Balloons have a way of making any occasion feel extra special and festive. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or just want to surprise someone, helium balloons add a touch of amusement and joy. However, if you've never bought helium balloons before, you might be wondering where to start. Don't worry, we've got you covered with these five unique tips for how to buy helium balloons.

1. Understand the Lifespan of Helium Balloons

One important thing to know about helium balloons is that they don't last forever. The helium gas will eventually escape through the balloon material, causing the balloons to deflate and sink back down to the ground. Generally, you can expect helium balloons to stay afloat and look their best for 8-12 hours. After that, they'll slowly start losing their buoyancy and vibrancy.

This lifespan is important to keep in mind when deciding when to buy helium balloons for your event. If you're planning an all-day celebration, you'll want to get them filled closer to the start time. But for a short party of just a couple of hours, you can likely buy helium balloons the day before.

2. Consider the Environment of the Event

The conditions that your helium balloons will be in can impact how long they stay looking great. Extreme temperatures, humidity, wind, and even sunlight exposure can cause the balloons to deflate faster or even pop.

If your event will be outdoors, opt for lighter-colored latex balloons as darker shades absorb more heat. Another way to increase their float time is to bring them inside an area with air conditioning when not in use. For indoor events, keep them away from heating vents or windows with direct sunlight.

3. Choose the Right Decor

When you buy helium balloons, you aren't just limited to basic solid color options. Online helium balloon shops like The Sky Balloons offer an array of fun and festive designs perfect for any occasion. From numbers and letters to characters and shapes, these decorative helium balloons allow you to get creative and personalize your decor.

Metallic balloons, confetti or star-printed balloons, and balloons with tassels or other embellishments add extra flair. Just be sure to carefully handle any non-latex varieties as they can be more prone to popping.

4. Consider Balloon Bouquets

While single helium balloons look lovely, grouping them into beautiful balloon bouquets makes even more of an impact. Balloon bouquets come pre-arranged by experts with perfectly coordinated colors, patterns, shapes, and sizes.

You can find bouquets themed for every occasion, from elegant and classy to vibrant and playful. Many bouquets incorporate fun accessories like weights, ribbons, stuffing, and more. Balloon arches, columns, and other elaborate designs are also available to make a big statement.

5. Use Proper Anchoring for Balloons

Those lightweight helium balloons may feel like they're going to float away at any second! That's why it's crucial to properly anchor them, especially if using outdoors. There are several effective options:

Attach weights: Buy special balloon weights designed to clip or tie onto the knot to weigh the balloon down.

Use a balloon tube or cup: These holders have a hole to insert the knot and a cavity to add weight.

Make a balloon anchor: Fill a cloth sack, small box, vase, or other container with rocks, sand, or coins then use it as a base.

No matter how you choose to buy helium balloons, just be sure to anchor them securely. That way you can keep those cheerful decorations floating all event long!

If you're ready to buy helium balloons and browse the wide selection, head over to The Sky Balloons’ online helium balloon shop. Our team is happy to help you pick out the perfect decorations to make your celebration unforgettable!