Squared Balloon Arch Entrance with Ribbons in Danville

A client in Danville sent us a message saying she didn't want the usual setup for her birthday party. She had her party at Aracely Lounge in Danville, and she thought the garden path there would make a really cool entrance, and she asked if we'd dream something up with her. We were so in! What we built was a squared balloon arch at the end of the path, with a curtain of ribbons guests could walk right through and helium balloon columns lining the way. It took over a thousand balloons.

Here's how it came together, step by step, from our Pleasanton studio to the garden path at Aracely Lounge in Danville.

Why a Danville client wanted something different at the entrance

She didn't want a garland on a wall or a backdrop in a corner. She wanted the decor to be the way in. That changes the job. An entrance arch has to look good from the front, hold up on both sides, and leave a clear path for people to walk through all party long.

The colors were hers to love and ours to balance. Teal, mauve, blush, lavender and burgundy. We mixed big and small balloons in every shade so no single color took over.

How we built the squared balloon arch

Step 1 - Ribbons first, at our Pleasanton studio

The ribbons actually came first. Back at our studio we attached every single ribbon to a bar, and that bar became the top of the arch. We kept the ribbons tied up so they wouldn't tangle on the drive over. Then we showed up in Danville with bags and bags of balloon garlands, all ready to go.

Step 2 - Frame and garlands on site

Next we set up the frame over the path and mounted every garland onto it. The ribbons stayed tied up and out of the way the whole time, so we could work around them without a single knot.

Teal, mauve, blush, lavender and burgundy balloon garlands going up on the squared arch frame in Danville, with the ribbons still bundled in plastic and more balloons waiting in bags — The ribbons were already on the top bar, just bundled up so nothing tangled.

Poptastic Parties team member setting up a pole of the squared balloon arch frame on a garden path in Danville next to teal and burgundy balloon garlands — Frame up first, then garland by garland.

Step 3 - Releasing the ribbon curtain

Then came the best part. We climbed up and released all the ribbons from the top bar, and they fell into a full curtain across the arch. Guests could walk right through it.

Step 4 - Finishing balloons and strands

To finish the arch, we filled in the garlands with more balloons and draped little balloon strands across the front so it felt extra fun.

Team member on a ladder releasing ribbons from the top bar into a full teal, burgundy and lavender ribbon curtain under the squared balloon arch in Danville — The moment the ribbons dropped. Our favorite part of the whole build.

Two team members adding mauve and burgundy balloons to the side of the squared balloon arch in Danville in front of the ribbon curtain — Last touches, one balloon at a time.

Step 5 - Helium balloon columns along the path

The arch sat at the end of the garden path, so we led guests to it. We lined the path with helium balloon columns in blush, teal, white and burgundy, and hung strands of teal and mauve link balloons overhead.

The finished entrance

And here's how it turned out. Up close you can see the strands of blush, mauve and teal balloons looping over the ribbons.

Garden path in Danville lined with blush and teal helium balloon columns under teal and mauve link balloon strands, leading to the squared balloon arch and ribbon curtain — The walk up. Columns on both sides, link balloons overhead, and the arch waiting at the end.

Close up of teal, mauve, blush, lavender and burgundy balloon strands looping over the ribbon curtain of the Danville squared balloon arch — Up close, the strands sit right on top of the ribbons.

Side view of the finished squared balloon arch in Danville with lavender, blush and mauve balloon strands draped across the front of the ribbon curtain — From the side you can see how the strands drape across the front.

What to know if you want a balloon arch entrance

A few things we learned that are worth knowing before you plan your own.

Put the ribbons on the bar before you leave. Attaching them at the studio and keeping them bundled is what let us mount every garland without a single tangle.

Think about the walk up. The arch is the moment, but the path to it counts too. Columns and overhead strands turned a narrow side path into part of the party.

Think about the walk through. A ribbon curtain is meant to be touched. Plan where people will come in and keep that path clear.

Pick a palette with a range of shades. Five colors in different sizes kept over a thousand balloons from looking flat.

Planning a balloon arch entrance in Danville, Alamo or Blackhawk

We're a woman owned, family operated balloon decor studio in Pleasanton, started by Karlie Vamvouris in 2021. We do custom installations all over the SF Bay Area, including balloon decor in Danville and nearby Alamo, Blackhawk and San Ramon. Custom installations start at $650, and that includes design, delivery, install and cleanup.

If you like this one, take a look at our balloon arches or another Danville job, a backyard balloon arch with link balloons. You can also read more about our team.

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A Squared Balloon Arch Entrance with a Ribbon Curtain in Danville