How Many Balloons & Decorations Do I Need?
The most common ordering question is also the easiest to get wrong: buy too few and the room looks bare, too many and half the pack stays in the bag. Here are the rough numbers stylists work to, scaled by the size of your party.
Balloons by party size
Use these as a starting point and add a few spares for pops:
- Small party (10 to 15 guests): around 20 balloons. Two number balloons, a small cluster and a few table balloons.
- Medium party (20 to 30 guests): around 35 balloons. A one metre garland or arch plus number balloons and table clusters.
- Large party (40 or more): 60 plus. A two metre garland or a full arch, number balloons and clusters on every table.
For a garland, count roughly 30 to 50 balloons per metre depending on the size mix. Mixing 5in, 9in and 12in always looks fuller than one size.
The rest of the room
- Banners. One "Happy Birthday" or personalised banner as the main backdrop, plus bunting for a mantel or doorway.
- Table centrepieces. One per table, or one for the food and cake table if it is a stand-up event.
- Tableware. Plates, cups and napkins for the guest count plus about 10% spare.
- Cake candles. Number candles or a pack matched to the age, plus a sparkler or two for the big moment.
Frequently asked questions
How many balloons make a 2 metre garland?
Roughly 60 to 100 depending on your size mix. More small balloons packed in gives a denser, fuller look, so buy a mix of 5in, 9in and 12in.
How much tableware should I buy?
Match plates, cups and napkins to your final guest count, then add about 10% for breakages, second helpings and unexpected extra guests.
Should I buy spare balloons?
Yes. Add five to ten spares to any order. Balloons pop during setup, and you will want a few in hand to fill gaps in a garland or cluster.
Work out your order across balloons, number balloons and birthday banners, then browse all birthday supplies to finish the room.