What's Hot in the Balloon World Right Now?

We are in the middle of a ballooning revolution! What do I mean by that? I am sure you like me, have also witnessed a number of significant changes in the balloon industry over the past few years! There appears to be a giant wave of exciting new ideas and creativity when it comes to balloon innovation! 

Let's face it, balloons and balloon décor installations have become all about those 'Insta' moments and getting fabulous memory-making photos. This is the perfect time to remind ourselves that we don't just sell balloons, but we actually sell the memories that they create! 

I personally am loving the way balloons are being taken to a whole new level with the use of props and backdrops. 

Backdrops and Props 

My first real experience of seeing props being used with balloon décor was when I visited China in 2018. I am not saying that props had never been used before, but this was the first time that I had really seen them being used to great effect! Since then, different types of props have become an important feature when creating exciting balloon installations! 

The design below is by Alberto Nava, CBA. of Crazy Balloons Italy, based in Milan, Italy. Alberto created this beautiful display using an illuminated number, decorated sail boards and round pedestal plinths. 

Designer - Alberto Nava, CBA

Here is another of Alberto's fabulous set-ups! I am loving the beautiful garland wrapped around the circular koala backdrop, the ONE cubes, and the clear tubes filled with balloons!

Designer - Alberto Nava, CBA

 

Sequin Walls

Sequin walls have also taken the balloon industry by storm. What a wonderful way to make your clients party shine and bring a little glitz and glamour to their event! This backdrop decor was created by Dream Event in Kuwait City, Kuwait. 

Decor by Dream Event in KuwaitCity, Kuwait. 

Bouncy Castles

Decorated bouncy castles, or bouncy houses as they are known in the US, is definitely a growing trend! These are no longer just a hit at children's birthday parties, they are also popular for weddings, bridal showers, and milestone birthdays.

Halloween Decor by Bubble Hustle Balloons in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Balloon Decor by Pop Park City

Event Credits

Planning/ styling @michellerogers_styling

Photography @aubrey_taiese

Balloons @popparkcity

Florals @flowerbarco

Bounce house/ rentals/ cotton candy @housepartycollective

Wood cuts @madefromholm

Partyware @bonjourfete

Cakes @amriels_cakes

Art supplies @little_artist_party

Hostess @madisonbontempo @taytumandoakley

Teepee's and Wigwams

Sleepover parties are a big trend right now! How gorgeous is this sleepover party setup by TOKP: Kids Party Experiences

If you are interested in starting a sleepover business I recommend that you read this article by Bare Naked Wood Company (UK-based business). This article talks about safety, transporting your tents, and many other great tips for someone just starting out! https://barenakedwoodcompany.com/just-starting-out%3F  

Sleepover party setup by TOKP: Kids Party Experiences

Neon Signs!

Adding a neon sign into décor is another eye-catching new trend! Many of the balloon wholesalers are now selling them, which was unheard of a few years ago! 

I love,, love, love this "oh so pink" balloon wall for a baby shower! Event stylists, Glamnic Dubai created this fabulous balloon wall with an 'Oh Baby' neon sign!

https://www.instagram.com/glamnicdubai/

For more inspiration check out 'Be a Little Extra' as post about these trends and a few more! Click HERE or visit https://us.qualatex.com/en-us/inspiration/trends-themes/trend-be-little-extra/

I'm sure we're all eager to find out what the next trend will be... maybe you'll be the one to start it? :) 

Happy Ballooning! 

Sue

www.suebowler.com

Follow me @suebowler

Predicting Ballooning and Event Trends of 2022

To be honest, 2021 did not really turn out to be the year that we had all hoped for, or the one that we had anticipated that it would be. So, will 2022 finally be the year that we are all waiting for?

In preparation for life and business to resume to normal, I thought that it might be a good idea to look at the possible ballooning trends for this year! Let's face it, everyone is ready to party and celebrate anything and everything!

Bigger, Bolder, Better are the three words that I keep reading when looking at party trends for 2022.

Over the past two years, parties and celebrations have been limited to gathering in small groups, with reduced guest lists. This year will hopefully play host to bigger celebrations than ever before, and it will be all about making a big impact! 

Be bold with colour! Predictions show that party planners will be looking to inject feelings of optimism, empowerment and joy into their events through vibrant pinks, purples, oranges and blues, and as we know, a great deal of colour can be introduced into an event using balloons.

