Cookie Monster Balloon Arch: the premise of building any balloon arch is generally the same, no matter the theme. For my comprehensive guide to ALL balloon garland basics, check out how to DIY a balloon garland (from a balloon professional).
Having said that, sometimes it’s just hard to get started. Whether the issue is picking out colors, organizing the garland, or general setup questions… I can help you as a former balloon artist!
How to get started building your arch:
The first step I like to complete when making any balloon garland is organizing all the uninflated balloons.
I organized based on the following:
- size
- color
- extras
From there, I build the base!
The base of my balloon garlands is usually built with quads of 10″ or 12″ latex balloons. Before starting this process, it’s important to know whether you’re color-blocking the balloons or variegating the garland. If you’re color-blocking, then you’ll build quads out of each color without mixing them up. If you’re variegating, then you’ll of course mix the colors. Mixing is sometimes hard for people who are OCD (like me) and want to turn balloons into math. My favorite phrase to tell employees when I owned BomBoms is that “balloons are abstract”… it helps when the math doesn’t quite math and you have to just do your best. 🙂
Once you’ve created your quads, I like to add all of my BIG balloons.
I try to add 1-2 24″ balloons every 3 feet. This makes the garland really wide, really full, and immediately makes the garland so much longer if you’re aiming for length. Keep in mind- if you’re making a balloon column or a hula hoop happy you’ll probably stick this step as those are made for easy travel in a car and installation.
After that, I like to add 5 inch balloons. I like to link two quads of 5 inch balloons and insert those every 2-3 feet.
Finishing touches:
Once you’ve hung the garland in it’s desired location, I recommend adding foil or mylar specialty balloons last. You can tie them in using the tongues, using ribbon or fishing line and the small holes available or you can use glue dots. It really depends on the location you’re hanging the garland in whether you’ll want to use glue dots or not. I don’t recommend glue dots for windy or outdoor installations, personally.
Have questions about how to properly hang a balloon garland? Check out my comprehensive guide on how to hang party decor! I deep dive into the supplies you’ll need and techniques you use based on the surfaces and environment for any type of party decor!
When are cookie monster balloon decorations useful?
- Cookie Monster first Birthday party
- Sesame Street themed party
- Cookie Monster Baby shower
What types of balloons can you use in a cookie monster balloon arch?
- 12 inch 18 inch 24 inch latex balloons
- varying-sized mylar balloons
- varying-sized foil balloons
- 5 inch 10 inches or 24-inch solid color balloons
- 5 inch 12 inches or 24-inch solid colour round pearl balloons
- confetti balloons
Are there multiple balloon decor options?
Absolutely! It’s all up to you, based on your preferred style & setup.
- Balloon Bouquet
- Balloon columns
- ​Hula hoop happy
- 6 ft mini garland
- 10 foot balloon garland
- Custom balloon arch
What supplies do you need when making a cookie monster balloon arch?
It depends on what type of arch you make! But, a few supplies are certain:
- Either a balloon filling hand pump or an electric balloon pump
- command hooks or a balloon stand/hula hoop
- balloons
- glue dots
What other event decor goes with a balloon arch?
Treat tables with party favors: I LOVE giving out sippy cup as a treat at a first birthday party where baby friends are invited!
Want to see other cookie monster decor ideas? Check out my post on Cookie Monster first birthday party that shares other decor ideas!
Have you hosted a cookie monster party? Tell me about your party and share your ideas! I’d love to know more!
