So you're wondering which equipment will help you during setting up and installing balloons and decorations? Well you're in the right place! I'm coming up to 4 years on this crazy journey of my Balloon Decor and Event Styling Business, and here are 5 items that I always keep in my set up kit. I won't go to a job without these! There are many tools and equipment that are super handy to have on site, but these 5 are a great place to start! Be sure to check out the links to see some of my favourites!
Balloon Pump
Whether you are looking to, or already have started your journey into the world of running a Balloon / Event Styling Business or simply learning how to DIY decorate a celebration you are having.. THIS is where you need to start to build a kit to save time (and breath) when inflating your balloons!
Yes, there is more hi-tec and advanced balloon inflating equipment available, and YES, they are great by all means! But, are they a necessity to getting started, building your kit? Not at all.
All you need whilst learning and building your skills and your business, is a standard electric balloon pump, that blows air into the balloons, two at a time if needed. I have a few of this type of balloon pump in my kit, and they’ve never failed me. Every balloon I’ve inflated, every set up I’ve done, has been with one of these beauty’s. They may not have all the buttons and different settings, BUT THEY GET THE JOB DONE.
Some brands of 5” balloons or any size balloons if they are double stuffed, do sometimes need some elbow grease. For inflating some of those tougher latex balloons, and for inflating mini foil balloons etc, a hand pump will come in very handy. Very inexpensive, but worth their weight in gold for those odd balloons that need it.
Scissors
Now, if there's one thing about me, I loose scissors like no ones business! I carry them around in my hand, put them down, loose them, look for them, leave them. So I am always buying more pairs!!! So I personally can't live without at least 3 pairs in my set up kit at once! Something always needs trimming, popping, cutting. Especially for clear down times! And there's nothing worse than being on site for a set up or clear down without a pair of scissors to hand. Stock Up and always be sure to have a pair nearby.. you will need them!
Fishing Wire
Fishing Wire or Nylon Wire - however you prefer. Is and will always be a staple piece in my set up kit. Some will use this for creating balloon garlands and balloon displays etc. Although I do not use the fishing wire method anymore, that is the method I used when I first started on my balloon journey! It works great! However I now prefer to use the ‘neck to neck’ method when making garlands. Despite not using fishing wire to create my garlands anymore, it still gets used for lots of other bits and bobs during set ups! Whether it’s used to hang Neon Signs (or Any Signs!) from backdrops or props, to tie in with to props and florals, to securing balloons, cut outs and props into place. The list goes on, and as I go through from set up to set up with my trustee roll of fishing wire, the list is constantly growing of new ways that it comes in handy!
Hooks
Hooks, hooks, hook. The set up kit essential that once filled me with dread. These little baby’s are your best friend. But they can also be the enemy. So give some thought before you start sticking them on anything and everything.
Sometimes we have clients who would like balloon garlands attached to walls or ceilings, or fences, or any surfaces really! And although, always looks fantastic, there are things to consider. How will the balloons/decor/display attach and stay put on this surface? If there aren’t any attachment points already on the surface, then sticky/self adhesive hooks can be a great idea. However! Although they may stick well on walls and surfaces, they can stick too well! And removing them can cause damage to paintwork and surfaces. Which is never good! Personally, I avoid sticking hooks to walls wherever possible, usually by using a free standing frame/pipe and drape or backdrop of some kind. And if the client opts for attaching to walls, the risks are explained and outlined in my T&C’s that they understand the risks and that we will not be held liable for any damages upon removal should they choose to proceed with that option. If ever using sticky/self adhesive hooks I do always opt to add painters tape to the surface first, and then the hook on top of the tape to reduce the risk further. But you can’t always be 100% so best to outline the risks before hand.
Despite my opinions on using these hooks on walls and surfaces. They are still one of my most used and replenished items in my set up kits. They are so handy for so many things during a set up. For one, they are a staple piece of any sailboard/backdrop panel set ups. I use them by sticking them to a sailboard for example, adding a 260 balloon to the hook and using the 260 to attach the balloons to the sailboard, backdrop or pop. Works a treat everytime and keeps everything secure and in place. I use them to attach floral displays, and to hang signage.
For adding to my own backdrops, props, sailboards etc. I always use the Heavy Duty Self Adhesive Hooks.
If ever using on a wall or surface, I tend to use Command Hook Branded Self Adhesive Hooks. With painters tape underneath.
Glue Dots
I have one word here... UGLU! UGLU Dashes! The best of the best in my opinion when it comes to glue dots or balloon tape. Adding mini foils into your balloon display? Adding little details like mini butterflies or fringing? Securing floral additions in place? UGLU Dashes are the one for adding little extras into or onto your balloon displays. They stick well, hold well and go unnoticed. You just can't go wrong with these.
They are slightly more pricey (worth the extra pennies if you ask me), so there is also the option the standard balloon glue dots will also work for these things.
Cable Ties
Cable Ties!!! They have saved my life so many times! Need something really secured in place? CABLE TIES. Need to attach two things together? CABLE TIES. Need to attach floral arrangements to stands or frames? CABLE TIES. Need to attach shimmer walls or flower wall panels to your frame? CABLE TIES. Need to attach signage to panelled backdrops? CABLE TIES. Honestly, I could go on. They’re super strong and super useful. I always keep a range in my kit. A range of sizes and colours, you can’t go wrong.
Of course, there are many other bits and pieces that I keep in my kit that helps me during set ups and installs that I have built up over the last few years. But these 5, are a great place to start!
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