Big, Bold and Beautiful, 3rd Birthday Decor by Chris Adamo, CBA of Balloon Crew, Sydney, Australia

Outdoor Space and Tent Events

While some say bigger parties will resume, others are still erring on the side of caution. Outdoor and open marquees, tents and teepees will remain popular for many. Garden and outdoor space transformations are definitely a growing trend! 

Photograph Credit Northstar Balloons

Had we not been in lockdown two years ago, I am not really sure that I would have decorated our garden for our Granddaughter's birthday celebrations! It was so much fun to make her something special! 

Number 5 Frame by Sue Bowler

Decorating outdoor space offers many options, and being a balloon company shouldn't limit you to only offering balloons as decor!

• Decorate trees and bushes with bright ribbons and balloon garlands! 
• Lighting is key. To make sure the garden party continues seamlessly into the evening, prepare with plenty of outdoor lighting. Mix and match different types, from tea lights to lanterns for a pretty and luminous effect. Hanging lights around the garden will transform the outdoor space once the sunsets.
• Make the outdoor spaces feel as comfortable as being indoors. Lay rugs and throws on the ground and use layered cloths on the tables. Make sure that the seating is super comfy, with lots of cushions! 

Light Up Numbers and Letters

Something that I have seen being used more frequently over the past few years are light up numbers and letters. These give balloon companies an opportunity to create fabulous decor incorporating the large characters and numbers as a focal point within the decor. Claire Jackson created this stunning entrance décor.

Fabulous entrance decor by Claire Jackson of Airmagination Balloon Company 
in Farnham, England.

Number 50 decor by Claire Jackson of Airmagination Balloon Company 
in Farnham, England.

Decor by Chris Adamo and his Balloon Crew Team.
"We just loved how our organic balloon installation framed these #pride letters."

Neon Signs

Here’s a bright idea; light up the party with a neon sign. These are perfect for balloon backdrops and other decorative areas. A sign can be customised or go with an evergreen message (i.e. "Oh Baby!" for a baby shower). The options and price ranges are endless.

Designer name: Instagram User @balloonilicious
www.balloon-ilicious.co.uk

Balloon Mosaics© and Balloon Frames

Mosaic frames can be made or bought as a kit and easily assembled. They can be filled with both latex and or Microfoil balloons to suit many different occasions! I really love this Christmas 'JOY' design by Nikoloon! I love that each letter uses a different style and technique.

If you would like to learn more about Balloon Mosaics check out  https://theverybestballoonblog.blogspot.com/2020/02/balloon-mosaic-frames-another.html

Over-the-Top Backdrops

How fabulous is this backdrop by the extremely creative Hello Pretty Events? To find out more about this stunning 1st birthday installation, check out this article in "Inspired by Us" https://www.inspiredbythis.com/grow/meaningful-moana-themed-first-birthday/

Davina's Boho Moana- By HPE Studio - Hello Pretty Events.

And speaking of themed parties, here is another fabulous example of a Moana Party by Cheeky Gorgeous Events and Kez's Face Paint in Wolverhampton, UK.

Design by Cheeky Gorgeous Events and Kez's Face Paint in Wolverhampton, UK.

Theme parties for children will never go out of fashion. Some of the top trending themes for 2022 are Under Water, Beach, the Woods, Forest or Garden, Safari or Zoo, Ranch, Farm or Barnyard, Carnival or Circus, Castle, and Space.

Here are a few more event trends that you may expect to see:

Pantone colour of the year - Very Peri

Inspired by the 2022 Pantone color of the year, this “Very Peri” color palette incorporates frosty Chrome hues and SuperAgate textures to bring the new multidimensional colour to life.

Blast from the Past

Throwback parties are always a hit!! One of the most popular usually is 80's theme! I was asked to create disco theme decor for a corporate event a few years ago - everyone loves a disco right?

Decor by Sue Bowler, CBA

Disco Decor by www.suebowler.com

And finally, a few less common themes that we may see;

• Break up or Divorce Party - celebrating the next chapter!
• 'Galentines' Day - Galentine’s Day is a magical holiday where your romantic relationship status is irrelevant. All that matters is spending time with your lady friends who simply make life better.
  
  
  

And finally, it looks like many balloon and event companies are now venturing into the world of prop hire! This includes the use of frames, light up numbers, easels, teepee's, and gazebos to name just a few. These add-on props are good for generating additional sales, and are environmentally friendly as they are re-usable and can really help to 'set the scene' at an event! 

If you know of any new trends that I have missed, I would love to hear from you! 

Happy Ballooning! 

Sue

www.suebowler.com

Follow me @suebowler