BallroomBalloons.com Blog

Such a dilemma! People seem to be genuinely torn about whether or not to have a raucus Super Bowl party on Sunday, February 3 or to save their energy for a post super Tuesday party on the night of February 5. Well, you can accuse me of not being a “party” animal; but, I say its NO contest: Super Bowl party wins…..IN A LANDSLIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Of course, the balloon artists at www.BallroomBalloons.com are happy to help you with any party be it NFC, Democrat, AFC, or Repuplican. Why not visit our photo gallery at www.BallroomBalloons.com/gallery.html and click on the theme party of your choice.

Now you can get to our most popular theme pages more quickly from our home page at www.BallroomBalloons.com and click on one of the ten most Popular Events or go right to www.BallroomBalloons.com/political-events.html.

Whatever you do, don’t forget to vote and to party!!

Enjoy,

Stan
________________________________________________________
Wedding Decorations | Trade Show Decor | Grand Opening Displays | #1 Balloon Decorators
________________________________________________________

Happy New year to all you balloon-atics out there! Perhaps you have heard about the recent world wide Helium shortage. See www.BallroomBalloons.com/rentals.html. Its true. The gas that is the bread and butter of our business is in short supply world wide.

Helium is used for various medical, space technology, and research purposes. Please visit www.BallroomBalloons.com/quotes.html. Helium cools MRI magnets, compresses fuel for NASA space launches and much more.

Luckily, Ballroom Balloons has a wonderful relationship with its Helium supplier; so, we have not been as impacted as many other balloon artists have been. However, we are doing much more air-filled decor. See www.BallroomBalloons.com/gallery.html. For new year’s eve, balloons are filled with air and released for those must have balloon drops. So, no Helium is required.

Until next time…..Enjoy,

Stan
________________________________________________________
Wedding Decorations | Trade Show Decor | Grand Opening Displays | #1 Balloon Decorators
________________________________________________________

Wow, my last post in April talked about proms; and, the balloon crew at www.BallroomBalloons.com has been decorating for high school proms all over town! While the prom season is winding down, graduation is just gearing up. Soon we will be visiting our friends at Olney Adventist Prepatory School for their Kindergarten and Middle School graduations in addition to several other valued Clients.

While we are getting a little respite this Memorial Day weekend, June is packed full of social, school, and corporate events. K-Mart is in the midst of re-defining itself by re-designing their stores and celebrating grand re-openings across the country. Fed-Ex Kinkos is rapidly expanding their presence in the greater Washington, DC area.

We are fortunate to be decorating the Odyssey Dining Cruise Ship for a visiting biotech company’s final convention night party; and, soon we will be doing our magic at Martin’s Crosswinds in Greenbelt, Maryland for Kingdom Christian Academy’s Annual Gala and South River High School’s Senior Prom…..And, that’s just next week!!!

Please visit www.BallroomBalloons.com/gallery.html and look under the What’s New category to see pictures from your event!

Did you know that you can use PayPal to make secure on-line payments to Ballroom Balloons? Simply visit www.BallroomBalloons.com/payments.html for easy instructions.

Til the next break in the action……

Enjoy,

Stan
________________________________________________________
Wedding Decorations | Trade Show Decor | Grand Opening Displays | #1 Balloon Decorators
________________________________________________________

April means that you are right on time for planning your high school prom decorations. While the staff of www.BallroomBalloons.com is certainly biased in our love for balloon decor, we feel obligated to warn off schools who are considering the card board do-it-yourself kits that look sooooo good in photos. Year after year we hear the horror stories of hours of labor and tons of money that go to waste because many of these kits are simply too hard to assemble. So, buyer BEWARE!

Ballroom Balloons would like to take this opportunity to thank some of the schools that call us each year for their prom decorations including: DeMatha Catholic High School, Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Parkdale, and Einstein. We look forward to hearing from some new schools this year as well. To see some of our work for these schools please visit our gallery or slideshow at www.BallroomBalloons.com/slideshow.html. The gallery allows you to pick from 45 balloon categories including #24 which is HOMECOMING AND PROMS.

Good luck to all the graduating seniors (and the juniors lucky enough to go to prom!)

Enjoy,

Stan
________________________________________________________
Wedding Decorations | Trade Show Decor | Grand Opening Displays | #1 Balloon Decorators
________________________________________________________

With this topsy-turvy “spring” weather, we thought it was a good time to say a word about outdoor balloon decorating. While there is little worse than rain to bring down your balloons (and the mood of your guests), AIR-FILLED DECOR AND TOPIARIES are your best bet for long-lasting balloons. Please refer to www.BallroomBalloons.com/faq.html for detailed information about decorating outside.

Arches and columns that are constructed with an inner support structure maintain their design integrity and stay upright even with moderate wind and rain (see www.BallroomBalloons.com/gallery.html categories 23 and 42). Likewise, topiaries, which are flower-like clusters of balloons sway in the wind as a unit; whereas, traditional balloon bouquets which have each balloon on a ribbon, lose their look because individual balloons move in different directions.

