The Complete Balloon Columns / Towers (pair) Guide
Planning balloons in Austin means thinking about heat, traffic, and venue rules. Whether you’re decorating a backyard in South Austin, a ballroom near UT, or a lobby on South Congress, this guide covers Balloon Columns / Towers (pair) pricing & sizes in Austin so you know what fits, how much it may cost, and how to plan delivery and setup without surprises.
Quick Planner: sizes, setup, and pricing
Use this at-a-glance planner to choose the right pair of columns for your space and budget.
- 6 ft pair: Great at doorways, buffet stations, photo nooks. Typical for 8–9 ft ceilings.
- 8 ft pair: Popular entry statement; frames stages and sweetheart tables.
- 10–12 ft pair: Bold lobby or outdoor welcome; ideal for hotels and high ceilings.
Setup + timing: Columns are air-filled, built on weighted bases, and assembled quickly on-site. Most pairs install in 25–60 minutes depending on height and customizations.
Pricing (pair): Typical Austin prices start around:
- 6 ft pair: from $225
- 8 ft pair: from $295
- 10 ft pair: from $375
- 12 ft pair: from $475
Add-ons like double-stuffed color palettes, foil accents, custom toppers, and branded decals affect cost. Delivery and setup vary by distance, load-in complexity, and after-hours windows.
Coordinating elements: frame your entrance with columns, then add a balloon arch at the photo backdrop or a balloon garland on signage for a cohesive event decor Austin look.
Ideas for Thanksgiving in Austin
November in Austin blends football, family, and food. Columns are a fast way to theme your space without overtaking the room.
- Harvest palette: Burnt orange, rust, mustard, terracotta, and cream—very Austin and very UT.
- Photo-friendly entry: Place a pair at the driveway or lobby entrance; add a small arch or garland to tie into your backdrop.
- Game-day twist: Longhorn-inspired columns for watch parties; pair with a compact arch over the TV wall.
- Corporate potlucks: Brand-colored columns at the check-in desk and the dessert table; simple, high-impact, quick install.
- Friendsgiving patios: Shorter 6–8 ft columns to clear pergolas and string lights.
Popular Thanksgiving venues include private homes in Westlake, East Austin studios, and central hotels. Browse more local spaces and notes on access in our venue directory.
What to know about South Congress Hotel (rules, loading, ceilings)
South Congress Hotel is a favorite for stylish, modern events. Every event is different, so always confirm details with your SCH event manager. Here’s what typically matters for balloon columns:
- Load-in: Expect to use designated loading areas and service routes; allow time for elevators and check-in with banquets/security.
- Ceiling awareness: Event rooms vary; plan 6–10 ft columns for most indoor spaces and confirm clearance for toppers and signage.
- Surfaces + protection: Weighted bases protect floors. Venues usually limit adhesives; we avoid anything that could mark walls.
- Timing: Hotels often give tight install/strike windows. Share your exact room times so we can schedule delivery and setup efficiently.
- Documentation: Some hotels require a COI and vendor approval. We can coordinate paperwork on request.
For more Austin venue notes (ceiling heights, loading, and typical setups), see our venues page.
Weather-proofing in Texas heat
Columns can work outdoors, even in summer, with smart planning. Austin’s sun and 100°F days are real—here’s how we help your decor last:
- Shade first: Place columns under awnings, tents, or patios to reduce heat and direct sun.
- Air-filled builds: We use air (not helium) for columns; it’s more stable outdoors and easier to anchor.
- Color choices: Lighter and matte shades handle heat better; double-stuffed options can improve durability and richness.
- Anchoring: Weighted bases and, if needed, discreet tethering help in breezy spots.
- Timing: Early installs beat midday heat. We recommend delivery close to guest arrival for outdoor setups.
Outdoor balloons naturally react to sun and wind, so we plan accordingly and set expectations up front.
How to book (lead times & delivery windows)
- Lead time: 2+ weeks is ideal. For Thanksgiving week and popular November weekends, aim for 3–4 weeks.
- Design details: Share size, colors, event address, load-in info, and photos of the space.
- Delivery windows: We schedule in defined windows around your venue access. After-hours or tight windows may affect cost.
- Bundle & save time: Add a simple balloon garland or arch so we install everything in one trip.
- Questions? See quick answers in our FAQ.
Balloon Column Specs at a Glance
| Size (ft) | Approx balloons/column | Pair price (from) | Install time (pair) | Footprint (W×D) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft | 48–64 | $225 | 25–35 min | 2–2.5 ft × 2 ft | Doorways, living rooms, vendor tables |
| 8 ft | 64–80 | $295 | 30–45 min | 2.5–3 ft × 2 ft | Hotel foyers, patios, small stages |
| 10 ft | 80–96 | $375 | 40–55 min | 3 ft × 2–2.5 ft | Lobbies, step-and-repeat entries |
| 12 ft | 96–120 | $475 | 50–60 min | 3–3.5 ft × 2.5 ft | High ceilings, outdoor gateways |
Notes: Pricing is for a pair with standard latex colors. Custom palettes, foils, toppers, branding, complex access, and after-hours can change cost. Travel, taxes, and venue fees (if any) are additional.
Austin Balloon Party: Call/SMS 512-522-0292 or book at https://austinballoonparty.com/shop
FAQ
How early should I book a balloon arch in Austin?
For arches and columns, 2+ weeks is comfortable; 3–4 weeks for peak dates (Thanksgiving week, home games, and holiday parties). Same-week may be possible depending on inventory and delivery and setup windows—reach out and we’ll check the schedule.
Do balloons pop in 100°F heat?
Direct sun and high heat can expand latex and reduce lifespan. We help by using air-filled builds, recommending shade, choosing heat-friendly colors, and timing delivery close to guest arrival. Outdoors we can’t promise exact longevity, but planning mitigates most issues.
What size garland fits an 8–10 ft ceiling?
For standard ceilings, 8–10 ft of balloon garland frames doorways and photo corners nicely. Pair it with 6–8 ft columns for balanced scale without crowding the room.
More quick answers are in our FAQ.
Outro: next steps and booking
Ready to lock in Balloon Columns / Towers (pair) pricing & sizes in Austin? Share your date, venue, and a quick photo of the space and we’ll recommend a size, finalize colors, and schedule delivery and setup.
Austin Balloon Party: Call/SMS 512-522-0292 or book at https://austinballoonparty.com/shop