1. Professional decorators have many different creative decorating ideas. Always listen to them and if they advise you that something is not practical, take their advice. They've run into almost every conceivable challenge when it comes to decorating with balloons.



2. Use a professional if you have the budget. It's easier than trying to do it yourself and you'll be much happier with the end result. Balloon decorators have the proper tools and can blow up 100 balloons in a fraction of the time it will take you to do it.



3. Buy quality balloons, they'll stay up longer and look better.



4. Think about the weather. If it rains on balloons they will drop partially or totally. If it's extrememly hot the air in the balloon expands and can cause the balloon to pop. Always underinflate your balloons on hot days.



5. Wind is another factor to consider. It is very difficult for balloons to maintain a beautiful appearance when the wind has whipped them together in a tangled mess.



6. When you transport balloons in your car always remember to weight them down so they don't free float. Balloons love to escape. If your window is open you're sure to have bunches of balloons clustered around your head while you're trying to drive.



7. Never allow children to have access to helium tanks unattended. Tanks need to be transported on a helium tank dolly and strapped in to avoid any accidents. Children should never try to suck helium out of the balloon inflator nozzle or from a balloon. Small amounts may not cause any harm but there have been many cases of children getting very sick from helium.



8. To eliminate environmental hazards please do not release the arches of connected balloons into the air. Clear monofilament line is usually used to build the arches which sometimes span 60 - 100 feet. The balloons are then either tied or twisted around the line.



9. If you're decorating inside your home or a banquet room always consider the best places to put balloons. Flat ceilings work well for balloons but watch for things like wooden beams with slivers, recessed lighting that gets hot and other things that may cause your balloons to pop.



10. If you use balloon bouquets as centerpieces adjust them so they don't block the guests' view. If they are on tables outside remember to keep them low to the table so they don't blow into guests' faces.



11. To float balloons in your pool just add some water, then fill with air.



12. Do not use helium filled mylar balloons outside. If they get loose and float into power lines they could cause electrical problems.



13. If you use mylar balloons to decorate outside always attach a weight to each balloon. This prevents any one balloon from getting loose and floating into the atmosphere.

TIPS ON SELECTING AN INFLATABLE OR MOONBOUNCE FOR AN ACTIVITY

1. Choose a professional company with liability insurance. You don't want to ruin your party with an accident.



2. Inflatables are available in many different sizes, styles and shapes. If you're having a small party in your backyard with just a few kids then you can probably just rent a smaller inflatable for the kids to jump in. Always have a parent monitor so none of the kids fall out and get hurt. You should also limit the number of kids so they don't get too wild.



3. If you're planning a company picnic or a larger party you should always hire an attendant to come with the inflatable. Kids need to remove their shoes before jumping inside a bounce.



4. Tell the company what kind of surface you'll be placing the inflatable on. Vendors have different policies and will need to bring a tarp to place under the bounce for some surfaces.



5. Inflatables are very portable and can be dollied into a backyard with limited access.



6. Power is important so you'll need to provide a dedicated 20 amp circuit within 50 and no more than 100 feet from the power source. Some of the larger inflatables require two 20 amp circuits.



7. Bounces usually move a little during the party due to kids jumping and the inflatable walking a little to one side or another. Anticipate some movement so you don't run the risk of locating a tall inflatable under a power line and having a problem.



8. Clean power is always a concern for vendors. If your event is large and vendors are sharing power please evaluate electrical distribution before your event or just bite the bullet and rent a generator, one larger than the total number of amps you think you may need. It's easier to have a successful event when you're prepared for the worst. Many times power is strectched so thin that equipment will fail, motors will stop running or equipment will overheat if adequate power is not available.



9. If you rent a generator ask lots of questions from your rental company. Some generators are very noisy and create exhaust fumes. If you're downwind from the generator you may not appreciate eating that Kosher hotdog with gas fumes as a condiment.



10. Always give your vendors adequate access when setting up their equipment. There's nothing more difficult than to arrive at a party location with a driveway completely blocked or a flight of 50 steps going straight up the side of a hill.



11. Be honest with your vendors. If you have steps please tell them. Many times they have to schedule extra help for setting up at locations due to the difficulty of unloading.

TIPS REGARDING LARGE INFLATABLES FOR ADVERTISING

1. Inflatables are also manufactured specifically to order for individuals planning special events or companies for promotions, traffic building or for special events.



2. Look at professional inflatable manufacturers or rental companies and inquire about your different choices. Doing a little research in advance can provide you with a wealth of new ideas for your marketing promotion or special event.

CONFETTI AND CONFETTI CANNON TIPS

1. Confetti is a beautiful thing when used correctly. Always clarify with your venue whether or not they allow confetti to be used.



2. Blasts of confetti make a big impact for grand entrances, special effects, etc. For a full understanding of all of the different kinds of confetti and applications you should contact a professional confetti company.



3. There are many different ways to shoot off confetti and many different kinds of confetti cannons or launchers. Some are pole mounted, some are hand held, there are confetti wands and large confetti cannons. Each devise provides a certain effect, different from the other.



4. Streamers can also be shot off into the air with cannons and launchers as used with confetti.



5. The party world has thousands of unique ideas for people planning parties. Many of the confetti companies also have large inflatables that can create excitement for any event by using confetti that spins in a tall air tube.



6. Confetti comes in many different shapes and sizes and is made to fit just about any theme or color combination.