How to Make a Balloon Arch with a Frame
A full balloon arch is the centrepiece people remember: the entrance to a wedding, the backdrop for birthday photos, the finish line at a school event. Building it on a frame makes it sturdy, freestanding and much easier than you might think.
What you'll need
- An arch frame, such as a metal or plastic balloon arch stand (weighted bases help outdoors)
- Latex balloons in two or three sizes, or a balloon arch kit
- Balloon decorating strip, cable ties and glue dots from our balloon accessories
- An electric or hand pump
- Optional: artificial flowers and greenery
1. Assemble and position the frame
Build the frame where it will stand. A finished arch is wide and awkward to move through doorways. Fill water or sand bases, or weigh the feet down, especially outdoors where wind can catch the balloons.
2. Work out how many balloons you need
Measure the length of the arch from foot to foot. Balloon garland kits usually state how long a garland they make; for a full, round arch you may need one and a half to two kits for a standard doorway-sized frame. It's always better to have spare balloons than gaps.
3. Build clusters of four
Inflate balloons to a mix of sizes. Tie two together at the necks, then twist two pairs together to make a cluster of four. Making all the clusters first, on the floor, is much faster than working on the frame.
4. Attach clusters to the frame
Starting at one foot, attach each cluster to the frame with a cable tie or by twisting the necks around it. Push each new cluster tight against the last and rotate it slightly, so the arch looks round from every angle rather than flat.
5. Fill gaps and add details
Use small 5 inch balloons and glue dots to fill any holes. Then add the extras: a few chrome or confetti balloons, a foil number or letter balloon, or tucked-in flowers and eucalyptus.
Tips
- Inflate with air, not helium. The frame holds it up, and air-filled balloons last much longer.
- Keep the arch out of strong sun, which fades and pops latex balloons.
- For a quick colour scheme, pick one main colour, one lighter shade and one accent, such as sage, cream and gold.
Prefer a hanging version? See our guide to making a balloon garland.
