How Many Balloons Do I Need for a Party?

Two first-birthday helium balloon bouquets with a pink number 1, a rainbow Happy Birthday balloon, pink foil hearts and pink latex balloons

Short answer: for most kids' birthday parties, one bouquet for the main spot (the cake table or the birthday kid's chair) is enough to make it feel like a party. For a bigger room, plan on two or three bouquets spread out where people actually look: the entrance, the cake table and a photo spot. Each of our ready-made bouquets has 7 to 9 balloons: one or two foil shapes plus six latex balloons.

A simple guide by party size

  • Small apartment party or family celebration (under 10 guests): one bouquet, plus a giant number for the age.
  • Kids' party at home or in a party room (10 to 20 guests): two bouquets: one at the cake table and one by the door or photo spot.
  • Party venue or large room (20+ guests): three or more bouquets, or individual balloons tied to chairs and tables.
  • Picnic in the park: one or two weighted bouquets to mark your spot so guests can find you.

Where balloons make the most impact

  • The cake table: it's where every photo happens.
  • The entrance: it tells guests they're in the right place.
  • The birthday kid's chair: a small bunch or a single character balloon.
  • Behind the chairs: individually tied balloons work well for sit-down parties. Tell us your setup and we'll bundle them or tie them individually.

Ready-made bouquets vs. building your own

Our ready-made bouquets are designed to stand on their own, with a mix of foil character shapes and latex balloons, and each comes with a balloon weight. Most cost $45–$70.

Want specific colors? Use the Bouquet Builder to pick latex balloons at $4.50 each, then add a 32-inch number balloon for the age. Build-your-own orders need a balloon weight added separately.

Balloon delivery in Brooklyn

We deliver balloon bouquets across Brooklyn, including Dumbo, Brooklyn Heights, Fort Greene, Cobble Hill, Williamsburg, Park Slope and Red Hook, in 2-hour delivery windows. Every order arrives inflated and ready for the party. See our full Brooklyn delivery area.

Frequently asked questions

How many balloons do I need for a kids' birthday party?
One bouquet is usually enough for a small party. For a bigger room, plan on two or three bouquets placed at the entrance, the cake table and a photo spot.

How many balloons are in a bouquet?
Our ready-made bouquets have 7 to 9 balloons: one or two foil character or shape balloons plus six latex balloons, with a balloon weight included.

How many balloons do I need for 10 to 20 guests?
Two bouquets, or about 14 to 18 balloons, is plenty for 10 to 20 guests in an apartment or party room: one at the cake table and one at the entrance or photo spot.

Should I get latex or foil balloons?
Latex gives you color and volume; foil gives you shapes, characters and numbers, and floats longer (3–5 days versus 1–3 for latex with Hi-Float). Most of our bouquets mix both.

Do I need balloon weights?
Yes, unless you're tying balloons to chairs. Ready-made bouquets include one; build-your-own orders need one added.

Why we started Dumbo Balloons

I started Dumbo Balloons after the balloons I ordered for my daughter's birthday showed up flat, just hours before her party. Now we help Brooklyn families get it right the first time. — Ashley, founder

Not sure what you need? Text us at (917) 914-8251 with your party size and room, and we'll help you plan.