Whether it’s Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or other holidays, the winter season provides many opportunities for balloon artists to boost their business. Alexandra Ventura, CBA, of Pacha Balloon Creations in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada shares her top tips for balloon decorators who are interested in making their holiday sales “merry and bright.”

Be Prepared

“Our advice for balloon decorators who want to make the most out of the upcoming holiday season is to start early and prepare. As soon as the time is appropriate, create some unique designs and set them up on display. Post images on social media to reach an even larger audience. Reach out to local event venues to introduce yourself and make suggestions on ways you may add to their events. Be sure to order the type of balloons you want to feature in your designs and get enough of them for as many clients as possible.”

Be Trendy

“Hot trends for this season will certainly include glitter or confetti-filled balloons and any form of organic style. Our personal favorite is to incorporate any of these design accents to Bubbles. We have found that the unique look and durability of the Bubbles always add a ‘Wow!’ factor to our creations. Along with Bubbles, any of the 30" and 36"-sized balloons are a must for any event. Whether there are only a couple added or hundreds, the large, round balloons certainly make a huge impact for any event.”

Be Flexible

“It is always a great idea to have winter-themed items or make items that can be adjusted to suit any holiday a client celebrates. Customizing the design for your client also creates a great impact. The more personal, the more memorable it is. Some ways to do customizing is to have the balloons custom printed. Alternatively, if the client only needs a small number of balloons, create vinyl images to apply to the balloons. Ask your client enough questions to get a feel for the vision they have and expand on it.”

Be Resourceful

“When discussing an event with your client, try and get a floor plan or an idea of the style they would like to create. Balloons have the advantage above other decor items to be able to fill air and create a magical atmosphere. Familiarize yourself with the venue. Suggest designs like ceiling decor, photo opportunity areas, sweet tables, etc. Allow the design to spread across the entire room to create consistency and bring it altogether. Even something as simple as two columns may be placed in a location where guests can take photos between them. Having your designs in the photos allows for you to always be included in the memory of that event when people look back at their photos.

We highly recommend that people get involved in local community events. It is always wonderful to support each other, and this is an opportunity to display designs clients may otherwise not think of. As an industry, our products are very visual. People need to see them and seeing them in person is even more spectacular. It opens your clients’ eyes to things they may not have previously thought of for their event.”

Be Creative

“No matter what the season, always be as creative as possible. Always have fun with the designs. Try, when possible, to add a little something to the design to make it unique to yourself. Get inspired from various places such as social media, everyday objects, and always try and attend as many classes as possible. The more knowledge you can acquire and inform your clients of, the better the results all around. There is always something new anyone at any level can learn from the classes Qualatex provides. WBC 2018 will definitely be an opportunity no one in our industry should miss. Have a happy and successful holiday season everyone!”

QBN Member Exclusive:

Log in to the QBN portal to download new holiday marketing materials to promote Christmas and New Year’s Eve (under Business Tools > Marketing Materials)

Alexandra Ventura (left), CBA, and Ellenora Ventura (right) of Pacha Balloon Creations

Whether there are only a couple added or hundreds, the large round balloons certainly make a huge impact for any event.

Allow the design to spread across the entire room to create consistency and bring it altogether.

No matter what the season, always be as creative as possible.

Alexandra’s tips are great starting points for balloon businesses preparing for the holiday season. Start preparing and check out the latest products from The Very Best™ Balloons!