While helium costs remain high, some customers still prefer the traditional look of a string of pearl arch.  In Northwest Indiana, the cost for this type of arch is $4.25-$5.75 per linear foot.  A double door arch will run you about $125.  Look for that price to vary greatly depending on helium supply and demand around the world.

Often times people mistake organic garlands for an arch.   Organic garlands are made from balloons in varying sizes and can be swaged or shaped in many configurations.  Where a balloon arch is truly an arch in a rainbow shape and all the balloons are a uniform size.  Organic garlands average $20 per linear foot in the US.  Here at Fun By The Yard in South Bend, IN. the current rate also $19-$22 per linear foot.

Things to consider when pricing any balloon decor:  Will the display be placed inside or outside?  What it the temperature?  Ceiling height? How wide does it need to be?  Is there a walk way or will it be against a wall?  Near stairs or a fire exit?  Are there usable rig points or will a structure need to be constructed for support?  How long will it need to last?  Air filled or helium filled?  Different styles and locations require different inflation techniques and proper framing.    Fun By The Yard has been servicing South Bend in Northern Indiana and the surrounding Michiana with balloon décor and yard cards since 2011 so you can be sure we know the questions to ask.  Please be patient as we will ask a lot of questions, but it truly is so we can give you the best product and service we possibly can.

The geographical area also plays a role in cost.   In major US cities, you can expect to pay upwards of $18 per linear foot for a standard balloon arch.  Here in Northern Indiana, the going rate is $11-$13 per linear foot.  Conversely, someone from small town USA may only charge $9 per linear foot for a standard spiral framed balloon arch.  As with anything else, you get what you pay for.  Be leery of anyone charging less than $200 for a standard small arch.  They are most likely hobbyists or won’t be in business long. 

Under ideal circumstances, balloons can last several days to several weeks.   Balloons like it cool and dark, so we suggest keeping interior air-filled designs away from windows and heat or A/C vents.  In a temperature-controlled environment, we’ve had latex air filled balloons last well over 5 weeks!  However, balloons outside on a hot summer day in the rain may only last a few hours.  

When considering helium balloons, a standard 11″ latex balloon untreated will last 8-12 hours.  We prefer offering a treated balloon which makes the latex less permeable allowing the balloon to float up to 6 times longer than an untreated helium balloon.  A properly trained balloon artist will know how to inflate and construct designs to offset Mother Nature, but there is truly no way to ever predict how long a balloon will stay looking fresh.