Enjoy,

Stan
________________________________________________________
Wedding Decorations | Trade Show Decor | Grand Opening Displays | #1 Balloon Decorators
________________________________________________________

Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to use our www.BallroomBalloons.com handy dandy quote form (see: www.BallroomBalloons.com/quotes.html). This useful tool can help save you and us valuable time by answering some of your most basic questions.

For example, its great to know if you already have a vision of what you would like your affair to look like. Do you want simple and elegant-trendy and flashy-or, just plain “Over the Top”? Will your event feature a sit down meal where table decorations make sense? Is your party outside? What’s the theme?

Yes, the quote form and e-mails can be a great help; but, PLEASE, do not let that keep you from calling. Having a brief conversation is still the most informative way to get started on receiving a proposal. For a little more info, you may also check out our pricing page at www.BallroomBalloons.com/pricing.html. It is by no means complete; but, its also a great place to start if you’re not yet ready to call.

Enjoy,

Stan
________________________________________________________
Wedding Decorations | Trade Show Decor | Grand Opening Displays | #1 Balloon Decorators
________________________________________________________

So, you want to know a little something about how the balloon “business” got its start? Maybe you would even like to know where in the world www.BallroomBalloons.com came from. Well, relief is at hand for the obsessively curious. Simply take a look at www.BallroomBalloons.com/balloondecorating.html and www.BallroomBalloons.com/about.html for a few interesting anecdotes. Its still interesting to us, anyway. Please tell us what you think.

Enjoy,

Stan
________________________________________________________
Wedding Decorations | Trade Show Decor | Grand Opening Displays | #1 Balloon Decorators
________________________________________________________

Did that get your attention? Perhaps you were expecting a political blog to follow. Not on my watch. Ballroom Balloons is an equal opportunity decorator……However, we will print balloons of all types with the text and artwork that you desire…..even if it is overtly political.

If you visit us at www.BallroomBalloons.com/imprinting.html, you will find easy to read charts for a variety of types of imprintable balloons. There are even more types of custom balloons available which have not yet been added to the list. Long balloons that are similar to the ones we make animal sculptures with can now be imprinted on.

We start most of our lists with a 500 balloon minimum because you get the best value with 500 balloons or more However, we can order as few as 50 balloons in many instances. Of course, we can inflate, deliver, and decorate your custom balloons to your exact specifications.

For some answers to frequently asked questions, please visit www.BallroomBalloons.com/faq.html.

Until your next custom order….

Enjoy,

Stan
________________________________________________________
Wedding Decorations | Trade Show Decor | Grand Opening Displays | #1 Balloon Decorators
________________________________________________________

Remember all the excitment this past August when I wrote you about Ballooniversity, which I attended in Athens, GA? (Please visit www.Ballooniversity.com.) Remember how I participated in the large sculpture competition (See www.BallroomBalloons.com/blog)? Well, you can finally see some of the photos in our web-site. Just go to www.BallroomBalloons.com/gallery.html) for a look. You will find most of the pictures in the “What’s New in Balloons” and “Large Balloon Sculptures” categories.

Enjoy!

Stan
________________________________________________________
Wedding Decorations | Trade Show Decor | Grand Opening Displays | #1 Balloon Decorators
________________________________________________________

People seem to be having the hardest time finding Helium these days. Its no wonder. Earlier this year the industry announced that Helium was in such short supply that our contract could not be honored. But, fear not! Ballroom Balloons not only has plenty of Helium; but, we have some of the lowest prices in the area….provided that you pick it up from our Silver Spring, MD location. Please visit www.BallroomBalloons.com/rental.html for more information.

Please remember some of the most important things about renting Helium tanks. Here are just a few:

1) Always secure tanks from falling in an upright position.

Although Helium is an inert, non-flammable gas, the tanks are under pressure. Rupturing a tank may cause it to explode or take off like a rocket. If a tank is laying down in your vehicle when it becomes ruptured, it may fly through your car causing a serious accident. If the tank is secured upright when ruptured, most likely the force will send it straight down.

2) Never inhale Helium.

Taking Helium into your lungs may make your voice sound funny; but, all the other things that can happen are pretty sad. First of all, Helium that is intended for balloons is not purified like hospital gases are; so, you have no idea what else you may be putting in to your body. Also, balloons have powder to keep them from sticking together. You don’t want that in your lungs.

Inhaling Helium may be fatal. When you take Helium in your lungs, it forces your air out, so, you may pass out and have a nasty fall. If you take enough Helium, you can collapse one or both of your lungs, which may be fatal. If you take a draught from a Helium tank, the pressure may be high enough to punch a hole through your throat or lung.

Used correctly, Helium is safe. Its one of the many gases in the air we breath. So…..

