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10/21/2021 0 Comments

Balloons to make your party POP!

**This article contains affiliate links
PictureThis banner is a great backdrop! Find it here through our affiliate link--->https://amzn.to/3G69L93
It's no secret that a party just isn't a party without BALLOONS! Whether used as decoration or for play, they really set the mood. And with so many options for birthday themes, there really is a balloon for every one of them! Balloon decor has quickly become one of our most desired services, but many families choose to "DIY" because with balloons, it's hard to go wrong! And kids just want to play with them anyway! So here are a couple tips from the pros! 

Garlands

PictureFind adorable dinos to enhance your balloons here--> https://amzn.to/3vCXCnj (affiliate link)
Balloon Garlands our number one requested item. Can you DIY these? Yes. Will it look like the displays we create for our clients? No, probably not. You can buy a balloon garland kit from most big box or party stores, or online from many retailers. They come with a plastic strip perforated with holes for you to tuck the balloons into, creating one long strip of balloons. That is not how we construct ours in order to achieve this full and dimensional effect as pictured here. Many pictures you see online of kits you can purchase are "embellished" if I'm putting it nicely. They may show more than what it is actually included in the kit and are styled by professionals to make for a great shot so you buy them! Marketing 101, right? However, that many times leads to disappointment.  Just keep a realistic expectation when doing it yourself! 

Bouquets and Centerpieces

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We can match any theme and personalization is always an option, making them great gifts as well!

Columns

Hosting in a smaller space but still want something with a WOW factor? A balloon bouquet or centerpieces may be the way to go. These can vary in size based on your needs and are a budget friendly option as well. You can place these on any surface such as a table or countertop but they can also be large enough to place on the floor as well if you prefer. Here at OUAP, they are a favorite to create and they're always one of a kind! 
Another great option if space is somewhat limited or you want to make a grand entrance are balloon columns. As their name suggests, these structures stand upright and typically stand about 6-7' tall. Fun toppers can be added to really pull in the theme. For added convenience, we build them so that the topper can be removed after your celebration. You can take it home and enjoy it for weeks, without the bulk of the entire column. 
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Not sure where you're going to place your display? Columns can easily be moved around until you find the perfect spot.

Helium

PictureFind this adorable display here--> https://amzn.to/3Gck3Vg (affiliate link)
 Tricky thing, helium.  Most don't realize that it is a dying resource and will cease to exist in as soon as 30 years from now! It is very much needed in the medical field with tasks such operating MRI scanners (way too involved for me to explain!). OUAP made the decision from the beginning to not use helium in our displays due to this fact. Many parents have had to experience the panic of running to the local party store just to hear "we are out of helium". Yep, it's a thing. Then, they resort to the overpriced tanks found on the shelves of most stores that contain a lower grade of helium so you get about 8 balloons that float for a couple hours. Just skip this purchase. Find an alternative way to display your balloons creatively! No judgement- I bought that pink tank MANY times! 

Pinterest and YouTube have made our creative dreams possible so put them to good use if you want to make your child's party magical! Will it be perfect? Maybe not by social media standards, but your child will think so! And if you just don't want to even think about it, that's why we are here! And there are several businesses just like ours across the globe in every town! Give it a shot, and if it's too much to do next time, call us! 
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10/5/2021 0 Comments

Birthday party planning made simple

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DIY canvas painting kits are a great alternative to goody bags!
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Face painting is our #1 most requested service!
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Our custom balloon decor takes every party to the next level!

Hosting a birthday party for your child can quickly become overwhelming and time consuming, not to mention expensive! In our 10 years of being in business, we have seen it all. From backyard parties with just cake, ice cream, and a couple games, to a 1st birthday that easily cost five grand (yes, I'm serious and probably underestimating), there is always 1 thing they have in common- the kids have FUN. Here are some of the most important points to consider based on what the last 10 years have shown us.

*What does YOUR child enjoy and want to have at their party? 
Ask you child. What are their interests? Give them a couple choices and have them pick their favorite activity. Do they or you want to have a party at home or at another location?

*What is your budget?
Don't go broke trying to impress their friends or their parents, or trying to do it ALL.  There will always be other parties to host! And what do you want your money to go towards? An impressive cake? Decorations? Activities?  The venue? Prioritize what matters most to you and your child.  

*Keep it simple
If you try to cram too much into 2 or 3 hours, that can many times lead to being too overwhelming for children if there is simply too much going on. Historically, the children just love the opportunity to gather outside of their normal setting, like school, and to just be TOGETHER (usually running around and playing without structure ). I planned many activities in the beginning of my career and they were a massive flop because the kids just wanted open ended play. That resulted in a lot of time and effort wasted on my part, not to mention disappointed parents who paid me to provide those services.

* Make a kids zone
If you are hosting at home, determine where the children may (or may not) play while there. Create an area that welcomes them and has items or toys for them to play with to help keep them out of areas or items you don't want them to get into. If you have hired any outside entertainment, designate a location for them to set up and entertain. Have a conversation with them beforehand about what needs they may have for their setup. 

*How much time do you have to dedicate to the planning?
Here is something we see often. Parents reach out and just want 1 or 2 of our services. Then, the week before the party, they call us frantically asking what else we can help with because they just don't have the time! Really think about what you can commit to ahead of time. I am guilty about thinking I can "do it all myself" and that's simply not the case most times! If you know you don't have much time, then consider finding an outside venue to host that can assist with setup, execution, and cleanup! Many times they offer even more than that, like, food, cake, decorations, and more. 

*Ditch the goody bags
Show me a parent who likes what comes home in those goody bags. I'll wait... Seriously. We spend money on things that go straight to the trash can or on candy already after having cake and ice cream. We hate them. Don't do them. If you want to give your guests a keepsake, put some thought into it. I did a spa party recently and each guest got a personalized washcloth to keep (hello Dollar Tree). When my son turned 5, each child went home with a puzzle (again, Dollar Tree). I now offer alternatives in my store such as pop its or themed "paint your own" canvas kits. These make so much more sense! Put them in a little bag and send them on their way! 

Of course, you knew there would be a shameless plug here! This is exactly why we opened up shop inside of Adrenaline Family Adventure Park. They have awesome party packages and now along with our services, you don't have to do a thing! And nearly for the cost of doing it on your own but without the headache of hosting at home or spending hours planning! You get a party host, play time where they can run free, options to add pizza, ice cream cake, and all of our services. Want balloon decorations? They will be in your party room waiting for you! No mess, no fuss! 

So happy party planning, but let us know if we can help! 

Shauna Williams




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