Baby Shower Balloon Ideas for a Soft, Dreamy Setup

Balloons might be the best value at a baby shower. A soft garland in the right colors will make a plain corner become something that looks like it cost a fortune (and it didn’t).

For a baby shower you want to focus on the palette. That means swapping loud birthday colors for something softer with muted tones. That makes the whole room feels gentle and fitting for a shower but also grown up.

I used to think balloons were a bit basic until I saw a sage and cream garland working its way around a doorway at a friend’s shower. It looked like something out of a magazine and she admitted it came from a kit and then an afternoon of putting it together.

So here are some balloon ideas that work beautifully for a shower. I’ve tried to cover most styles and so you’ll find big statement setups as well as the sweet little details.

The Statement Setups

It’s the statement balloons that people will notice the minute they walk in. They’re also probably going to be the ones every photo ends up in front of. But don’t worry, they’re a lot less work than they look – once you stop trying to do it by hand at least!

A Soft Balloon Garland

The backbone of baby shower decor. Put along a wall, around a doorway, across the front of the dessert table or anywhere you think looks good, a garland in muted tones does more than anything else. Pick two or three soft shades plus one metallic to add a bit of shine.

Whatever you do, get the kit. A balloon garland kit comes with a strip you thread the balloons through, which makes it so much easier. For more help see our baby shower decoration ideas.

An “Oh Baby” or Name in Letter Balloons

Big foil letters spelling “OH BABY”, “BABY” or the little one’s name, that are floating above the garland or propped on the table is a great way to quickly tell everyone why they’re here. They photograph really well looking very clean and crisp and they’re the centerpiece of that classic backdrop everyone pins. Letter balloons come in soft golds and silvers that suit a gentle palette.

A Balloon Arch Over the Table

The step up from a garland. An arch that frames the cake or dessert table will have the guests reaching for their phones quickly. One tip though: buy a proper frame rather than improvising. When I first tried it sagged like a tired rainbow. An arch kit with a stand will mean you don’t have to worry.

The Sweet Baby Themed Ones

This is where a baby shower is different from other parties. These shapes and styles are unmistakable for a shower and they’re the ones that make the theme work.

Baby Shaped Foil Balloons

Little foil baby carriages, storks, rattles, bottles or tiny baby feet all round balloons add some charm without costing too much. A few that are put in the garland is more than enough, you don’t need a whole flock. Baby themed foil balloons come in every shape you can think of.

Bubble Balloons With a Surprise Inside

The big clear orb balloons, stuffed with little balloons, feathers or a printed name. They look expensive and like you’ve put a lot of effort into them but are neither and they will keep their shape for days too. Bubble balloons make a fantastic centerpiece on a stick in a vase or floating among the others.

Confetti Balloons in Soft Tones

Clear balloons with pastel confetti drifting inside look like tiny snow globes. To get the confetti to stick to the sides just rub them quickly for static or it just stays at the bottom. Confetti balloons mixed in with solids add a lovely bit of movement.

Setups That Take Very Little Effort

This is my favorite category because these need very little work but still look amazing. A couple of these don’t even need helium.

Ceiling Balloons With Ribbon

Float helium balloons up to the ceiling with long ribbons hanging down at about head height. It’ll take about ten minutes and a your plain ceiling is turned into something very dreamy.

No Helium Floor Balloons

Air filled balloons on the floor or along a wall look just as good in photos and cost almost nothing. Blow up a soft toned pile with a little hand pump so you keep your breath and let them sit in a corner.

The Little Touches

I’d add these details last once the big stuff is up. They’re relatively small and cheap but make a big impact.

A Mom to Be Balloon Cluster

Mark the guest of honor’s chair with a little group of balloons in the palette, maybe with a “mom to be” foil among them. It makes her the center of the room without a word. A “mom to be” foil balloon finishes it off.

Tassel Garlands Alongside

Balloons and a tissue tassel garland are best friends. Hang a soft tassel garland beside or behind the balloons to get more than just round shapes. A tassel garland costs next to nothing.

A Gender Reveal Balloon (If That’s Your Thing)

Something completely optional but if the shower is doubling up as a reveal the big black balloon stuffed with pink or blue confetti to pop is a fun moment. Skip it if it’s not your style – lots of lovely showers keep the surprise for another day.

Picking Your Palette

The palette is what makes it feel like a shower instead of a birthday. A few that always work well:

Sage green, cream and a touch of gold for a calm and neutral feel
Boho tan, rust and ivory for something warmer
Blush, dusty rose and pearl for a girly look
Dusty blue, gray and white for a more boyish palette
Soft yellow and white for a sweet, sex neutral option

Pick one, repeat it everywhere and try not to use every color in the pack. Restraint is what makes it look expensive.

A Few Questions People Always Ask

How many balloons do I need for a garland?

Plan on roughly 60 to 100 balloons for a 6 foot display, which sounds like a lot until you see how fast they go up with a pump. Always buy a few extra as some will pop and you’ll want spares.

Do I need helium?

Mostly no. Garlands, arches and floor setups are all air filled so helium is only for the floating to the ceiling look.
If you want just a few floating then get them filled at a party store instead of renting a tank.

How far ahead can I make them?

Air filled balloons are fine a day or two ahead so build your garland the night before and then you won’t have to panic on the morning. Helium balloons only stay up well for around a day so save those for the morning of.

What colors are best if I don’t know the sex?

Neutrals are the prettiest anyway. Sage, cream, tan and soft yellow look beautiful in photos. You really don’t need pink or blue for a stunning shower.

Where to Start if You’re Overwhelmed

Buy a garland kit in a soft palette and a set of “oh baby” letter balloons, choose the wall behind the cake table and then just put both of them there. That’s a beautiful shower backdrop and it’ll look great in all the photos. Everything else here is just for when you fancy doing a bit more.

Sally Gibson

Sally Gibson is the founder of Someone Sent you a Greeting, a holiday/celebration website. Sally’s writing work has been mentioned in Woman’s World, Yahoo, Women’s Health, MSN and more. If you have any questions get in contact with one of the team via the about page.