Enjoy,

Stan

________________________________________________________
Wedding Decorations | Trade Show Decor | Grand Opening Displays | #1 Balloon Decorators
________________________________________________________

With Valentine’s Day coming up Wednesday, lovers everywhere must decide: Flowers, Candy, Ballloons…..A Romatic Dinner. Such choices are for you, dear reader, to decide. You may, for example visit our website, www.BallroomBalloons.com or more specifically www.BallroomBalloons.com/Flowers.html for some insight. Alas, our Flowers Across America division mostly caters to long time loyal Clients. Since our balloon decorating has grown, we have de-emphasized both flowers and gift baskets (please see: www.BallroomBalloons.com/baskets.html.) Except when our schedule allows it, we have chosen to raise our minimum for floral arrangements and gift/fruit baskets to $150.00 plus delivery. All products are purchased “AT RETAIL PRiCES” from the finest suppliers, such as Whole Foods (please visit www.WholeFoods.com). The quality and selection that we consistently find in their wonderful stores comes with a price. So, there you have it.

When possible, we will still be happy to accommodate you; and, when we cannot, we will be just as happy to offer our advise.

Enjoy,

Stan
________________________________________________________
Wedding Decorations | Trade Show Decor | Grand Opening Displays | #1 Balloon Decorators
________________________________________________________

This coming Wednesday is the big day. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, you may be in BIG trouble. But, here comes www.BallroomBalloons.com to the rescue. That’s right, Wednesday is February 14…..Also known as Valentine’s Day 2007.

So what’s a fellow or gal to do to show the one you love how much you really care? That’s easy, send Stan the Gorillaman, Funny the Bunny Rabbit, or Mellow the Yellow Rooster to deliver a SINGING TELEGRAM of course! Please visit www.BallroomBalloons.com/singingtelegrams.html and www.BallroomBalloons.com/articles/1.html to read about the service and see pictures and a news article from The Washington Times. They sent a reporter and photographer to chronicle a Ballroom Balloons singing telegram.

The gorilla is still the most popular character for Valentine’s Day. This year he comes bearing a dozen foil Mylar Valentine’s balloons including a balloon that sings. Of course, its not just the balloon that sings! Your singing telegram character sings two songs and delivers your personal message. He stays for pictures; and, by all means, make a VIDEO!

Please hurry up now. Only a few appointments are still available!

Enjoy and don’t forget the chocolates!

Stan AKA Stan the Gorilla Man

________________________________________________________
Wedding Decorations | Trade Show Decor | Grand Opening Displays | #1 Balloon Decorators
________________________________________________________

In case the double reference is not so obvious, the mixed metaphor is a wedding and baseball as in Yooooooooou’re out! So, why all the silliness?! Well, to tell you the truth, the balloon crew at www.BallroomBalloons.com is very excited because we will soon be decorating a wedding reception with a baseball theme. Fun, huh? We can’t wait!

Of course, most weddings lean towards a more formal gathering and reception. We love to make heart sculptures, fantasy clouds, and cake table arches. Really, we do! But, rarely have we seen a couple just out for pure fun on their wedding day. In fact, the happy couple has even designed a centerpiece with a baseball diamond and bat for us to decorate with balloons arrangements. Please visit www.BallroomBalloons.com/pricing.html and www.BallroomBalloons.com/packages.html to find some pricing guidelines.

Believe it or not, its seven weeks to baseball season. So, see you at the wedding!

Enjoy,

Stan

________________________________________________________
Wedding Decorations | Trade Show Decor | Grand Opening Displays | #1 Balloon Decorators
________________________________________________________

Welcome to www.BallroomBalloons.com! We have seen a little snow and a lot of cold. Its no wonder that so many people are planning their winter events with a “Snow” theme. If I read the headline right, upstate New York was hammered with 7-feet of snow today!

For some creative and fun theme ideas, please visit www.BallroomBalloons.com/gallery.html; and, click on Theme Ideas on the left menu bar. You will see sports, tropical, patriotic, casino, and of course: Let it Snow!

Enjoy!

Stan

________________________________________________________
Wedding Decorations | Trade Show Decor | Grand Opening Displays | #1 Balloon Decorators
________________________________________________________

Wow, we hardly had a chance to catch our breath between Christmas and New Year’s; and, the www.BallroomBalloons.com balloon crew is still zipping around the beltway making our festive creations.

For the holidays, Stan the Gorilla man and Santa Claus (AKA Papa Noel) made appearances from Falls Church, VA to Lima, Peru. Please visit www.BallroomBalloons.com/singingtelegrams.html for more information and a newspaper story about this service.

One of our big New Year’s events was at the Fairview Park Marriott for the Filipine Medical Association. We really went over the top with lots of color including brand new holographic new year’s foil designs, 2007 balloons and 2007 Megaloon arches (please see www.BallroomBalloons.com/slideshow.html), classic party goods (hats, tiaras, horns, leis, and streamers) and much more. It was really fun; and, they were wonderful Clients! We had the pleasure of including balloon artist, Caroline Choi, in our balloon crew at this event. Caroline had her own balloon decorating business in South Korea; and, she hopes to start a business in our area in the future.

Perhaps you are interested in learning more about the wonderful world of balloon decorating?! Please feel free at any time to fill out our on-line job application at www.BallroomBalloons.com/apply.html.

Until next time,

Enjoy
________________________________________________________
Wedding Decorations | Trade Show Decor | Grand Opening Displays | #1 Balloon Decorators
________________________________________________________