to $30+: large or premium kits with accessories like pampas or a number balloon.
For most home parties, a $15 to $25 standard kit is the sweet spot.
Worth it vs skip
- Worth it: a kit with 100+ mixed-size matte balloons plus a strip and glue dots. It saves time and looks full.
- Skip: cheap all-one-size shiny kits. They look flat and cheap in photos, and the balloons pop easily.
Tips for a full garland
- We generally recommend inflating to about 90 percent so balloons are less likely to pop overnight.
- Cluster tightly and fill gaps with the small balloons.
- Build it one to two days before the party.
- Wall installation: Use removable Command hooks or painter’s tape with fishing line to hang the garland without damaging painted walls.
- Outdoor setups: If placing outdoors, avoid direct sun and high heat as balloons will pop. Wind can also be an issue, so tie the garland securely in multiple spots.
- Add pampas or greenery for a boho finish.
Do you need a balloon pump?
Most kits do not include a pump. Blowing up 100 balloons by mouth is tough, so we recommend buying one separately.
| Pump Type | Best For | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hand Pump | Small 4-foot garlands or tight budgets | $5 - $8 |
| Electric Pump | Standard 6-foot+ garlands (saves hours of time) | $15 - $25 |
Kit checklist
- 100+ balloons for a 6-foot garland
- Mixed sizes (5, 11, 16 inch)
- Matte finish
- A decorating strip included
- Glue dots included
- A palette you like
- A few extra balloons for pops
FAQ
What comes in a balloon garland kit?
Most kits include the balloons, a decorating strip with holes for threading, and glue dots for filling gaps. Some also add pampas grass, greenery, or a number balloon for a complete themed setup.
How many balloons should a kit have?
For a 6-foot garland, look for a kit with at least 100 balloons in mixed sizes, plus a few extras for pops. Smaller 4-foot garlands need 40 to 60, and larger 8-foot ones need 120 or more.
Are matte or shiny balloons better for a garland?
Matte balloons are often preferred for a garland. They photograph beautifully, hide fingerprints, and give a softer look. Shiny balloons reflect light and can look harsh in photos.
How much does a balloon garland kit cost?
Kits run about $10 to $30. A standard kit with 100-plus balloons for a 6-foot garland is usually $15 to $25 and is the best value for most home parties.
Do balloon garland kits include a pump?
Some do and some do not, so check the listing. A hand pump makes inflating much faster and saves your lungs, so it is worth buying separately if the kit does not include one.
What balloon brands are best?
Many professionals prefer brands like Qualatex, Tuftex, and Sempertex as they often hold their color and resist popping better than generic party-store balloons. A kit using quality balloons is worth a little more for a garland you will photograph.
Can I reuse a balloon garland kit?
The decorating strip and any pump are reusable, but the balloons are one-event since they lose their shape once deflated. Keep the leftover strip and glue dots for your next garland.
Related articles
- How to Make a Balloon Garland Without a Kit
- How to Make a Balloon Arch
- Balloon Wall & Ceiling Ideas
- 15 Party Backdrop Ideas
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