Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Balloon Arches

There’s no question that balloon installations look amazing. They’re a great way to add some colour to your event and provide some serious wow-factor!

But what do you do when you want to lower your eco footprint, whilst still including a statement piece like a balloon arch? Well, read on friends—we’ve got a bunch of fun ideas for you!

We’ve rounded up some of our favourite eco-friendly alternatives to balloon arches. They’re guaranteed to not only look incredible, but also have the added benefit of being environmentally friendly.

1. Paper Arches

There are almost limitless options when it comes to creating a statement arch from paper party decor. There’s a wide range of colours to choose from, they’re easy to move and place in whatever formation you choose—and best yet, they can easily be reused!

For example, check out this colourful arch featured on HOORAY!. We made this using honeycomb balls sourced from Five Star Party Co attached to netted bird wire, creating a hanging ombre effect that looks just as good as any balloon arch!

The paper options don’t stop there—you could use paper lanterns, fans, pinwheels and even paper umbrellas! Using paper accessories is an inexpensive, eco-friendly way to create the perfect arch. You won’t get short of breath from blowing up balloons, and they’re easy enough for you to do it yourself!

Left: Oh Happy  Day Right: Martin Vielma via Laura Miller

2. Floral Arches

If bold colour isn’t quite what you’re looking for, floral arches may be more your style. They offer a soft, romantic and whimsical alternative to the bright arrangements often seen with balloon arches.

Floating floral arrangements are a weightless take on the traditional arrangements, providing a similar effect achieved by balloons. These arches are perfect for weddings or bridal showers and are a great way to bring blooms into other aspects of your event.

Left: Sarah Ascanio via Green Wedding Shoes Right: Team Flower

3. Combination Arches

If you still want to incorporate balloons into your next event, you might consider an arch made with a combination of materials, limiting the number of balloons you need.

Here’s an example from Ruby’s 5th Birthday, where Ruby’s Mum Carly, who used a mx of balloons, paper lanterns, flowers and paper honeycomb balls.

Image: Ruby’s 5^th Birthday, HOORAY!

Whether you want to use balloons with flowers, paper accessories or a mixture of all three, combination arches are a fun way to create an amazing statement! You might even decide to skip balloons completely and just pair flowers and paper accessories together!

Kayla Plouffe via 100 Layer Cake-let Right: Artem Petrov + Floral Style via LK-Photo

4. Biodegradable Balloons

When you do use balloons, it’s a good idea to use ones that are biodegradable. Most biodegradable balloons are made from natural plant derived latex, like the ones from Qualatex Balloons or Little Cherry who also provide compostable ribbon along with their eco-friendly balloons.

If you are deciding on using balloons at your event, be sure to dispose of them correctly, Little Cherry recommend you put them in your compost and never release them into the atmosphere.

Left: House That Lars Built | Right: Sugar and Cloth