Balloon Performance & Care Guide

 

Because we wish they lasted forever too.

Balloons are magical, but they're also delicate by nature. We use the highest-grade balloons available, and even still, all balloons have a natural lifespan. Here's everything you need to know to get the most out of yours.

What to Expect Plan to enjoy your balloons for up to 2 days indoors. Outdoor use will significantly shorten that window, sometimes to less than a full day. Under ideal conditions they may last longer, but 2 days is our standard guarantee.

Float Times

Several factors can reduce how long your balloons stay afloat, including cold or hot air, high humidity, changes in air pressure, high altitude, and moving air from fans or vents. The float times listed are the maximum under ideal conditions, real-world results will vary.

Mylar (Foil) Balloons In an optimal indoor environment, mylar balloons will stay full and taut for up to 2 days. Air-conditioned air may cause temporary shrinkage, but they'll bounce back once exposed to warmer air.

Hi-Float™ Treatment Hi-Float is a safe, non-toxic sealant applied inside the balloon to extend float time. It works best indoors, out of direct sunlight, and away from any breeze. Under ideal conditions, expect:

  • 11-inch latex: up to 2 days
  • 16-inch latex: up to 3–4 days

Please note that warm, humid, or high-altitude environments (above 2,500 ft) can significantly reduce these times. These are estimates based on typical indoor, climate-controlled conditions.

Third-Party or Relocated Deliveries Float time cannot be guaranteed for balloons received by a third party (such as a front desk, doorman, or mail room) or moved from the original delivery location. Once delivered to the designated location, the delivery is considered successfully completed. We are not responsible for any damage or reduced float time resulting from handling by others.

Glossy vs. Matte Finish When first inflated, latex balloons have a glossy, sometimes translucent appearance. By the time they're delivered or shortly after they may naturally shift to a matte, opaque finish. This is caused by oxidation and is completely normal. There is no treatment to prevent this change.

Defective Balloons In the rare case that a balloon appears defective, we'll replace it at no cost, provided:

  • We are notified within 1 hour of delivery
  • The defective balloons are still on-site and available for pickup when replacements arrive
  • The balloons have not been moved from the original delivery location

Environmental Factors

  • Elevation: Float time decreases at higher altitudes sometimes by half
  • Direct sunlight: On hot days, balloons in direct sunlight (indoors or outdoors) can pop within an hour
  • Cold environments: Cool air causes helium molecules to shrink, reducing size and float time
  • Breeze or wind: Any constant airflow speeds up helium loss keep balloons away from fans, open windows, and vents for the longest float time

Ceiling Release Tips Before releasing balloons to the ceiling, keep them anchored for at least 5 hours. This allows the balloon skin to thicken slightly. Then test 2–3 balloons by gently raking them across the ceiling. If they don't pop, it's safe to release the rest. If they do pop, wait a little longer and test again.

Safety Reminders

  • Do not inhale helium. While not toxic, breathing helium can cause loss of consciousness due to lack of oxygen.
  • Do not release foil balloons outdoors. They can become entangled in power lines and cause outages.
  • Keep popped balloon pieces away from small children and pets. Latex fragments are a choking hazard.

Balloon Shapes Latex balloons may inflate into either a teardrop or light-bulb shape depending on their composition, some orders may include both. Balloons with metallic, chrome, or pearl finishes are most likely to take on a light-bulb shape.

Ribbons Each helium balloon comes with an 8ft ribbon tether (approximately 7ft once tied). Ribbons are 3/16 inches wide and are matched as closely as possible to balloon colors, though exact matches are not guaranteed. Curl and finish (matte or glossy) may vary based on availability.

Need longer ribbons? 12ft tethers are available for an additional charge, just reach out for pricing.

Balloon Bouquet Arrangements Balloons naturally twist and turn when moved, so we can't guarantee they'll arrive or stay in a specific formation. The good news? They're easy to untie and rearrange to your liking! Product images are intended to show the balloons included in each bouquet and may not reflect the exact in-person arrangement.

New arrivals

Introducing our latest products, made especially for the season. Shop your favorites before they're gone!

Shop now