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.
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| 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!
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| 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!
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| 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.
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| Fabulous entrance decor by Claire Jackson of Airmagination Balloon Company in Farnham, England. |
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| 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.
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| 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/
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| 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.
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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.
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?
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| Decor by Sue Bowler, CBA |
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| 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
Follow me @suebowler