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Parachute Cargo Balloon Centerpieces

by CJ
(Alabama)

We are planning a military-style event and want to use balloons to make parachuted cargo centerpieces. The weight will be "cargo" boxes with our logo on them. Tied to that box will be some sort of net or string or wire. Balloons will 'lift' the fabric to make it look like a parachute dropping down on the table.

That is where our problem comes in. We don't want to weigh down the balloons too much and need some help with whether tulle or something draped around a bunch of balloons will work. Please give us your expert thoughts! Thank you!

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by: Margit

Hi CJ,

That's quite an unusual design you have in mind there. I assume you are using 11 inch round latex balloons? Filled with helium, their lifting capacity is 0.339 ounces (= 9.6 gr). Using a light fabric such as tulle or organza is definitely advisable. 100% Nylon tulle weighs 12-28 gsm (grams per sqare meter). Say you use 5 balloons per centerpiece. This gives you a lifting capacity of 48 gr. With that, you could roughly lift two to three square meters of tulle.

How long does your decoration need to stay up? 11 inch latex balloons float a maximum of 12 to 24 hours, unless you treat them with a substance called Hi-Float. You'll find both tulle and Hi-Float in our online balloon shop.

Best of luck with your event.

Margit

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