Trends in Balloons Elevate Wedding Celebrations

When it comes to choosing a wedding date, many couples currently prefer the milder temps of September and October to the dog days of summer. As couples look to provide an enjoyable day for guests and wedding party members alike, September and October offer weather that is amenable to both indoor and outdoor ceremonies. However, while the two months are equal as the most popular choices for weddings, September has the additional distinction of being touted as International Balloon Month, which is integral to expanded options in wedding décor.

According to Kacie Carswell, marketing manager at burton + BURTON—arguably the top balloon company worldwide—International Balloon Month “seeks to raise awareness of the joy balloons bring and the significant economic impact the balloon industry has on the world. For almost 15 years, Maxine H. Burton, president and founder of burton + BURTON, has spearheaded the initiative to declare September as ‘Balloon Month’” —both in the company’s home state of Georgia, as well as via a proclamation from Georgia Governor Brian Kemp.

Pointing out some of the big-picture trends in wedding balloons, Carswell noted, “Each wedding is unique and features a look that is carried throughout the entire event. Balloons are also part of that curated look, with colors that match and tie into the wedding’s theme effortlessly. The variety of balloon colors available today is greater than ever to meet this demand for color accuracy and cohesion.”

With this increased focus on balloons during the month of September, it’s worth noting some of the trends in balloons that are being seen at weddings in Indian River County (IRC) as well.

In agreement with Carswell is Andrea Rosero, owner of CH Balloons in Vero Beach, who said, “We are seeing a greater use of coordinating balloon colors with wedding décor, and a greater use of luxury balloons. What we’re seeing is not the same cheap, Party City balloons of the past, but a lot more high-quality balloons being used in ceiling garlands and artistic installations. We are also seeing a lot more design creativity and personalization, not just inexpensive arches.”

Rosero also pointed out the pros and cons of artistic balloon installations. As a pro of artistic balloon installations, they can “enhance and redefine spaces, transform any wedding environment, and create memorable and immersive experiences for everyone at the event.” As a potential con, couples should keep in mind that more-artistic and detailed balloon installations can also take twice as long to set up at the wedding venue or location.

April James, owner at Unique Designs & Balloons, agreed with Rosero and reported seeing more of the larger balloon garlands, individual personalization from the couple, and the use of higher-quality balloon materials such as with satin pearl balloons.

“We are seeing a great mixture of themes, with people stepping out of their norm in the creativity and design of something different than what people have already seen at weddings,” James said.

Adding additional comments, Beth Derby, owner at Designer Balloons Delivered in Vero Beach, has also seen an increase in the use of larger balloons and installations, as well as a growing trend in shimmer walls.

Carswell summed up, “As the demand for custom colors and unique décor increases—due to the power of social media at our fingertips—the desire for a memorable wedding featuring both subtle and over-the-top balloon décor will sustain interest for years to come.”

With most wedding balloon décor, which typically includes arranging for the delivery and set-up of wedding balloon installations, comes the question of balloon disposal. Who is responsible for the safe disposal of deflated balloons at the end of the wedding event? Because of previous animal and environmental concerns and hazards created by deflated balloon pieces, burton + BURTON continues to educate companies and individuals on suggested balloon disposal protocols, both for indoor and outdoor events.

Carswell reported, “The continued effort to educate on the proper use and disposal of balloons has indeed proven to be quite effective over the years.”

Mindful of the environmental impact of deflated balloons, many companies who deliver and set-up balloon décor and displays also return after the wedding to deflate and remove the balloon materials as part of the same cost. However, there are also companies who leave it to the client to safely dispose of the balloon materials. In these situations, balloon companies often give their clients suggested options for the proper disposal of leftover balloon materials to avoid potential hazards.

Looking to the future of wedding balloons, local IRC company owners are hoping to see more balloons made from biodegradable materials to help with eliminating balloon disposal in general, as well as more balloons that are made with latex-free materials to relieve concerns of people with latex allergies.

Ultimately, no matter whether balloon décor at a wedding event includes just a simple arch or an over-the-top display with grand arches, garlands, balloon bouquets, centerpieces, sculptures, and photo booths, it appears the love for wedding balloons will continue to expand and grow for many years to come, much like the love of the newlywed couple.

Photo courtesy of burton + BURTON

Photo courtesy of burton + BURTON

Photo courtesy of burton + BURTON/Jeremy Barton Photography/Emily Pittman Photography