The Complete Balloon Columns / Towers (pair) Guide
Planning event decor in Austin means balancing bold style with Texas heat and busy venues. Use this guide for Balloon Columns / Towers (pair) pricing & sizes in Austin, plus local tips for smooth delivery and setup at popular spots across the city.
Quick Planner: sizes, setup, and pricing
Need fast answers on cost, size, and timing? Start here.
- Popular sizes (height): 6 ft, 7 ft, 8 ft, 10 ft, 12 ft
- Footprint: ~24–30 in diameter base per column; allow 3 ft clearance
- Setup time (pair): 30–90 minutes on site, depending on size/design
- Longevity: Indoors, 1–3 days+; outdoors, plan for same-day peak look
- Best uses: Entrances, stage flanks, step-and-repeat frames, bar points, registration
How much do balloon columns cost in Austin? Typical pair prices for standard latex spiral columns (no helium), solid color palette, weighted bases. Final prices vary by design, location, delivery window, and add‑ons.
- 6 ft pair: $199–$249
- 7 ft pair: $229–$279
- 8 ft pair: $259–$329
- 10 ft pair: $329–$429
- 12 ft pair: $429–$549
Add toppers (foils, numbers, logos), custom color matching, or organic textures as needed. If you’re weighing columns vs. an balloon arch or balloon garland, we’ll help compare cost, space, and photo impact.
Ideas for Thanksgiving in Austin
From Friendsgiving gatherings to corporate potlucks, columns are a quick way to theme your space without blocking views. Here are easy, seasonal ideas built for event decor Austin hosts love.
- Burnt orange + neutrals: Texas pride meets fall—burnt orange, terracotta, sand, latte, and cream. Perfect for UT watch parties and office lounges.
- Harvest metallics: Copper, gold, and matte brown mixed with warm taupe for upscale hotel ballrooms or restaurant buyouts.
- Rustic-modern: Eucalyptus green, ivory, and amber with a matte finish—great for Hill Country venues and backyard patios.
- Photo-ready pairs: Place a pair at the buffet entrance and another flanking a backdrop. Add a small balloon garland across your sign for layered depth.
- Game day twist: Add team colors as toppers for Thanksgiving football parties without redoing the whole palette.
Hosting at a hotel or downtown venue? Columns are easy to move between cocktail hour and dinner, and they pack down cleanly for strike. For more venue-specific tips, browse our Austin venue notes.
What to know about South Congress Hotel (rules, loading, ceilings)
South Congress Hotel is a favorite for chic, modern events. Policies can change by room and date, so we always confirm details with the SCH events team in advance. Here’s what we typically coordinate so your install runs smoothly:
- Access & load-in: We schedule a service entrance load-in and bring carts to reduce trips. Please share your exact room and a day-of contact so we can time delivery and setup precisely.
- Ceiling awareness: Columns between 6–10 ft work well across pre-function and many private spaces; taller towers are best suited for larger ballrooms. We’ll measure on site or work from your floor plan to size correctly.
- Protection & weights: We use non-marking bases and avoid adhesives on walls or finished surfaces unless specifically approved by the venue.
- COI & venue rules: If the venue requests a certificate of insurance, we provide it. No confetti, glitter, or open flames near decor.
- Quiet installs: Early morning or off-peak installs are common; we can align with the hotel’s guest quiet hours and dock schedules.
Not sure which room you’re in? Send us your booking sheet and we’ll recommend column sizes, quantities, and placement. Explore more spaces in our Austin venues guide.
Weather-proofing in Texas heat
Austin summers can hit triple digits. Balloons and heat don’t mix perfectly, but smart choices help columns look their best for the duration of your event.
- Color choice: Lighter colors reflect heat better. Dark tones can warm up faster in sun.
- Material & prep: We use high-quality latex, proper inflation, and protective handling to reduce pops.
- Double-stuffing (when needed): Adds durability and richer color for outdoor displays.
- Placement: Shade is your friend—use covered entries, patios with umbrellas, or awnings. Keep columns off hot metal or dark stone.
- Weights & tie-downs: Water or steel base weights prevent tipping in gusts; we add discreet lines if wind picks up.
- Timing: For peak look during a hot afternoon, we may deliver closer to guest arrival.
Pro tip: If you’re unsure whether to go outdoors, we can stage indoors and move columns right before doors open. Ask about our delivery and setup options across Austin neighborhoods.
How to book (lead times & delivery windows)
We make ordering columns simple. Here’s the typical flow.
- Share details: Date, venue, install window, size, colors, and any logos or toppers. Photos of the space help.
- Quote & proof: We confirm prices and a simple mockup so you can visualize height and palette.
- Deposit: A small retainer secures your date and delivery window.
- Delivery & setup: Standard 2‑hour arrival window; tighter windows or late-night strikes are available.
- Strike: We return to remove bases and materials if requested (or you can keep columns for the night—bases are rentals).
Lead time: 7–14 days is ideal for custom colors; rush options available. For busy weeks (graduations, SXSW, holidays), earlier is better. See more common questions in our FAQ.
Mini spec table
Approximate counts for standard spiral columns using 11″ balloons. Actual counts can vary slightly by pattern and topper.
| Size (height) | Balloons per column | Balloons per pair | Max diameter | Install time (pair) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft | 32 | 64 | ~24–26 in | 30–45 min | Doorway, bar, dessert table |
| 7 ft | 40 | 80 | ~26–28 in | 40–55 min | Lobby entry, podium sides |
| 8 ft | 48 | 96 | ~28–30 in | 45–60 min | Backdrops, stage flanks |
| 10 ft | 64 | 128 | ~30–32 in | 60–75 min | Ballrooms, tall foyers |
| 12 ft | 80 | 160 | ~32–34 in | 75–90 min | Grand entries, trade shows |
Ready to size your columns? Send a photo of your space and we’ll recommend the best height, palette, and delivery plan.
FAQ
How early should I book a balloon arch in Austin?
For arches and columns, 2–3 weeks is comfortable. During peak seasons (graduations, UT home games, Thanksgiving week), book 3–4 weeks ahead to lock your ideal delivery window. We can still handle rush jobs—text us your date and we’ll confirm availability.
Do balloons pop in 100°F heat?
High heat increases the chance of popping outdoors, especially in direct sun. We mitigate with lighter colors, proper inflation, quality latex, shade placement, and timely delivery. For midday installs in summer, we’ll plan closer to guest arrival for the best look.
What size garland fits an 8–10 ft ceiling?
For low-to-standard ceilings, a 6–8 ft garland frames a sign or dessert table without crowding. If you prefer structure, a pair of 6–7 ft columns flanking your display is a clean alternative. Explore options here: garlands and arches.
See more answers in our FAQ.
Outro: next steps
If you’re wondering how much, what size, and how fast we can deliver balloon columns, we’ve got you. Share your venue, timing, and photos—we’ll quote clear prices, size recommendations, and a smooth delivery and setup plan anywhere in Austin.
Compare with arches or mix in a garland for extra impact. For hotels and downtown venues, check our venue notes to streamline access.
Austin Balloon Party: Call/SMS 512-522-0292 or book at https://austinballoonparty.com/shop
Ready to book your columns?
Fast quotes, clear pricing, on-time delivery anywhere in Austin.
Austin Balloon Party: Call/SMS 512-522-0292 or book at https://austinballoonparty.com/shop