The Complete Balloon Columns / Towers (pair) Guide
Planning decor in Austin means thinking about style—and the weather. Whether you’re setting up at a backyard Friendsgiving in Zilker or loading into a downtown hotel, this guide makes Balloon Columns / Towers (pair) pricing & sizes in Austin clear, quick, and stress-free.
Quick Planner: sizes, setup, and pricing
Use this at-a-glance planner to pick the right size and budget for your event decor Austin needs. Columns (a.k.a. towers) are air-filled on weighted bases—perfect for entries, stages, photo ops, or flanking a balloon arch or balloon garland.
- Best ceiling fit: Standard columns are 7–8 ft and work great under 8–10 ft ceilings. Taller 10–12 ft columns fit ballrooms and covered patios.
- Popular pair uses: Entry markers, stage framing, bar/backdrop accents, podium highlights, driveway markers.
- Look options: Classic spiral, color-blocked, chrome accents, double-stuffed moody tones, and themed toppers (stars, numbers, logo foil).
- Typical prices (pair): Standard 7–8 ft from $349–$449; Tall 10–12 ft from $499–$649. Taxes, delivery and setup are additional based on distance and schedule.
- Setup time: 30–90 minutes per pair depending on size and topper.
- Outdoor note: Air-filled columns handle Austin heat better than helium—ideal for patios and porticos.
Want a fuller backdrop? Pair columns with a modest balloon garland draped between them, or swap for an arch if you expect high traffic through the middle.
Ideas for Thanksgiving in Austin
Thanksgiving decor in Austin leans warm, modern, and photo-friendly. Here are quick ways to style a pair of columns for your holiday gathering:
- Burnt orange + copper: A nod to fall leaves and local spirit—think UT-adjacent vibes without going full game day.
- Moody naturals: Sand, terracotta, latte, and mocha with matte finishes and a metallic pop.
- Harvest toppers: Oversized pumpkin foils, chrome maple leaves, or custom vinyl “Give Thanks” toppers.
- Entry greeting: Place a pair at the front door or elevator landing so guests instantly know they’re in the right place.
- Photo corner: Columns flanking a banner or fireplace mantle; add a short garland between them for a camera-ready backdrop.
- Kids’ table marker: Mini 5–6 ft pair to define the kids’ zone without blocking sightlines.
Hosting near the Turkey Trot or along South Congress? Columns make quick, high-impact decor that installs fast in tight windows and keeps foot paths clear. For bigger Thanksgiving weekend bashes, combine columns with a compact balloon arch at the check-in or bar.
What to know about South Congress Hotel (rules, loading, ceilings)
South Congress Hotel is a favorite for chic, modern events—here’s what we typically plan for when installing columns there. Always confirm final details with your venue coordinator.
- Ceilings and scale: Many event areas comfortably fit 8–10 ft columns; some rooms allow 10–12 ft for extra drama. We’ll right-size to avoid sprinklers and sightline issues.
- Surfaces and attachments: Columns stand on weighted bases—no wall mounting needed. Where wall decor is requested, we use venue-friendly, removable methods as approved.
- Loading and access: Load-ins are scheduled in a defined window. We cart decor to the space; service elevators may be required depending on the room. Share your function space and time so we can set the best plan.
- Venue policies: Hotels commonly require a Certificate of Insurance and approved vendor list. We can provide COI details upon request.
- Traffic flow: SOC’s public areas get busy. Columns are great because they sit tight to the sides of entries and stages while keeping pathways open.
Not sure if columns or an arch will fit best in your assigned room? We’ll recommend the right mix once you share a photo and ceiling height. You can also browse local rooms and tips at our Austin venues page.
Weather-proofing in Texas heat
Outdoor in Austin? Smart planning helps columns stay picture-perfect.
- Choose air-filled: Columns are air-filled on sturdy, weighted bases—no helium needed and better in heat.
- Color strategy: Lighter tones and matte finishes show less heat expansion than dark, saturated colors.
- UV and double-stuffing: We often double-stuff select balloons or add UV-resistant blends for longer outdoor looks.
- Shade and timing: Install early morning or near sunset when possible; place under awnings, trees, or umbrellas.
- Wind awareness: We’ll add extra ballast or discreet tie-offs if your site is breezy. Keep columns just inside doorways for a cooler microclimate.
- Touch-ups: Expect minor expansion on 100°F days; we size to allow for typical thermal changes.
For summer weddings and game days, we’ll recommend setups that balance style and durability without overpromising in extreme weather.
How to book (lead times & delivery windows)
Booking is easy and built around your schedule.
- Share the basics: Date, venue, ceiling height, indoor/outdoor, and a photo of the space.
- Pick a size and palette: We’ll confirm your pair’s height, style, and any toppers.
- Get a clear quote: Columns are priced simply, with delivery and setup shown as a separate line.
- Secure your slot: A deposit reserves your delivery and setup window.
- Lead times: 2–3 weeks is comfortable for most events; 3–6+ weeks recommended for holiday weekends (Thanksgiving, NYE) and custom colors.
- Delivery windows: Standard 1–2 hour windows; tight hotel docks may require exact times. Rush and same-day options as the schedule allows.
- Teardown: Not always required for columns; add pickup if your venue needs a clear room immediately post-event.
- Policies: See our FAQ for reschedules, weather notes, and delivery zones.
Mini spec table: sizes, balloon counts, install time
Here’s a quick spec snapshot for common pairs. Balloon counts and timing are approximate and vary by palette, chrome usage, and toppers.
| Size (pair) | Look | Approx. balloons per column | Base footprint | Best for | Install time (pair) | Typical price (pair) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini 5–6 ft | Compact spiral, simple topper optional | 40–60 | ~2 ft x 2 ft each | House entries, kids’ corners | 30–45 min | From $249–$349 |
| Standard 7–8 ft | Classic spiral or color block; logo topper optional | 60–80 | ~2.5 ft x 2.5 ft each | Hotel entries, stages, photo corners | 45–60 min | From $349–$449 |
| Tall 10–12 ft | Bold presence; great with chrome accents | 90–120 | ~3 ft x 3 ft each | Ballrooms, covered patios | 60–90 min | From $499–$649 |
| Grand 14–16 ft | Custom engineering; venue clearance required | 140–180 | ~3–4 ft x 3–4 ft each | Large lobbies, atriums | 90+ min | Custom quote |
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 most weekends, 2–3 weeks out is comfortable. For peak dates (Thanksgiving week, graduations, UT home games), book 3–6+ weeks ahead. If you’re pairing an arch with columns or need custom colors, earlier is best. We also accept rush bookings when our delivery and setup schedule allows.
Do balloons pop in 100°F heat?
Heat can stress balloons, especially dark colors in direct sun. We plan around it with air-filled builds on weights, lighter palettes, shade placement, and early/late installs. Expect normal expansion on hot days; we size and stage to reduce surface heat and keep decor looking great as long as possible.
What size garland fits an 8–10 ft ceiling?
For standard ceilings, a 10–12 ft balloon garland frames a doorway or backdrop nicely. If you prefer columns, 7–8 ft pairs fit under 8–10 ft ceilings without crowding. For full walk-throughs, consider a compact balloon arch.
Outro: next steps and booking
Columns add instant polish, guide guests, and hold up well in Austin’s climate. Tell us your ceiling height, color vibe, and venue, and we’ll recommend the perfect pair—and whether to add a garland or arch for balance.
Austin Balloon Party: Call/SMS 512-522-0292 or book at https://austinballoonparty.com/shop