Balloon Garland vs. Balloon Arch: How to Choose for Your LA Event
Two of the most requested balloon decorations are the arch and the garland. They look similar in photos but work very differently in a real space. Here's how to choose the right one for your Los Angeles event.
What's the difference?
• A balloon arch is a structured, freestanding shape (often a half-circle, full circle, or open ring) that creates a defined focal point you can stand in front of or walk through.
• A balloon garland is a flowing, organic strand of clustered balloons that drapes along a surface: a table edge, a wall, a staircase, or a backdrop frame.
Best uses
• Choose an arch when you want a clear photo moment: a ceremony backdrop, a sweetheart table, a dessert station, or an entrance.
• Choose a garland when you want to dress a surface or add flow: a head table, a bar front, a wall, or to frame a sign or backdrop.
Cost
Garlands are priced by length and arches by size and shape. Smaller garlands often start a bit lower than full arches, but a long, full garland on a large wall can match or exceed an arch. The best value is often a combination: an arch as the focal point with a matching garland extending the look.
Which photographs better?
Both photograph beautifully. Arches give you a frame for portraits; garlands give you a rich, textured background. For events where guests take lots of photos, many clients do both.
Still not sure?
Tell us your venue, date, and feel and we'll recommend the right piece: or a combination. Boom Balloon Los Angeles designs custom balloon arches and garlands with delivery and setup across LA.
Decor and prices for this
Installed prices include delivery, setup and breakdown anywhere in our area, from Pico-Robertson and Beverly Hills to the Valley, Downtown and the beach cities. Outside it, a $120 travel fee covers the delivery and teardown trips.
Prefer to set it up yourself? Most pieces come as Grab & Go: we build it in your colors, you pick it up in Pico-Robertson, for about 40% less.
See balloon garlands and balloon arches, or read more guides.